Sofitel Luxury Hotels has named Balendra Nagesvaran vice president of hotel operations for North America, where he will oversee operations for all of Accor's luxury hotels in the United States and Canada. In his new role, he will also act as the general manager for the brand's flagship Sofitel New York.
Nagesvaran brings to his position more than 26 years of experience in international hotel operations and management. He was previously based in Miami, where he served concurrently as general manager of Sofitel Miami and area general manager with responsibilities overseeing Accor's East Coast luxury hotels.
"Balendra has been an integral part of the Sofitel leadership team for more than a decade," said Dominique Colliat, senior vice president, Sofitel Americas. "He will continue to play an influential role throughout North America, and with his exceptional track record, his expertise will position Accor's luxury brands for greater growth."
Nagesvaran has been with Accor for over 23 years in locations as diverse as New York, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Colombo and Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka. He spent his early career in Toronto, holding a variety of management positions at Westin, Sheraton and Hilton hotels from 1987 to 1990.
Nagesvaran was born in Sri Lanka and was raised in its capital, Colombo, and in Toronto. He attended the University of Massachusetts Hospitality and Tourism program and has attended Cornell university executive programs over the years. He was a board member of the Miami Hotel Association, where he won multiple years of diversity awards, as well as part of the advisory board at the Florida Hospitality School. He has also been honored with the prestigious Bernarch award from Accor. He is married with one daughter.