Jean-Jacques Dessors moves from top role in Accor and Ireland

Jean-Jacques Dessors is to move from his role as chief operating officer for Accor UK and Ireland to the same position for the Middle East, Africa, Indian Ocean and Caribbean Islands, in January 2012.

Dessors has worked for Accor in the UK for almost 10 years, six of which have been in his current role. During his leadership, Accor has significantly expanded its presence in the UK, most notably with the growth of Mercure hotels, adding almost 40 hotels to the brand during 2011. This year has also seen the launch of Accor's upscale brand, MGallery, with the opening of the St Ermin's hotel in St James, London.

Dessors said that Accor is now one of the strongest hotel groups in the UK, with 186 properties across seven brands: Sofitel, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, All Seasons and Etap Hotel.

"It is a very important market for Accor and our ambitious expansion plan to increase our UK presence to 300 hotels by 2015 is well on track. Accor has a dynamic and dedicated team in the UK and our achievements this year have been testimony to their hard work and success," he said.

Accor UK will shortly announce a new brand organisation in the UK and Western Europe. Jonathan Sheard has already been appointed as managing director, operations for MGallery and Mercure hotels in UK.

Worldwide, Accor has 4,200 hotels across 12 brands.

Caterer and Hotelkeeper 100: Jean-Jacques Dessors of Accor Hotels UK >>

St Ermins to become Accor's first MGallery hotel in UK >>

Accor appoints MD of operations at MGallery and Mercure >>

By Janet Harmer

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