Accor Appoints Amitabh Rai as Chief Operating Officer – Luxury, Accor, South Asia

Accor has appointed Amitabh Rai as Chief Operating Officer – Luxury, South Asia, effective January 15, 2026. He will oversee the operational and strategic direction of Accor’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio in the region, focusing on brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, and Sofitel.

Key Details of the Appointment
- Effective Date: January 15, 2026
- Position: Chief Operating Officer – Luxury, Accor South Asia
- Brands Under Oversight: Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel

Scope of Role:
- Lead operations and strategy for Accor’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio in South Asia.
- Focus on delivering distinctive luxury experiences.
- Drive brand curation and performance excellence.

About Amitabh Rai
- Experience: Nearly three decades in hospitality across India and Indonesia.
- Leadership Roles: Held senior positions in luxury hotels and resorts.
- Entrepreneurial Background: Ran a seven-year entrepreneurial venture, adding depth to his leadership style.
- Reputation: Known as a dynamic and award-winning hospitality leader with expertise in luxury brand positioning.

Strategic Importance for Accor
- Luxury Growth in South Asia: The region is seeing rapid expansion in luxury hospitality, driven by rising affluence and tourism.
- Accor’s Positioning: With this appointment, Accor strengthens its leadership team to capture market share in South Asia’s luxury segment.
- Vision: Enhance guest experiences, reinforce brand identity, and sustain performance excellence across flagship luxury properties.