Accor is pleased to announce Sarah Derry is appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer Accor Pacific, effective 1 February 2022.

Sarah is currently Senior Vice President Talent and Culture and joined Accor in 2017 after having owned and operated her own successful business for over 10 years. With close to 30 years hospitality experience, working for international hotel companies and excelling in her early career in operations, Sarah brings with her formidable experience, not only in talent and culture but in business, strategy and development.

As CEO Accor Pacific, Sarah will continue Accor’s growth trajectory in the Pacific, build Accor’s brands, its loyalty network and bring together talent in the region.

Commenting on Sarah’s appointment, Accor Chairman and CEO, Sébastien Bazin, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sarah to Accor’s executive committee as new CEO of Accor Pacific. She not only brings a wealth of experience to the role, but also a unique understanding of Accor’s values and culture. Her strategic expertise, gained over an impressive career in hospitality, will no doubt prove invaluable as our growth in the region continues.

“Personally, I would like to thank Simon McGrath for his absolute professionalism, dedication and engagement to Accor over the last 15 years. He has been unwavering in his commitment to the team and our business, and steered Accor to be the largest hotel operator in the Pacific, going from 120 hotels to over 400. He’s introduced new brands to market, including Pullman, Movenpick, Sofitel SO and ibis Styles and successfully led the Mirvac Hotels & Resorts and Mantra acquisitions. His expertise in forging and managing partnerships across sporting, entertainment and lifestyle realms is second to none. We wish him all the best in his next chapter”.

On her appointment, Sarah said “I am incredibly proud, humbled and excited to be leading the Accor team in the Pacific as we see the industry transition from recovery to growth. Providing memorable world-class experiences for our guests and loyalty members while bringing our teams on the journey will continue to be a priority and I am looking forward to working closely with our owners, partners and industry colleagues.”