Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group with over 420 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, has appointed Laure Morvan as Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead the development team driving the Group’s strategic expansion while consolidating its leading position in the region.

Laure Morvan brings almost 20 years of experience and expertise in hotel development, marketing and project management in Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific. She relocated to Singapore in 2012 to drive the development efforts across Asia Pacific in the luxury and premium segments, leading up to her latest role as Vice President Development Luxury Hotels Asia Pacific, which saw her driving the relationship on some notable and iconic projects including Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences, SO Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Residences and Sofitel Singapore City Center.

“It is a great honour for us to welcome back Laure into our region!” said Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. “Her extensive experience within Accor and her market know-how make her an expert in her field and a true asset to the region. I am confident that with her on our Executive Committee, we will accelerate our expansion in the region while consolidating our position as leaders in the regional and global hospitality arena.”

Laure is returning to familiar land, having spent eight years in the Middle East previously, where she had the opportunity to explore and build strong relationships with key owners, and contributed greatly to the development of the group through the signing and opening of projects across various segments including landmark properties such as the Sofitel Dubai Downtown and Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery to name a few.

In her new role, Laure aims to maintain the momentum in signings by targeting development across all segments, but notably accelerating development levers of Accor such as all-inclusive, lifestyle, collection brands, branded residences and extended stay.

“I am very pleased to be back in Dubai and continue my journey with Accor as Chief Development Officer for the group in the region, and consequently joining an incredible team of developers with whom I look forward to working and accomplishing great projects with” mentioned Laure Morvan, CDO for India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey for Accor.

Accor currently operates 420 properties (over 93,000 keys) across India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey with another 190 properties (over 40,000 keys) in the pipeline.