Accor has hired two executives to serve as global brand presidents in its Premium, Midscale & Economy division, new positions for the company, Accor announced on Wednesday (4 September).

Former Marriott International executive Benoît Racle has joined Accor as its global brand president for its premium brands, which include Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Angsana and Peppers. 

Racle most recently served as vice president of global brand management for Marriott’s W brand, and previously was global brand leader of Marriott’s AC Hotels brand.

Jean-Yves Minet

Jean-Yves Minet now is global brand president of Accor’s midscale and economy brands, which include Novotel, Mercure, Tribe, Handwritten Collection, Ibis and Greet. Minet spent 13 years with The Estée Lauder Companies, most recently as SVP and international general manager.

Racle and Minet will “influence and drive strategic initiatives, enhancing guest satisfaction and loyalty across all market segments,” Accor said in a statement.

Racle and Minet each report to Karelle Lamouche, chief commercial officer of Accor’s premium midscale and economy brands. 

Accor in 2022 reorganised its corporate structure into two divisions: Premium, Midscale & Economy and Luxury & Lifestyle. About 90 per cent of the company’s properties are in the Premium, Midscale & Economy division, Accor said.