Accor Appoints Leire Leoz as Chief Franchise Officer to Strengthen Premium, Midscale and Economy Operations
(IN SHORT) Accor has appointed Leire Leoz as Chief Franchise Officer for its Premium, Midscale and Economy division, effective 2 February, strengthening its focus on franchise performance and owner partnerships. Reporting to Group Deputy CEO Jean-Jacques Morin, Leoz will oversee franchise strategy, operational excellence, and partner support across Accor’s global network. She brings extensive hospitality experience from senior roles at Marriott International, Starwood Hotels & Resorts and InterContinental Hotels Group.
(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 2026-Jan-29 — /Travel PR News/ — Accor has appointed Leire Leoz as Chief Franchise Officer for its Premium, Midscale and Economy division, effective 2 February. The appointment reflects Accor’s continued focus on strengthening its franchise-led growth strategy across its global hotel portfolio.
In her new position, Leoz will be responsible for overseeing and further developing Accor’s franchise operations within the Premium, Midscale and Economy segments. She will report directly to Jean-Jacques Morin, Group Deputy CEO of Accor, and will join the Executive Committee of the Premium, Midscale & Economy division.
Leoz’s mandate will centre on driving operational excellence across Accor’s franchised hotels and enhancing the overall performance of the franchise network. Her responsibilities include refining franchise strategies, strengthening collaboration with hotel owners, and improving internal tools, processes, and support structures designed to help partners succeed. Talent development and the promotion of best-in-class franchise practices will also form key pillars of her role.
Accor views the appointment as a strategic step in reinforcing long-term partnerships with franchise owners while supporting sustainable growth across its diverse brand portfolio. Leoz is expected to play a central role in aligning franchise operations with Accor’s broader objectives for consistency, quality, and value creation across markets.
Leoz joins Accor with extensive international experience in hospitality and owner relations. Most recently, she served as Vice President, Owner & Partner Relations for EMEA at Marriott International, where she led a pan-regional team responsible for cultivating long-term relationships with both franchised and managed hotel owners. Her earlier career includes senior roles at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and InterContinental Hotels Group.
Before entering the hospitality industry, Leoz began her professional career as an economist at the European Commission, within the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs. Originally from Pamplona, Spain, she holds a master’s degree in finance from the University of Bristol.
ABOUT ACCOR
Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,700 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as lifestyle, with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor’s mission is reflected in the Group’s purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
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Alexis Blottière
Media Relations Director
alexis.blottiere@accor.com
