Accor expands executive leadership with appointment of HR veteran Laurent Choain to lead global people strategy

(IN SHORT) Accor has appointed Laurent Choain as Global Chief People & Culture Officer and member of the Group Management Board, effective April 1, 2026. Choain will also join the Premium, Midscale & Economy Executive Committee and will lead the Group’s global people strategy, focusing on talent development, corporate culture, and employee growth. With more than three decades of international HR leadership experience, Choain has previously held senior roles at Forvis Mazars, Groupe Caisse d’Epargne (now BPCE), and Kempinski Hotels & Resorts. He is also known for developing corporate universities and leadership training programs within global organizations. In addition to his corporate career, Choain participates in several governance and advisory roles within international management and educational institutions. His appointment reflects Accor’s commitment to strengthening its people and culture strategy as the company continues to expand its global hospitality operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 2026-Mar-9 — /Travel PR News/ — Accor has announced the appointment of Laurent Choain as its new Global Chief People & Culture Officer, effective April 1, 2026. In this role, Choain will join the Group Management Board and will also serve as a member of the Premium, Midscale & Economy Executive Committee, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strengthening its global leadership in human resources and organizational culture.

The appointment reflects Accor’s focus on fostering a culture of excellence while supporting the development and engagement of its global workforce. As the hospitality group continues to expand internationally, strengthening talent management and leadership development remains a key priority.

Sébastien Bazin, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor, welcomed Choain to the company and highlighted the strategic importance of his role. Bazin noted that Choain’s experience in talent development and corporate culture will play an important part in supporting the Group’s long-term vision and strengthening an environment that encourages innovation and performance.

Laurent Choain brings more than 30 years of international experience in human resources leadership to Accor. Throughout his career, he has worked across multiple sectors and organizations, developing expertise in human capital development, leadership strategy, and corporate culture transformation.

Prior to joining Accor, Choain held senior leadership positions at several global organizations, including Forvis Mazars, Groupe Caisse d’Epargne, which is now part of BPCE, and Kempinski Hotels & Resorts. His work in these roles focused on building strong leadership pipelines and developing strategic HR initiatives that support organizational growth.

Choain is also widely recognized for his expertise in the creation and management of corporate universities and leadership education programs. Through these initiatives, he has contributed to developing management capabilities and professional development frameworks within major global organizations.

Beyond his professional career, Choain is actively involved in the broader academic and professional community related to management, human resources, and leadership development. He holds governance and advisory positions in several international institutions and organizations, including the European Foundation for Management Development, Bologna Business School, the Peter Drucker Society of Europe, and the Festival de Ramatuelle.

His academic background includes a PhD in Management Sciences from Université Paris Panthéon Assas. He also holds master’s degrees from Paris Panthéon Sorbonne and Neoma Business School.

In his new position, Choain will oversee Accor’s global people strategy and play a central role in shaping the company’s talent agenda. His responsibilities will include strengthening the Group’s corporate culture, attracting and developing talent, and supporting continuous learning and professional growth opportunities for employees across Accor’s worldwide operations.

About Accor:

Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,800 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 around 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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SOURCE: Accor