Accor appoints global leads of Raffles and Orient Express
Accor has announced three major appointments at a global level, effective January 1, 2024.
Gilda Perez-Alvarado, the former Global CEO of JLL Hotels and Hospitality who joined Accor in October, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Orient Express, a role which will be based in Paris.
Her latest appointment is in addition to her role of Chief Strategy Officer at Accor, in which she oversees global strategy, relations with hotel owners and strategic partnerships.
Also at Orient Express, Maxime d’Angeac has been appointed Artistic Director. An experienced Architect, d’Angeac has managed architectural projects for luxury companies such as Guerlain, and since 2021 has designed the new Orient Express train and the future boat Orient Express Silenseas.
Omer Acar has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Fairmont, replacing Mark Willis who becomes Advisor to Accor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sébastien Bazin.
In March 2023, Acar joined Accor as CEO Raffles and Orient Express and serves as a member of the Group’s Luxury and Lifestyle Executive Committee. He will remain Chief Executive Officer of Raffles, alongside the Fairmont position, based in New York. Acar also has the responsibility of representing Accor on the North American market.
Adelaide Tryp welcomes Director of F&B
Tryp by Wyndham Pulteney Street Adelaide has appointed experienced hospitality leader, Valentin Corchado, as Director of Food and Beverage.
Corchado’s experience of F&B management spans hotels and resorts in Australia and Fiji, with global brands Hilton and Raddison.
For the past six years, he has served as Director of his own hospitality consulting firm Coliseum.
“Valentin has proven his talent and ability time and again in a hospitality career spanning 24 years, the vast majority of those in leadership positions,” said Wyndham Destinations Asia Pacific Senior Director of Operations, Duncan Mars.
“He is a skilled all-rounder with knowledge of food and beverage, operations, events and people management, who is not afraid to take on responsibility outside of his brief or try something new.
“Valentin is renowned for his creativity, and we look forward to seeing the brilliant ideas he will bring to our café, restaurant and bar at Tryp by Wyndham Pulteney Street Adelaide.”
Mandarin Oriental NY General Manager appointed
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has appointed Marcel Thoma as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, New York.
While overseeing the executive management and operations of the five-star hotel, Thoma will also act as Area Vice President overseeing Mandarin Oriental, Boston, Mandarin Oriental, Santiago, Mandarin Oriental Residences, Beverly Hills, Mandarin Oriental Residences, Fifth Avenue, and The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, New York operations.
“I am thrilled to return to New York, a city I called home for seven years,” he said.
“Its vibrant energy and world-class offerings are incomparable. Together with the dedicated team at Mandarin Oriental, New York, I look forward to channelling that energy and passion into delivering the highest standards of personal service and further elevating each guest experience.”
Thoma brings over 25 years of luxury hospitality industry experience. Having joined the Group three years ago, his most recent role was General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech.
He has previously held roles with Ritz-Carlton in Mexico and Spain, The Carlyle in New York, Swire Hotel’s The Upper House in Hong Kong and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s corporate headquarters.