Accor has named Amitabh Rai as its new Chief Operating Officer – Luxury, Accor South Asia, marking an important leadership appointment for the global hospitality group. Rai’s role, effective January 15, 2026, will see him guide the operational performance, strategic direction, and growth of Accor’s luxury and lifestyle brands across South Asia, with a focus on enhancing the guest experience and strengthening the group’s presence in key markets.
In this capacity, Rai will work closely with both regional and global leadership teams to drive operational excellence, elevate brand performance, and support Accor’s long-term ambitions in the luxury segment. His responsibilities include shaping strategic priorities, reinforcing financial performance, and fostering a culture of innovation and trust across the portfolio of luxury properties that includes brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, and Sofitel.
Rai brings nearly three decades of experience in the global hospitality industry, with leadership roles spanning India and Indonesia. He began his career after graduating from The Oberoi School of Hotel Management and joining Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, where he progressed rapidly and became one of the youngest general managers of his time. In 2018, he joined Marriott International as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, and later assumed responsibility for overseeing Marriott’s Hyderabad market. Most recently, he served as Multi-Property General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott in Jakarta, further strengthening his international luxury hospitality experience.
Commenting on the appointment, Ranju Alex, Chief Executive Officer of Accor South Asia, said that Rai’s leadership arrives at a pivotal moment for the region’s luxury journey, highlighting his deep operational expertise, people-first leadership style, and strategic perspective as qualities that align closely with Accor’s growth vision. Alex also pointed to Rai’s ability to balance brand integrity with commercial performance and expressed confidence in his role in shaping the next phase of expansion for Accor’s luxury brands.
In a statement on his appointment, Amitabh Rai said, “It is a privilege to join Accor at such an exciting moment for luxury hospitality and Accor’s expansion plans in the region. Accor’s commitment to purposeful growth, distinctive brands, and people-centric leadership strongly resonates with my own values. I look forward to working closely with our teams to craft memorable guest experiences, nurture talent and build future-ready luxury destinations that are both meaningful and sustainable.”
