Accor Appoints Sushma Shetty as Cluster Director of Talent & Culture for Key UAE Hotels

Accor Strengthens UAE HR Leadership with Appointment of Sushma Shetty as Cluster Director of Talent & Culture

DUBAI, UAE – In a strategic move to reinforce its people-first philosophy, Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has announced the appointment of Sushma Shetty as the Cluster Director of Talent & Culture. In this key leadership role, Shetty will oversee all human resources operations for a trio of prominent properties: Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate, and ibis Abu Dhabi Gate.

With a distinguished career spanning over 17 years in hospitality human resources, Sushma Shetty is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive work environment, enhancing employee engagement, and driving comprehensive talent development strategies across Accor’s growing portfolio in the United Arab Emirates.

A Career Defined by Progressive HR Leadership

Sushma Shetty’s journey in hospitality HR is a testament to her dedication and expertise. Her career began at the foundational level, providing her with a deep understanding of the employee lifecycle.

From Coordinator to Cluster Leader

She started her professional journey as a Human Resources Coordinator at the Hawthorn Hotel in Deira, Dubai. Through consistent excellence and a passion for people development, she ascended through senior HR leadership positions, including Assistant Manager of Human Resources at Mercure Gold Hotel and Talent & Culture Manager at Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel & Convention Centre Dubai.

Most recently, she served as the Cluster People & Culture Manager for Accor Hotels in Dubai Deira Waterfront and the Gold Souk District, a role that prepared her for this expanded cluster responsibility. Her extensive experience also includes tenures with prestigious international brands like Hyatt and IHG Hotels & Resorts, equipping her with a versatile and proven approach to building high-performance work environments.

A People-Centric Philosophy for Modern Hospitality

Sushma Shetty’s leadership is characterized by an empathetic and deeply people-centric style, firmly believing that a company's true strength lies in its people.

Driving Engagement Through Well-being and Growth

Renowned for her focus on employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance, she has consistently driven higher engagement and retention rates in her previous roles. Her approach involves implementing innovative people strategies and inclusive initiatives that empower teams to perform at their best while nurturing a collaborative culture rooted in respect and excellence.

Strategic Mandate: Aligning Talent with Business Goals

In her new capacity as Cluster Director of Talent & Culture, Shetty’s responsibilities are central to Accor’s operational success in the region.

Key Responsibilities and Focus Areas

Her key mandates will include:

• Overseeing talent acquisition and development across the three properties.

• Ensuring the strategic alignment of all HR practices with Accor’s core mission and values.

• Strengthening employee engagement and nurturing future leadership talent.

• Maintaining and evolving Accor’s people-first philosophy to ensure every team member feels supported and inspired to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Supporting Accor’s Expanding Footprint in the UAE

This appointment comes at a significant time for Accor in the region. The group continues to expand its presence in the UAE, now operating over 85 properties across the country. Recent strategic investments, such as the acquisition of the Dubai Creekside Hotel, underscore Accor's commitment to the market and the importance of a motivated, high-performing workforce to support this growth.

Sushma Shetty’s leadership will be instrumental in cultivating this workforce, ensuring that Accor remains an employer of choice in the region's competitive hospitality landscape. With her extensive expertise and genuine passion for people development, she is set to make a lasting impact, empowering teams to thrive and driving a culture of excellence that guests will feel and appreciate.