Accor Appoints Laurent Choain as Global Chief People & Culture Officer

Global hospitality group Accor has announced the appointment of Laurent Choain as its new Global Chief People & Culture Officer, reinforcing the company’s commitment to strengthening leadership, talent development, and organizational culture across its worldwide operations. The appointment will take effect on April 1, 2026, marking a significant step in Accor’s strategy to further enhance its people‑centric approach to hospitality management.

In his new role, Choain will join Accor’s Group Management Board and will also serve on the Premium, Midscale & Economy Executive Committee. His responsibilities will include shaping the company’s global human resources strategy, fostering an inclusive workplace culture, and supporting the professional development of employees across the organization’s extensive international network.

Strengthening Leadership in Human Resources

Accor’s decision to appoint Laurent Choain highlights the increasing importance of human capital management in the hospitality industry. As global hotel companies continue expanding across diverse markets, the need for strong leadership in workforce management, employee engagement, and organizational culture has become more critical than ever.

Choain brings more than three decades of experience in human resources leadership and organizational development. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for guiding companies through cultural transformation, leadership development initiatives, and strategic talent management programs.

His appointment reflects Accor’s broader commitment to maintaining a strong internal culture while supporting growth across its global portfolio of hotels, brands, and hospitality services.

Extensive Global Experience

Laurent Choain’s professional background includes senior leadership roles across multiple industries and international organizations. His expertise spans human capital development, organizational culture transformation, leadership training, and corporate governance.

Prior to joining Accor, Choain held prominent leadership roles at organizations including Forvis Mazars and Groupe Caisse d’Epargne, now part of Groupe BPCE. During these positions, he played a key role in developing innovative HR strategies designed to support business growth and enhance employee engagement.

Choain also gained valuable experience within the hospitality industry through his work with Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, where he contributed to talent development and leadership initiatives within the global luxury hospitality sector.

These diverse experiences across finance, consulting, and hospitality have provided him with a broad perspective on organizational leadership and workforce development.

Role Within Accor’s Global Structure

As Global Chief People & Culture Officer, Choain will oversee the development and execution of Accor’s worldwide talent strategy. His role will involve managing key initiatives related to recruitment, training, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement.

Accor operates in more than 110 countries and manages thousands of hotels across a diverse range of hospitality brands. With such a large and multicultural workforce, the company places significant emphasis on creating a unified organizational culture that supports collaboration and innovation.

Choain’s leadership will help ensure that Accor’s employees continue to receive the resources, support, and professional development opportunities necessary to succeed within the global hospitality environment.

By strengthening the company’s talent strategy, Accor aims to reinforce its position as an employer of choice within the hospitality industry.

Focus on Culture, Talent, and Diversity

A key priority for Choain will be nurturing a corporate culture that reflects Accor’s values of inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration. In recent years, the hospitality group has invested heavily in initiatives designed to support employee wellbeing, diversity, and professional growth.

Accor believes that a strong workplace culture plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional guest experiences. When employees feel empowered and supported, they are better equipped to provide high‑quality service and create memorable experiences for travelers.

Through leadership development programs, internal training initiatives, and mentorship opportunities, the company aims to build a workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of global hospitality.

Choain’s expertise in organizational culture and leadership development is expected to further strengthen these initiatives and contribute to Accor’s long‑term growth.

Academic Background and Industry Contributions

In addition to his professional experience, Laurent Choain has an impressive academic background. He holds a PhD in Management Sciences from Université Paris Panthéon‑Assas and has completed advanced studies at leading French academic institutions including Paris Panthéon‑Sorbonne and NEOMA Business School.

Beyond his corporate roles, Choain has also contributed significantly to the global human resources and management community. He has held advisory and governance positions in several prestigious organizations focused on leadership, education, and management research.

These include involvement with institutions such as the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), Bologna Business School, the Peter Drucker Society of Europe, and the Festival de Ramatuelle.

His participation in these organizations demonstrates his commitment to advancing management practices and fostering dialogue around leadership and organizational development.

Accor’s Global Hospitality Network

Accor is one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, operating a vast network of hotels, resorts, and hospitality services across more than 110 countries. The group manages a portfolio of more than 40 brands ranging from luxury and lifestyle properties to premium, midscale, and economy accommodations.

Its ecosystem also includes restaurants, bars, wellness facilities, co‑working spaces, entertainment venues, and residential hospitality concepts. This diverse portfolio allows Accor to serve a wide range of travelers and hospitality partners worldwide.

With hundreds of thousands of employees globally, effective people management remains a core priority for the organization. The appointment of a new Global Chief People & Culture Officer underscores the importance Accor places on workforce development and organizational leadership.

Supporting the Future of Hospitality

The hospitality industry continues to evolve rapidly as travel demand grows and customer expectations change. Hotels must constantly adapt by embracing innovation, technology, and new service models while maintaining strong relationships with employees and guests.

Leadership in human resources has become a key competitive advantage for hospitality companies seeking to attract and retain skilled professionals. As hotels compete for talent in an increasingly global workforce, the role of culture and employee engagement becomes even more significant.

By appointing Laurent Choain to lead its global People & Culture function, Accor is reinforcing its commitment to creating a workplace environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

Looking Ahead

As Choain prepares to assume his new role in April 2026, industry observers expect his leadership to play a major role in shaping Accor’s future workforce strategy. His experience in organizational transformation and leadership development positions him well to guide the company through the next phase of its global growth.

With travel demand continuing to rise and hospitality companies expanding into new markets, building strong internal cultures will remain essential for long‑term success.

Accor’s latest leadership appointment reflects a broader industry trend toward prioritizing people‑focused leadership and organizational development. Under Choain’s guidance, the company aims to strengthen its reputation as a global hospitality leader that values both its guests and its employees.