Accor appoints Amitabh Rai as Chief Operating Officer – Luxury, Accor, South Asia

Accor has appointed Amitabh Rai as Chief Operating Officer – Luxury, Accor South Asia, effective January 15, 2026. In this key leadership position, Amitabh will oversee the operational strategy and drive performance excellence for the company’s luxury portfolio in South Asia, including the Raffles, Fairmont, and Sofitel brands.

With nearly three decades of hospitality expertise spanning India and Indonesia, Amitabh brings extensive leadership experience, including a seven-year entrepreneurial venture. Recognized for cultivating high-performing teams, he has consistently achieved outstanding results within dynamic business environments.

After graduating from The Oberoi School of Hotel Management, Amitabh began his career with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, where he became one of the industry’s youngest General Managers. He later joined Marriott International in 2018 as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, before advancing to oversee Marriott’s Hyderabad market. Most recently, he served as Multi-Property General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott in Jakarta.

Ranju Alex, Chief Executive Officer, Accor South Asia, stated: “Amitabh’s appointment marks a significant step in our regional luxury strategy. His operational acumen, strategic vision, and focus on people-first leadership uniquely position him to strengthen our brand differentiation while driving sustainable growth.”

In his new capacity, Amitabh will focus on executing long-term strategic initiatives, enhancing financial performance, and fostering a culture of innovation across Accor’s luxury and lifestyle properties in South Asia.

Amitabh Rai commented: “I am honored to join Accor during this transformative phase for luxury hospitality in the region. Aligning with Accor’s values of deliberate growth and meaningful guest experiences, I look forward to collaborating with our teams to develop distinctive destinations that balance sustainability with exceptional service.”