Raki Phillips Appointed Accor PME Chief for ME Region

APPOINTMENT

Accor has announced the appointment of Raki Phillips as Regional President for the Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East & Africa & Türkiye, effective November 2025.

Raki Phillips will spearhead hotel operation across a network of over 250 hotels in 27 countries, and lead 85 openings of new Accor properties. He will report to Duncan O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer of Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy division in Middle East Africa & Asia Pacific.

With over 20 years of global experience in the hospitality sector, Phillips is recognized as one of the Middle East’s most influential tourism leaders. Prior to joining Accor, he served as CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), where he was instrumental in driving significant tourism growth. During his tenure, the destination tripled its tourism revenues, expanded international air connectivity, and helped secure the landmark Wynn Resorts investment—the largest foreign direct investment in the emirate’s history. He also oversaw the rollout of key sustainability initiatives aligned with the emirate’s long-term tourism strategy.

Phillips brings a robust background in commercial strategy and operational leadership. He previously held senior roles at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, contributing to the global expansion of luxury brands such as Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissôtel—notably in Makkah and across the Middle East and India. His earlier career includes leadership positions with Ritz-Carlton and Universal Studios Orlando, blending deep operational acumen with strategic business development.

Throughout his career, Phillips has been consistently recognized among the top travel and tourism executives in the region, known for his results-driven leadership, community engagement, and innovation-focused approach.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for Accor, as the group continues to expand its footprint across the region. The PME division currently operates over 350 hotels (92,000+ rooms), with a pipeline of 140 properties (31,000 rooms) under development. The region’s key markets—UAE, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia—have shown sustained year-on-year growth, reflecting strong demand across all segments of the hospitality spectrum.

In his new role, Phillips will oversee operations and strategic growth for a diverse brand portfolio, including Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, and ibis. He will also support owners and development partners in unlocking long-term value, driving performance, and building brand loyalty across Accor’s regional network.

Commenting on the appointment, Duncan O’Rourke, CEO, Premium, Midscale & Economy, MEA & APAC at Accor, said, “Raki brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership. As we move into the next stage of growth in the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye, it’s important that we strengthen our local leadership presence. With his deep understanding of the region and strong relationships across both public and private sectors, Raki is well-positioned to deepen community ties, accelerate development, and elevate our brands. His appointment underscores our long-term commitment to the region and the power of locally rooted leadership to drive meaningful impact.”

Raki Phillips succeeds Paul Stevens, who will be stepping down in October 2025 after nearly 30 years with Accor. Under Stevens’ leadership, the PME division saw notable growth and operational excellence, along with the launch of several culture-driven initiatives such as Choir Games, Think Like an Owner, and Race to Survive, which raised millions for children’s health and community causes. He was also a key champion of diversity and inclusion, leading efforts around Purpose Week, the DIA platform, and localizing programs like RiiSE and SheLeads in Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye. His contributions were recognized globally through multiple Bernache Awards, including accolades for business excellence and ESG leadership.

Phillips’ appointment reflects Accor’s strategy to align leadership closer to market dynamics and reinforces the Group’s focus on innovation, growth, and sustainable value creation across the MEAT region.