By Sitaram Mewati
French hospitality major Accor has appointed Amitabh Rai as Chief Operating Officer – Luxury for South Asia, effective January 15, 2026. In this role, Rai will lead the operational and strategic direction of Accor’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio in the region, with a focus on strengthening brand performance and delivering differentiated luxury experiences across Raffles, Fairmont and Sofitel.
A hospitality professional with nearly three decades of experience across India and Indonesia, Rai brings deep operational expertise and a track record of building high-performing teams. His career spans senior leadership roles across global hotel companies as well as a seven-year entrepreneurial stint, equipping him to navigate complex market environments and drive sustained performance.
Rai began his career with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts after graduating from The Oberoi School of Hotel Management and went on to become one of the youngest General Managers in the group. In 2018, he joined Marriott International as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, later overseeing Marriott’s Hyderabad market. Most recently, he served as Multi-Property General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, Jakarta.
Commenting on the appointment, Ranju Alex, Chief Executive Officer, Accor South Asia, said Rai’s leadership comes at a pivotal phase for the company’s luxury growth in the region, citing his ability to balance brand integrity with commercial performance.
In his new role, Rai will be responsible for executing Accor’s long-term strategy for luxury and lifestyle brands in South Asia, driving financial performance, enhancing brand differentiation and fostering a culture of innovation and people-centric leadership.
Rai said he looks forward to contributing to Accor’s expansion in the region, aligning with the group’s focus on purposeful growth, strong brands and sustainable luxury experiences.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
