Accor appoints Graham Dodd as VP of development for UK & Ireland

Graham Dodd has been appointed VP of development for UK & Ireland for French hotel giant Accor.

He will spearhead the development of Accor’s premium, midscale and economy segment across the region, overseeing the growth of brands such as Pullman, Mövenpick, Swissôtel, Novotel, Mercure, Handwritten Collection, Tribe, Ibis and Greet.

Dodd brings over 30 years’ experience to the role, joining from Hilton, where he led the company’s development strategy across the UK and Ireland.

Over the course of his career, he has worked for international advisory firms like Christie & Co, Knight Frank Hotels and Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, mostly covering the hotel, leisure and commercial property markets of the UK, Ireland and Western Europe.

Dodd said: “Accor boasts the industry’s most diverse hotel portfolio and I am excited to not only further strengthen the presence of the Group’s iconic brands, but also to introduce owners to some of its newer, innovative brands like Handwritten Collection, Tribe, and Greet, which hold significant growth potential in the UK and Ireland. Backed by powerful systems and a comprehensive suite of services, Accor and its brands are ideally positioned to boost hotel performance for our partners.”

Philippe Bijaoui, chief development officer, premium, midscale and economy, for Accor Europe & North Africa, added: “Graham has a brilliant track record and extensive experience as a development leader. His strategic insight and proven ability to drive growth make him an exceptional addition to our team. We are confident that, together with our talented development team, he will play a key role in accelerating our expansion across the UK and Ireland. His appointment reinforces our commitment to strengthening our presence in the market and delivering long-term value to our partners and guests.”

Accor operates over 5,700 hotels and resorts and 10,000 bars and restaurants across 110 countries under 45 hotel brands.