Accor, the largest international hotel operator in Asia-Pacific, has announced the appointment of Christophe Lauras to the role of Vice President Operations, East & Central China.

　　Accor, the leading global hotel group and the largest international hotel operator in Asia-Pacific, has announced the appointment of Christophe Lauras to the role of Vice President Operations, East & Central China. Promoted from his former position of Area General Manager of Sofitel, Southern China, Christophe will be responsible for overseeing Accor hotel operations with a focus on East and Central China.

　　Christophe brings over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his new role. Raised in a restaurant in France, he studied Hotel Management at the Saint-Benigne Hotel School in Dijon and worked for Relais & Chateau in Great Britain before joining Accor. Initially based in New Caledonia, Christophe went on to manage hotels in Indonesia and India before making the move to China 14 years ago. Most recently he was based in Guangzhou at the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich, where he also served as Vice President of the Guangzhou chapter of the French Chamber of Commerce.

　　“Christophe is an excellent new member of Accor Greater China’s executive management committee,” said Paul Richardson, Chief Operating Offi cer, Accor Greater China. “Christophe brings a wealth of experience in international hotel operations to the position, and we believe he will continue to exhibit the same passion and level of expertise as he moves into this new role.”

　　“I am honored and excited to be starting the next chapter of my time at Accor, and to be working with an extraordinary team,” said Christophe of his appointment. “Accor has a very strong presence in Greater China. I look forward to working with the hotel teams, partners, and associates to continue providing outstanding levels of comfort and hospitality to our guests.”

　　Christophe relocates to Shanghai where he will report directly to Paul Richardson. He will concentrate on overseeing Accor hotel operations in East and Central China.

　　Accor currently operates over 135 hotels in 49 cities across Greater China covering the full spectrum of market segments: Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure (luxury-upscale); Mercure, Novotel (midscale), ibis Styles and ibis (economy). Around 20,000 employees work with Accor in the region to bring the internationally recognised Accor quality of service and hospitality to guests.