With a remarkable career spanning over 30 years, Paul Stevens stands as a visionary leader in the hospitality industry, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Accor’s Premium, Midscale, and Economy division in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. Overseeing an expansive portfolio of more than 220 hotels across 23 countries and managing renowned brands such as Novotel, Ibis, and Pullman, Paul plays a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and cultural leadership in a region marked by diverse markets and dynamic challenges.
Paul’s journey with Accor began in 1997, progressing through multiple leadership positions including General Manager roles, Vice President of Operations for Upper Southeast Asia, and CEO of Accor Plus Asia Pacific—the group’s subscription loyalty program. His deep operational experience and strategic insight have enabled him to lead large multi-country teams exceeding 22,000 hotel staff and support offices, ensuring a seamless blend of customer experience, operational efficiency, and business development.
Before his current COO role commenced in 2023, Paul was instrumental in leading Accor Plus to deliver over 300 million euros in direct business annually to Accor hotels across Asia Pacific. His focus on eliminating friction points and enhancing member engagement illustrates his commitment to innovative service design and brand loyalty.
Paul’s leadership legacy includes overseeing key hotel openings and developments in major cities such as Istanbul, Dubai, Makkah, and Kinshasa, expanding the brand footprint while fostering strong partnerships with business stakeholders. Known for his passion for the human element in hospitality, Paul champions diverse local talents and promotes inclusive cultures that empower teams on the ground.
Earlier in his career, Paul gained valuable experience managing iconic properties like the Sofitel Resort and Spa Fiji, where he successfully led pre-opening efforts in a developing country environment, and the Novotel Twin Waters Resort in Australia, where he integrated extensive resort and residential developments.
His track record reflects a relentless pursuit of operational precision, financial performance, and sustainable growth balanced with a people-first leadership philosophy. Paul’s stewardship during a period of rapid expansion in the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey has been noted for driving performance improvements and embedding purposeful leadership practices.
As he prepares to step down in late 2025 after nearly three decades with Accor, Paul’s impact on the region’s hospitality landscape endures, setting a high bar for future leaders aiming to blend global standards with local insights.
Paul Stevens’ story is a powerful reminder that leadership in hospitality transcends metrics—it is about nurturing people, adapting swiftly to market dynamics, and creating experiences that resonate worldwide.