New SVP Development for Accor
Jonathan Sheard has been appointed as Senior Vice President, Development at AccorHotels UK & Ireland. This new role will see him leading the company’s strategic priorities to accelerate strong organic franchise growth, particularly for the Mercure and Ibis Styles brands; proactively acquire new portfolios on a franchise and management basis; and actively seek out projects for development by HotelInvest.
Sheard’s dynamic remit also includes a host of support roles within major development deals that extend to other countries within the NER region.
Sheard has worked for Accorhotels since 1992, most recently as Senior Vice President for Luxury, Upscale and Midscale Brands within the UK and Ireland. He was responsible for the rapid growth of the Mercure brand, featuring as one of the largest midscale brands in the UK and its repositioning in this segment.
Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director AccorHotels UK&I comments: “Jonathan has held a number of key positions during his career at AccorHotels and has already contributed to the additional growth of our portfolio particularly in the Mercure brand which has significantly increased in the last two years.
”The UK is a growing market and we have ambitious expansion plans to reach 40,000 rooms in the coming years. Jonathan’s skillset alongside an experienced team will be invaluable.”
Sheard adds: “The UK is a thriving market for hotels at the moment and there is real development potential for AccorHotels. We will be actively seeking new portfolios in the economy and midscale segment as well as continuing to drive individual franchise and management contracts. I am excited about the prospect of driving that significant growth over the coming years with a strong team to support the additions to the AccorHotels portfolio.”
