ACCOR APPOINTS KENT ZHU AS CEO OF ITS GREATER CHINA REGION
Accor proudly announces the appointment of Kent Zhu as CEO of Accor Greater China, effective May 1, 2025. |
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ACCOR APPOINTS KENT ZHU AS CEO OF ITS GREATER CHINA REGION
Accor proudly announces the appointment of Kent Zhu as CEO of Accor Greater China, effective May 1, 2025. |
Category: - China - Careers
- Appointments
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2025-05-12
 Accor announces the appointment of Kent Zhu as CEO of Accor Greater China
Photo credit © Accor
Based in Shanghai, Kent is responsible for Accor's growth strategy in Greater China, as well as managing relations with hotel owners, and the development and progress of Accor's strategic partnerships. Kent oversees both the Luxury & Lifestyle (L&L) brands division and the Premium, Midscale & Economy (PM&E) brands division across the Greater China region.
“With China's powerful and growing influence on the global tourism industry – in terms of both domestic and outbound travel – I am honored to join Accor, a global hospitality leader which I have long admired for its innovative thinking, its bold ambitions, and its advocacy of the people, culture, and heritage of the communities it serves,” said Kent Zhu, CEO, Accor Greater China
“I look forward to bringing new vitality to this exceptional team whose unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements have been the driving force of Accor's success to date in this country. Together, we are uniquely positioned to further deepen Accor's engagement in the Chinese market, optimizing our brand positioning, growing our market share, while shaping the future of the Chinese hospitality industry.”
Duncan O'Rourke, CEO of Accor MEA APAC commented, "We are incredibly pleased to welcome Kent into our bustling MEA APAC region. His wealth of experience and strategic vision will undoubtedly enhance our operations and drive growth in this dynamic market. I am confident that under his leadership, Kent will play a pivotal role in shaping Accor's presence in the region as we move forward."
Kent comes to Accor having earned a full spectrum of experience and credentials in the hospitality sector, including commercial enterprises, brand development, marketing, and operations. He has worked in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, gathering experience in a variety of Chinese markets and cultures, positioning him perfectly to lead Accor's ambitious growth strategy across the domestic market.
Prior to joining Accor, Kent was President of Genting Cruise Lines, where he successfully guided the company to become a leading player in the Asia-Pacific cruise market. Previously, Kent was at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, where he delivered outstanding business performance and developed a deep understanding of hotel operations and market dynamics. Kent rose through the ranks, achieving such roles as Vice President, Operations for China, and Global Chief Marketing Officer. Following his tenure at Shangri-La, Kent joined Wanda Hotels & Resorts as Executive Vice President, where he led the company to expand its presence and elevate its brand influence.
Accor's Greater China region has more than 750 hotels and resorts with strong development momentum and a workforce of over 25,000 people. Accor is focused on building a workplace culture that champions diversity, inclusion, and career advancement, while pioneering the art of responsible hospitality.
Kent's appointment marks a new chapter for Accor in Greater China, and industry observers eagerly anticipate the advancements that will unfold under his leadership.
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