Accor appoints Souffian Zaeraoui, Nishan Silva and Anoop Dhondoo as Regional General Managers

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 2023 - Souffian Zaeraoui, Anoop Dhondoo and Nishan Silva will be collectively overseeing a portfolio of over 40 managed properties across the United Arab Emirates.

Souffian Zaeraoui, with over 15 years of experience within the Accor Group, Souffian steps up to his new role as Regional General Manager for Dubai South and Abu Dhabi. Hailing from France, Souffian holds an MBA in International Hospitality Management from ESSEC Business School. Under his leadership, these properties achieved significant milestones in various aspects, including guest satisfaction, brand awareness, financial performance, and innovative sustainability projects. Souffian is known for his strategic and forward-thinking approach, with a strong emphasis on revenue growth, brand awareness and team engagement.

“I am both honoured and thrilled to take on the role of Regional General Manager - UAE,"

said Souffian Zaeraoui, the newly appointed Regional General Manager for Dubai South and

Abu Dhabi. "My journey with Accor has been nothing short of extraordinary. The trust vested in me is deeply appreciated, and I eagerly anticipate the exhilarating path that lies ahead. I take immense pride in supporting the exceptionally talented Accor teams in the UAE, and I have unwavering confidence that we will propel our properties to unprecedented heights."

Nishan Silva, with over 25 years of international hospitality experience, has been promoted to the role of Regional General Manager – Dubai and Emirates North. Holding an MBA from the University of Leicester, UK, Nishan has a strong educational foundation, having also earned a Doctorate in Business Administration, with a thesis on ‘A Ten-Year Outlook on the Role and Importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation in High-End Hotels,’ from California Southern University, USA. Nishan has a proven track record, having overseen an extensive portfolio of seven Accor properties in Dubai, totalling an impressive 1,667 rooms – one of the largest hotel cluster operations in the UAE. His leadership underscores his capabilities in managing the region's hotel operations, emphasizing exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence.

"I am truly honored and excited to take on the role of Regional General Manager, Dubai & Emirates North for Accor" said Nishan Silva. "I am committed to upholding Accor's renowned standard of hospitality, creating emotions for our guests, nurturing a passion for service, and fostering an environment of achievement beyond limits. I look forward to leading our team in providing memorable experiences for our guests."

Anoop Dhondoo, has been appointed as the Regional General Manager for Dubai Central. He holds an MBA from Ecole Hôtelière De Lausanne, Switzerland. His ability to transform hotels into the preferred choice for the Dubai market, earning accolades such as the Gold Award for Hotel of the Year Ibis One Central and the Travellers Choice Award, has made him a valuable addition to the team. Anoop's entrepreneurial touch in his recent role will be an outstanding asset to Accor's pioneering vision to be an industry leader.

“The opportunity to be part of the first intake of the Accor’s Global Leadership Programme elevated my capabilities and reframed me as a leader," said Anoop Dhondoo, the newly appointed Regional General Manager for Dubai Central. "A big thank you to my mentors and everyone who believed in me. I am incredibly excited to provide strategic leadership and guidance to the hotels. Together, we will continue to create value for Accor."

Through their expanded roles, all three Regional General Managers will oversee aspects of Accor's Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division hotel operations, driving financial, operational, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) objectives, reporting to Jonathan Sheared, Senior Vice President Operations, Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Turkey.

“The promotions of these exceptional General Managers, reaffirms our confidence in their exceptional leadership and their pivotal importance in driving financial and operational objectives. As they embark on this journey to oversee over 40 hotels with more than 9,000 keys, their dedication and expertise will continue to be the cornerstone of our success and we have full confidence in our General Managers to take us to new heights." said Jonathan Sheared, Senior Vice President Operations, Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Turkey.