Accor has appointed Raki Phillips as Regional President for its Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, starting November 2025. Phillips succeeds Paul Stevens, marking a leadership transition in one of the group’s most significant regions.
Phillips brings over two decades of global hospitality experience. Most recently, he served as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), where he helped reposition the emirate as a major regional destination. During his tenure, tourism revenues tripled, international airlift expanded, and the destination secured the Wynn Resorts project – the largest foreign direct investment in its history.
His earlier roles include senior positions at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, The Ritz-Carlton, and Universal Studios Orlando. At Fairmont, Phillips was instrumental in global brand development and large-scale project launches, including the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel Makkah complex.
In his new role, Phillips will manage the operational performance of over 250 hotels and a pipeline of more than 85 openings. He will report to Duncan O’Rourke, CEO of Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy division for Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.
“Raki brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership,” said O’Rourke. “His appointment reflects our long-term commitment to the region and our belief in the power of local leadership to drive impact.”
Phillips replaces Paul Stevens, whose nearly 30-year tenure at Accor was marked by initiatives promoting operational excellence, inclusion, and purpose-led growth. Stevens was recognised for leading cultural programmes such as Purpose Week and for his leadership in ESG and team-building efforts.
With over 350 operating hotels and 140 in the pipeline, Accor’s PME division continues to expand in key markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Phillips will be based in Dubai and will lead a brand portfolio that includes Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure and ibis.
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