Amitabh Rai has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer – Luxury, Accor in South Asia, effective 15 January 2026. Amitabh Rai will lead Accor’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio across the region, covering Raffles, Fairmont and Sofitel brands.
Responsibilities in the New Role
As Chief Operating Officer – Luxury, Amitabh Rai is responsible for the operational and strategic direction of Accor’s luxury and lifestyle hotels in South Asia. The role covers brand performance, operational standards, portfolio alignment and long-term growth for Raffles, Fairmont and Sofitel across the region.
Professional Background
Amitabh Rai began his career with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts after completing his education at The Oberoi School of Hotel Management. He progressed into senior leadership and became one of the youngest General Managers in the group. In 2018, Amitabh Rai joined Marriott International as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore and later took responsibility for the Hyderabad market. His most recent role was Multi-Property General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, Jakarta.
About Accor
Accor is a global hospitality group operating luxury and lifestyle brands including Raffles, Fairmont and Sofitel across multiple international markets.
Leadership Comment
Ranju Alex, Chief Executive Officer, Accor South Asia, said,
“Amitabh’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Accor’s luxury journey in South Asia. His deep operational expertise, people-first leadership style and sharp strategic lens make him exceptionally well-suited to lead our luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Amitabh has a rare ability to balance brand integrity with commercial excellence, and we are confident he will play a defining role in shaping the next phase of growth for our luxury brands in the region.”
Statement From Amitabh Rai
Amitabh Rai, Chief Operating Officer – Luxury, Accor South Asia, said,
“It is a privilege to join Accor at such an exciting moment for luxury hospitality and Accor’s expansion plans in the region. Accor’s commitment to purposeful growth, distinctive brands, and people-centric leadership strongly resonates with my own values. I look forward to working closely with our teams to craft memorable guest experiences, nurture talent and build future-ready luxury destinations that are both meaningful and sustainable.”
Career Snapshot
- Industry: Hospitality
- Experience: Nearly three decades
- Core expertise: Luxury hotel operations, multi-property leadership, brand-led performance
- Previous roles: General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Multi-Property General Manager for The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, Jakarta, Hyderabad market oversight for Marriott International
Closing Line
Amitabh Rai’s appointment places responsibility for Accor’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio in South Asia under a single senior leadership role.
