What's Happening?
Accor has announced the appointment of Laurent Choain as its new Global Chief People & Culture Officer, effective April 1, 2026. Choain will also serve on the Premium, Midscale & Economy Executive Committee. With over three decades of international HR
leadership experience, Choain brings a wealth of knowledge in human capital development, organizational culture, and leadership. His career includes senior roles at Forvis Mazars, Groupe Caisse d’Epargne, and Kempinski Hotels & Resorts. Choain is also known for his work in designing and leading corporate universities and management education initiatives. In addition to his corporate roles, he contributes to the management, HR, and cultural community through governance and advisory roles, including board memberships at EFMD and Bologna Business School. Academically, he holds a PhD in Management Sciences from Université Paris Panthéon Assas.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Laurent Choain is significant for Accor as it aims to strengthen its global leadership in human resources. Choain's extensive experience and expertise in HR and organizational culture are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Accor's talent agenda. His focus will be on evolving the company's unique culture, attracting top-tier professionals, and fostering growth and development opportunities for employees worldwide. This move is likely to enhance Accor's competitive edge in the hospitality industry by ensuring a strong and dynamic workforce capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing market.
What's Next?
As Laurent Choain steps into his new role, he will likely focus on implementing strategies to enhance Accor's HR practices and organizational culture. This may involve developing new initiatives for employee engagement, leadership development, and talent acquisition. Stakeholders, including employees and industry partners, will be watching closely to see how Choain's leadership influences Accor's performance and reputation in the hospitality sector. The success of these initiatives could set a benchmark for HR practices in the industry.
