A GLOBAL LEADER REDEFINING HOSPITALITY
BUSINESS TIMES
ACCOR HOTELS GROUP
ACCOR HOTELS GROUP
ACCOR HOTELS: A GLOBAL LEADER REDEFINING HOSPITALITY
Project by: Malvern Kandemwa
Words by: Michelle Duncan
Accor Hotels Group stands as one of the most influential and diversified hospitality companies in the world, with a significant footprint across luxury, premium, midscale, and economy segments. As a global powerhouse, Accor has reshaped the modern hospitality landscape through its expansive brand portfolio, inno-
vative service models, and commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Operating in more than 110 countries and managing thousands of properties, the group has built a reputation for operational excellence, strategic agility, and strong brand leadership.
Accor’s success is driven by its ability to adapt to evolving traveller expectations, embrace digital transformation, and invest in sustainable practices. The company’s portfolio—ranging from icon-
ic luxury brands such as Sofitel, Fairmont, and Raffles to widely recognised midscale and economy brands like Novotel, Mercure, and ibis—enables it to serve a broad and diverse customer base. This multi-brand strategy has strengthened Accor’s market resilience and positioned it as a leader in both leisure and business travel sectors.
Beyond its commercial achievements, Accor has made a significant impact on the global hospitality industry through its focus
on innovation, loyalty, and sustainability. The Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty program has redefined customer engagement by integrating hospitality, lifestyle, and experiential rewards. Meanwhile, the company’s sustainability initiatives—such as reducing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and promoting responsible tourism reflect its long-term commitment to ethical and sustainable growth.
Accor’s influence extends beyond hotel operations; it plays a pivotal role in shaping industry standards, driving technological advancements, and fostering partnerships that enhance guest experience and operational efficiency. As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, Accor’s strategic vision, global reach, and dedication to innovation ensure its position as a dominant force in the industry.
One of the key drivers of Accor Hotels Group’s long-term success and operational sustainability is its procurement function, led by Sebastien Brunel, the Global Chief Procurement Officer. With 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry 20 of which have been dedicated to procurement—Brunel brings deep ability in global sourcing, supplier management, and strategic cost optimization. His career spans multiple regions, including the UK, the US, Brazil, France, and Canada, giving him a comprehensive understanding of diverse markets and supply chain environments. Since assuming the role of Global CPO in 2019, he has been based at Accor’s headquarters in Paris.
Brunel oversees a global team of more than 180 procurement professionals, responsible for sourcing and buying the full spectrum of goods and services needed to
Partnering to Drive Accor’s Sustainable Hospitality Pillar
Ecolab shares Accor’s vision for a more sustainable and responsible future, and we are proud to play an active role in advancing that ambition. As Accor pursues significant environmental targets including reductions in water withdrawals, the elimination of single-use plastics, and earning eco-certifications across its hotels, Ecolab supports these efforts with science-based solutions designed to reduce environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency.
Through our global partnership, we work with hotels to help reduce water and energy use, minimize waste, improve employee safety, and enhance the guest experi-
Accor’s Sustainability Goals
Pioneering the Art of Responsible Hospitality
45%
reduction in water withdrawals by 2030
100% of hotels eco-certified by 2026
Ecolab's comprehensive laundry program leaves linens white, while reducing the need for rewash and linen replacement1
0
single use plastics by 2025
ence. Ecolab’s solids technology, tablet formats and concentrated chemistries help reduce traditional packaging waste, with more than 250 Ecolab products recognized by leading ecolabel bodies.
Ecolab service specialists work directly with properties, providing on-site training, implementing best-practice procedures, and ensuring solutions deliver consistent, measurable performance. Together, we help accelerate sustainability initiatives without compromising business outcomes.
Ecolab’s commitment to responsible operations is reflected in continued recognition from leading organizations. In 2024, Ecolab
250+ Ecolab products are recognized by leading ecolabel bodies, helping to support Accor's compliance goals
Ecolab's solids technology, tablet formats and concentrated chemistries help reduce traditional packaging waste
earned a Gold rating from EcoVadis, received an A ranking for Climate and an A- ranking for Water Security from CDP, and was ranked 27th in Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable Companies1
Ecolab’s 2030 sustainability goals2 guide our efforts internally and with customers. We measure the impact of our solutions to help customers quantify return on investment, track operational performance, and advance progress toward environmental targets. To learn more about our sustainable partnership with Accor, please visit here
1 www.ecolab.com/media-center/awards-and-recognition
2 www.ecolab.com/corporate-responsibility/2030-impact-goals
support Accor’s extensive hotel operations. His mandate centres on optimising cost, quality, and value for the organisation and its stakeholders, while ensuring robust compliance, risk mitigation, and sustainability across the supply chain.
Under his leadership, Accor’s procurement function has evolved into a strategic enabler of business performance. Brunel’s focus on supplier partnerships, responsible sourcing, and operational efficiency has strengthened Accor’s ability to deliver consistent guest experiences, keep competitive pricing, and support the group’s broader sustainability commitments. His global perspective and disciplined approach to procurement continue to play a pivotal role in reinforcing Accor’s position as a leading hospitality powerhouse.
Sebastien Brunel views procurement not merely as an operational necessity but as a strategic engine that drives Accor Hotels Group’s performance, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. Under his leadership, the procurement function has evolved into a catalyst for innovation and organisational transformation. Brunel has championed several key initiatives that have significantly strengthened Accor’s procurement capabilities and expanded its impact across the global business. These are Digital Procurement Transformation, Group Purchasing Program, Sustainable Procurement Policy and Procurement Academy and Talent Development.
Beyond operational excellence, Sebastien Brunel is deeply committed to leading by example and
inspiring a culture of innovation and sustainability across Accor’s global procurement organisation. He advocates for procurement as a transformative force—one that not only drives financial performance but also shapes the future of responsible hospitality.
Brunel is actively involved in several industry associations and professional networks that promote best practices, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement in procurement and hospitality. His engagement in these forums reinforces Accor’s leadership position within the sector and ensures the organisation stays aligned with emerging trends, regulatory developments, and innovative solutions.
A strong believer in developing the next generation of procure-
ment and hospitality leaders, Brunel also serves as a mentor to young professionals and entrepreneurs. He supports individuals and start-ups with innovative ideas that have the potential to enhance sustainability, efficiency, or guest experience within the hospitality ecosystem. This commitment to talent development strengthens Accor’s long-term capability and fosters a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and forward thinking.
At the core of Brunel’s leadership philosophy is a clear and ambitious vision: to position Accor’s procurement function as a worldclass benchmark for sustainable and innovative hospitality. He believes that by collaborating with suppliers, partners, customers, and employees, procurement can deliver meaningful value not only for Accor’s business and brand but also for the planet and the communities the group serves. This comprehensive approach ensures that procurement contributes to Accor’s commercial success while reinforcing its reputation as a responsible global hospitality leader.
