AccorHotels has announced the appointment of Yigit Sezgin as its new chief commercial officer in the Middle East & Africa.

Based in Dubai, Sezgin will oversee all commercial disciplines for the region, including dedicated sales support, digital marketing, brand marketing, communications, loyalty, partnerships, business intelligence and revenue management.

One of his main priorities will be to lead the group’s digital transformation in the area, drive brand development and delivery as well as integrating business streams, especially as it relates to the group’s loyalty program.

Commenting on the appointment, AccorHotels Middle East & Africa chief executive, Mark Willis, said: “We are pleased to have Yigit return to Dubai and take on this critical position within our group.

“He’ll play a fundamental role in consolidating our commercial activity in the Middle East and Africa, driving our top-line performance and providing even healthier returns for our valued partners and stakeholders.”

Sezgin joins AccorHotels from Bilgili Holding, a leading Turkish investment group devoted to developing real estate and tourism in Turkey and beyond.

As the leader of Bilgili Holding, Sezgin’s portfolio contained an array of lifestyle and luxury properties, including the W Istanbul, Soho House, Peninsula Hotel, Aman Resorts, Ritz Carlton & Mandarin Oriental Residences and the Radisson Blu Conference & Airport Hotel.

Having lived and worked in eight international markets over a span of 20 years, Sezgin has also held senior leadership roles with multinational groups including Ritz-Carlton, Wilton International and Hilton Hotels.

“With two decades of international hospitality experience, I’m looking forward to bringing my global expertise to AccorHotels’ unique portfolio,” Sezgin added.

“We manage some of the most iconic brands in the world, so it’s a very exciting time to be a part of this innovative and daring company.”