The board of directors at hotel giant as Accor has appointed Sébastien Bazin as chairman and chief executive of the company. 

To take on this new role, Sébastien Bazin has ended all his duties at Colony Capital, which he had been heading since 1997.

Philippe Citerne has been appointed as vice-chairman of Accor’s board of directors.

Citerne declared: “Following the selection procedure, the board has considered Sébastien as the best choice for Accor, among all high quality candidates that have been examined.

“His perfect understanding of the group, his experience in the hotel sector and his strong international culture are all assets to successfully lead the ongoing transformation of the group, to ensure its development and assert itself as a world leader in the industry.”

Yann Caillère, the present chief executive of Accor, is to leave the Group.

Gerard Pélisson and Paul Dubrule, co-founders, Accor said: “We have expressed our support to this appointment during the meeting of the board.

“We have known Sébastien for over ten years.

“We have always had frank and direct relationship with him.

“He has proven his commitment to this group that we founded more than 40 years ago, and to its values.

“We are convinced that he will be able to give the fresh impetus Accor needs to continue to develop over time.”