The board of AccorHotels has unanimously co-opted Nicolas Sarkozy as an independent director.

He will serve the organisation for the remainder of Moussalem Moussalem’s, with the former director having stepped down following Colony Capital’s decision to sell its shareholding in Accor.

Former French president Sarkozy is expected to remain on the board until the close of the shareholders meeting convened to approve the financial statements for 2018.

The appointment reflects the ambition of the group to pursue the implementation of its strategy and to promote both AccorHotels brands worldwide and the unrivalled French know-how in tourism, the company said this morning.

As part of the acceleration of the expansion strategy of the group, the AccorHotels’ board of directors has also set up an international strategy committee.

This committee will focus on the development of AccorHotels’ network and brand portfolio throughout the world, as well as on the promotion of French tourism.

Sarkozy will chair the international strategy committee whose missions and members will be further detailed by a forthcoming board meeting.

Sarkozy declared: “I am glad to contribute to the development and the international reach of AccorHotels, one of France’s flagship companies.

“The success of the group, as well as the quality of its management are outstanding assets, shaping AccorHotels into one of the leading showcases of the French economic landscape.”