Accor, one of the world’s leading hospitality groups, has announced the appointment of Ranju Alex as CEO for South Asia, overseeing operations in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The move comes as Accor seeks to strengthen its presence and accelerate growth in one of the fastest-expanding hospitality markets globally.
With over 70 hotels currently operating in the region and more than 30 properties in the pipeline, Accor’s portfolio spans a diverse range of luxury, lifestyle, and midscale brands. The appointment of Ranju Alex signals the company’s commitment to strategic expansion and operational excellence in South Asia.
A Seasoned Leader in Hospitality
Ranju Alex brings three decades of leadership experience in the hospitality sector. She most recently served as Regional Vice President for South Asia at Marriott International, managing a portfolio of over 170 hotels across the region. Her career began with The Oberoi Group in 1993, after which she held several key leadership roles at Marriott International, consistently driving operational performance, brand growth, and guest experience initiatives.
Her contributions to the industry have been widely recognized. Most recently, she received the Bharat Gaurav Award, one of India’s most prestigious honors, acknowledging her achievements and influence in shaping the hospitality sector.
Strategic Vision for South Asia
The announcement comes on the heels of Accor’s collaboration with InterGlobe, formalized earlier this year through a proposed joint venture consolidating all businesses under a single entity, pending regulatory approvals. This partnership is expected to significantly enhance Accor’s operational footprint and accelerate its growth strategy across South Asia.
Gaurav Bhushan, Chairman of the proposed Accor/InterGlobe JV, welcomed the appointment:
“We are extremely pleased and excited to welcome Ranju to the Accor and InterGlobe family. She brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and industry relationships that will be pivotal as we build the foremost hospitality platform in the region under her leadership.”
Ranju Alex expressed enthusiasm about her new role, stating:
“I am delighted to join an organization with the most comprehensive and exciting portfolio of brands in the region. It is an honor to lead the Group’s vision in South Asia, and I eagerly look forward to this exciting role.”
Driving Growth and Innovation
Under Ranju Alex’s leadership, Accor aims to strengthen its brand presence, expand its portfolio, and enhance operational excellence in South Asia. With markets like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka poised for rapid tourism and business travel growth, her appointment is expected to accelerate strategic initiatives, including the rollout of new hotels, enhancement of guest experiences, and targeted marketing campaigns.
Industry analysts view this move as a strategic step to consolidate Accor’s leadership in South Asia’s competitive hospitality landscape, leveraging Ranju’s extensive experience and established industry networks to drive sustainable growth.
With her track record of operational leadership, strategic insight, and industry recognition, Ranju Alex is well-positioned to shape the future of Accor in South Asia, guiding the company as it seeks to become the premier hospitality platform in the region.
