The demerger between its hotels and services division complete, Accor is replacing longtime CEO Gilles Pélisson, replacing him with the head of McDonald’s Europe.
Citing “strategic differences” between the board of directors and Pélisson, the company on Tuesday announced the departure of Pélisson effective January 15.
"The board is unanimous in thanking Gilles Pélisson for his crucial contribution to Accor's development,” says Philippe Citerne, vice chairman of Accor's board of directors. “Over the last five years at the head of the group, Gilles has successfully led every stage in the Group's transformation, and in this way has made an enormous contribution to strengthening Accor's position as a world leader and improving the group's financial performance against a backdrop of economic recovery."
Taking over is 52-year-old Denis Hennequin, chairman and CEO of the U.S.-based fast food giant’s Europe operations. While Hennequin does not officially start until the new year, his concurrent appointment as Accor executive director commences on December 1.
Yann Caillère will be retained as deputy CEO.
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