Accor Plus names new CEO
Accor’s Asia Pacific travel loyalty subscription programme, Accor Plus, has welcomed Emilie Couton as its new Chief Executive Officer this month.
Couton brings more than 24 years of experience working with Accor and its subsidiary, D-EDGE Hospitality Solutions, across Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Emilie as CEO at such a defining moment for Accor Plus and the travel loyalty industry,” said Accor Chief Loyalty and E-Commerce Officer, Mehdi Hemici.
“She brings a visionary, energetic and data-driven approach, paired with a passion for hospitality and a deep respect for the people who bring it to life every day.”
Couton has spent more than two decades working in Thailand and Singapore and is a regular speaker at travel, hospitality and technology conferences across Asia Pacific.
“With Emilie’s extensive hospitality expertise and remarkable leadership skills, we’re setting our sights on what’s next for Accor Plus and delivering even more value and unforgettable experiences to our members,” added Hemici.
During her time at Accor, Couton has held several senior roles across loyalty, digital marketing, distribution and commercial B2B, most recently serving as Managing Director, Asia Pacific, at D-EDGE, a distribution, technology and digital marketing platform for the hotel industry.
“I’m genuinely thrilled to lead Accor Plus into its next phase, one where the member experience will continue to be at the absolute heart of everything we do,” Couton said.
“Our focus will be on innovating and personalising each touchpoint, exceeding expectations and creating exceptional value for our loyal members, hotels, business partners and team members.”
Accor Plus has been operating for almost 31 years and has more than 450,000 members across the Asia Pacific region.
Couton succeeds Renae Trimble who served as CEO of Accor Plus since March 2023 and has recently taken up a role as Chief Commercial Officer with National Rugby League.
Marriott International appoints APEC Chief of Lodging Product and Services
Marriott International has appointed Cristiano Rinaldi as Chief of Lodging Product and Services Officer for the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region.
His appointment coincides with the introduction of the Lodging Product and Services structure, an integrated team comprising Operations, Brand and Global Design that is aimed at driving operational excellence, enhanced service delivery and innovation across Marriott’s 635 operating properties in the region.
Rinaldi brings over two decades of hospitality experience in the luxury hospitality sector globally, primarily with Marriott International.
He began his career at The Ritz-Carlton Doha in 2001 and has held numerous key leadership positions across Asia Pacific and beyond.
He has previously served as Area Director of Operations, Asia Pacific, overseeing luxury operations for The Ritz-Carlton, Bulgari, and Edition brands; leading multiple high-profile pre-openings, and most recently, he held executive leadership roles with Capella Hotel Group where he successfully expanded its luxury hotel portfolio.
He will be based at Marriott’s APEC regional headquarters in Singapore.
Urban Rest announces new GM for Australia
Urban Rest has promoted Simon Farr to the position of General Manager for Australia, as the business prepares for further growth and expansion into new markets.
Farr joined Urban Rest in 2022 and has led the company’s global Guest Experience function for the past three years, bringing a tech-first approach to service design.
He brings more than 15 years of experience across boutique and lifestyle hotels, and was responsible for launching Felix Hotel with 8Hotels.
His career also includes leadership roles at Citadines Connect with The Ascott Limited, Park8, Pensione Hotel and other CBD-based properties within the 8Hotels group.
“Simon’s appointment to this role reflects the strength of our internal talent pipeline as well as our commitment to long-term leadership development,” said Urban Rest Founder and Chief Executive Officer, David Whelan.
“His strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into execution have been instrumental in our global growth.
“We are excited to see him step into this next chapter to drive further excellence across our business.”