Accor shines at the 2025 HM Awards, winning top honours including Accommodation Chain of the Year and Australasian Hotelier of the Year. Full highlights inside
Accor, the largest hotel operator in the Pacific region, delivered a powerhouse performance at the 2025 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence in Sydney, taking home three of the event’s most prestigious Major Awards. The results reaffirm Accor’s market leadership and its continued influence across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
A Fourth Consecutive Win: Accommodation Chain of the Year
Accor once again secured Accommodation Chain of the Year, marking its fourth consecutive victory. This award—voted exclusively by leaders of hotel groups across the region—recognises unmatched excellence, strong leadership, and enduring commitment to raising hospitality standards year after year.
Chief Operating Officer Pacific, Adrian Williams, emphasised the collective achievement behind the win, noting the dedication and passion of Accor’s teams along with the vital trust of owners and partners who help shape the group’s regional success.
Adrian Williams Named Australasian Hotelier of the Year
In one of the ceremony’s biggest accolades, Adrian Williams was crowned HM Magazine Australasian Hotelier of the Year. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Accor’s operational strategy, fostering innovation, and nurturing a people-first culture throughout the Pacific region.
Williams shared that being recognised by industry peers is “hugely rewarding” and a testament to the exceptional talent and commitment across the Accor network.
A Standout Night for Leaders Across the Network
One of the evening’s most celebrated individual honours went to Benjamin Nesbitt, Precinct General Manager for Pullman, Novotel and ibis at Sydney Olympic Park. Nesbitt was named Australian General Manager of the Year, recognised for his record-breaking commercial performance, impactful partnerships, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity and people-centric leadership.
“This win reflects the power of great people, strong partnerships and a culture that puts others first,” Nesbitt said.
Additional Australian Wins Across Key Talent and Categories
Accor’s strength across operational expertise, talent development, and guest experience was reflected in a broad sweep of category wins:
2025 HM Awards – Australia
- Boutique Hotel: The Playford Hotel Adelaide – MGallery Collection
- Food & Beverage Associate: Bayley McGuire, Pullman Sydney Penrith
- Human Resources Associate: Stephanie Lopesi, Salter Brothers Hospitality Real Estate JV & Accor
- Hotel Engineer: Keoni Toseki-Solomona, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
- Rising Star: Bailey Wootton, Pullman Sydney Penrith
Accor Pacific Vice President of Operations for Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, David Fraser, congratulated teams on their achievements, noting that these accolades highlight the innovation and dedication seen across the portfolio.
New Zealand & South Pacific Triumphs Continue the Momentum
Just weeks earlier, the 2025 HM Awards Aotearoa-Pacific ceremony celebrated standout properties and talent across New Zealand and the South Pacific, with Accor again taking home multiple honours:
2025 HM Awards – Aotearoa-Pacific
- New Zealand Apartment Hotel: Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments
- Fijian Luxury Resort: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
- Human Resources Initiative: RiiSE Committee – Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems Pacific
- Food & Beverage Associate: Varun Sharma, Novotel Christchurch Airport
- Front Office Associate: Prachie Jan Amelda Gloriani, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport
- Revenue Management Associate: Kirshan Singh, Sofitel Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
- Hotel Engineer: Rebecca Dawson, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
- Rising Star (co-winner): Karishma Singh, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland
These results highlight Accor’s regional depth—from luxury to lifestyle to economy—and its consistent development of talent across markets.
Accor’s Expansive Pacific Portfolio
With more than 400 hotels across the Pacific region, Accor operates iconic brands including Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Mövenpick, Swissôtel, Grand Mercure, Peppers, TRIBE, The Sebel, Mantra, Mercure, Novotel, ibis and ibis Styles, as well as lifestyle brands from Ennismore such as SO/, Mondrian, 25hours, Hyde and JO&JOE.
The brand’s scale, diversity and ongoing investment in people and innovation continue to strengthen its leadership across the region.
