Accor has announced the appointment of Gilles Cretallaz as Senior Vice President Operations, South-East Asia, Japan, Korea and the Maldives for its luxury brands Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems.
Based in Bangkok, Cretallaz returns to Accor to oversee a significant portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts across one of the world’s fastest-growing travel regions. His appointment reinforces the group’s commitment to strengthening the performance, positioning and long-term growth of its luxury brands throughout Asia.
At a Glance
- Gilles Cretallaz appointed Senior Vice President Operations for South-East Asia, Japan, Korea and the Maldives.
- Based in Bangkok, he will oversee Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems.
- Responsible for operations, owner relations, talent development and strategic growth.
- Will lead major renovation and repositioning projects across Asia.
- Supports multiple luxury hotel openings through 2028.
Broad Leadership Responsibilities
In his new role, Cretallaz will oversee hotel operations, owner relationships, brand standards, talent development and strategic expansion across South-East Asia, Japan, Korea and the Maldives.
He will also guide the next phase of transformation for the region’s luxury portfolio, supporting several renovation, repositioning and development projects designed to strengthen brand competitiveness and guest experiences.
Major Renovations Underway
Among the key projects under his leadership are extensive upgrades at several flagship properties, including:
- Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
- Sofitel Saigon Plaza
- Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
Across Indochina, heritage hotels are also being carefully restored. Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – MGallery Collection is expected to complete the second phase of its transformation by October, while Sofitel Luang Prabang is scheduled to reopen before the end of the year.
Cretallaz will also oversee celebrations marking the 125th anniversary of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, one of the brand’s most iconic luxury hotels.
New Luxury Hotels Strengthen Regional Expansion
Accor’s luxury pipeline continues to expand across Asia.
Following the recent opening of V Villas at Mirihi – MGallery Collection, several highly anticipated properties are scheduled to launch over the coming years, including:
- Sofitel Diamond Crown Hai Phong, Vietnam (late 2026)
- Kamaliss Montazure Phuket – MGallery Collection, Thailand
- Navera Phuket – MGallery Collection, Thailand
- Lime Resort Myoko – MGallery Collection, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
- Sofitel Cebu City, Philippines (early 2028)
These developments further strengthen Accor’s presence in key leisure and luxury destinations across the region.
More Than Three Decades of Luxury Hospitality Experience
Cretallaz brings more than 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality, with expertise spanning hotel operations, development, repositioning and performance improvement.
Before returning to Accor, he served as Chief Operating Officer of a leading hospitality company in Thailand, overseeing a portfolio of approximately 60 hotels and resorts.
Earlier in his career, he spent more than three decades with Accor, holding senior leadership positions across Asia Pacific. During that time, he managed several of the region’s best-known luxury hotels, including Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, SO/ Bangkok, Sofitel Bangkok, and numerous flagship properties across Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and China.
Supporting Accor’s Luxury Growth Strategy
Cretallaz’s appointment highlights Accor’s continued investment in experienced leadership as it expands its luxury portfolio across Asia.
Today, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems collectively represent more than 240 hotels worldwide, offering luxury experiences inspired by local culture, craftsmanship and authentic connections. Under his leadership, the brands are expected to continue strengthening their presence across South-East Asia, Japan, Korea and the Maldives while delivering long-term value for owners and memorable experiences for guests.
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