Accor has appointed Ranju Alex as Chief Executive Officer for South Asia, a role that will see her oversee the group’s operations across India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

The French hospitality group currently manages more than 70 hotels in the region and has over 30 additional properties in development. The new leadership move comes as Accor looks to expand its footprint in South Asia, supported by its recently announced joint venture with InterGlobe, which will consolidate all businesses into a single entity once regulatory approvals are secured.

Alex is a seasoned hotelier with three decades of experience in the sector. She began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 before moving to Marriott International, where she held several senior roles, most recently serving as Regional Vice President for South Asia. In that position, she was responsible for overseeing more than 170 hotels across the region. Her contribution to the industry was recognised earlier this year when she was awarded the Bharat Gaurav award.

Gaurav Bhushan, Chairman of the proposed Accor–InterGlobe joint venture, said: “We are extremely pleased and excited to welcome Ranju to the Accor and InterGlobe Family. She brings a wealth of rich experience, skills and relationships into our business and we look forward to building the foremost hospitality platform in the region under her leadership.”

Speaking about her appointment, Ranju Alex said: “I am delighted to join an organization with the most comprehensive and exciting portfolio of brands in the region. It will be an honor to lead the Group’s vision in this region, and I eagerly look forward to this exciting role.”