Rebecca Petit-Jean’s Bold Move to Accor Luxury Leaves Rivals Shaking—What’s Next?

Rebecca Petit-Jean has joined the Accor Luxury & Lifestyle global sales team as the strategic account director for the Meetings & Events (M&E) sector in the UK and Ireland. In this pivotal role, Petit-Jean will focus on nurturing and expanding relationships with luxury MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) clients throughout the UK market. Her appointment comes as the global hotel industry continues to adapt to evolving client needs and preferences in the luxury sector.

Petit-Jean brings a wealth of international experience in luxury tourism and hospitality, having most recently served as the senior business development & marketing manager for the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia at Visit Monaco. Her background also includes a significant tenure as a global account manager for group sales at Starwood’s Global Sales Office for the UK and Ireland. Earlier in her career, she held roles as group sales manager and entertainment market specialist at W Barcelona (part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts) and served as a catering manager at Hotel Art Barcelona (Ritz-Carlton).

Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, Petit-Jean’s passion for travel and international settings is evident. Originally from Lyon, she lived in Barcelona for nearly ten years before moving to the UK, where she has resided for the past 11 years. Her diverse background and multilingual capabilities are expected to enhance Accor's ability to connect with a diverse client base in the luxury MICE segment.

Accor Luxury & Lifestyle is a significant player in the global hospitality industry, operating over 560 hotels worldwide, with a pipeline of over 300 additional properties. The group's portfolio is iconic, featuring esteemed brands such as Raffles, Fairmont, Maison Sofitel, and the latest entrant, the legendary Orient Express, which is being revitalized through hotels, trains, and yachts. This vast network positions Accor as the world’s second-largest hotel group in the luxury and lifestyle segment, making Petit-Jean's role crucial as the company seeks to grow its presence in the lucrative MICE market.

As the hospitality industry continues to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic, the demand for luxury MICE offerings has been on the rise. This trend underscores the importance of strategic leadership roles like Petit-Jean's, as they are vital for crafting tailored experiences that meet the expectations of a discerning clientele. Her expertise will not only help enhance client relationships but also drive innovative solutions that respond to the unique challenges of organizing high-end events in today's dynamic environment.

In conclusion, Rebecca Petit-Jean’s appointment signals Accor's commitment to strengthening its foothold in the luxury MICE sector. With her extensive experience and multilingual skills, she is well-positioned to foster valuable connections and elevate the company's offerings in this competitive market.