Accor has announced the appointment of Maria Ashton as Vice President Development, Luxury Brands, Northern Europe.

Ashton’s experience in the hospitality and real estate industries spans 15 years, the majority of which were in senior leadership roles. Her international background includes hotel development, feasibility and asset management across North America, LATAM, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. She also has a track record of acquisition and portfolio growth with leading global brands.

“I am delighted to be joining Accor bringing my years of strategic business development experience to my new role as Vice President in the Northern European market,” says Ashton. “This is a critical time for our industry and Accor is a strong partner with an unrivalled brand portfolio. Accor continues to be the European market leader with an enviable pipeline and fantastic momentum. Throughout the pandemic the business has never once taken its eye off the future, building the brand portfolio and opportunities for our partners across the region. As we look to 2022 and beyond, Accor is well placed to strengthen its portfolio with some spectacular projects planned.”

Camil Yazbeck Senior Vice President, Head of Development, Accor Northern Europe, comments: “Accor Northern Europe has signed more hotels and rooms than any other hotel group during 2020 and Q1 2021, ranking #1 against all competitors in signings with 40% market share. We achieve this success with great brands and great people, and so I am thrilled to welcome Maria to further strengthen our development team in the region. Luxury remains a key priority for the group globally and in Europe as we look to enhance our already strong portfolio.”

Ashton joins Accor from Oakwood Hospitality, where she was Vice President of Business Development. Prior to this, she spent 13 years in feasibility and senior development roles with Hyatt Hotels throughout the UK, Switzerland and the US.

Accor’s presence in the luxury sector comprises a worldwide portfolio of over 270 hotels and 130 hotels in the development pipeline. Northern Europe is a key growth region for its luxury brands. In 2020, Accor ranked #1 in luxury signings in the region with 63% market share.

Recent and planned luxury projects in Northern Europe include: Carton House, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, Ireland – opened summer 2021; Fairmont Windsor Park, UK – opening September 2021; Raffles London at The OWO – opening 2022; Fairmont Moscow Mayakovskaya – opening 2022; Raffles Moscow – opening 2023.