Up the ranks: Accor strengthens its global leadership with appointment of Laurent Choain as Global Chief People & Culture Officer

Laurent will focus on evolving the Group’s culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and fostering continuous growth and development opportunities for all employees globally.

Accor has appointed Laurent Choain as its new Global Chief People & Culture Officer and member of the Group Management Board, effective 1 April 2026. He will also sit on the Premium, Midscale & Economy Executive Committee.

Commenting on the appointment, Group Chairman & CEO Sébastien Bazin noted that Laurent’s track record in nurturing talent and building strong corporate cultures is closely aligned with Accor’s long-term vision and highlighted that his leadership is expected to play a key role as the Group aims to continue fostering an environment of excellence and innovation.

In his new position, Laurent will lead Accor’s global people and culture agenda. He will focus on evolving the Group’s culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and fostering continuous growth and development opportunities for all employees globally.

Laurent brings more than 30 years of international HR and leadership experience across prominent organisations such as Forvis Mazars, Groupe Caisse d'Epargne (now BPCE), and Kempinski Hotels & Resorts. He is also known for his expertise in designing and leading corporate universities and management education initiatives with global industry leaders. Over the course of his career, he has developed a strong focus on human capital development, organisational culture, and leadership.

Alongside his corporate roles, Laurent actively contributes to the broader management, HR, and cultural community through various governance and advisory roles, including board memberships at EFMD, Bologna Business School, the Peter Drucker Society of Europe, and the Festival de Ramatuelle. Academically,

He holds a PhD in Management Sciences from Université Paris Panthéon Assas, alongside Master's degrees from Paris Panthéon Sorbonne and Neoma Business School.

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Lead image / Accor