Director Development, India & South Asia

Company Description

We are Accor. We are a worldwide Augmented Hospitality leader. We are more than 230,000 hospitality experts placing people at the heart of what we do, creating new connections & emotions for our guests, nurturing real passion for service and achievement beyond limits.

We’re so much more than hotels — we’re creating innovative lifestyle experiences , whether you live, work or play. Blaze your own trail from 40+ hotel brands, restaurants, nightclubs, spas, co-working spaces, and tech start-ups . 

Building on the strength of our teams and our strong holistic ecosystem of brands & solutions, we are breaking new ground to shape the hospitality of tomorrow and inspire new ways to experience the world.

Job Description

The Director of Development is responsible for leading Accor’s growth strategy across India and South Asia by driving new hotel signings, strengthening owner relationships, and ensuring successful negotiation of management and franchise agreements. The role requires a deep understanding of hospitality markets, financial feasibility, and deal structuring, with the objective of expanding Accor’s footprint across diverse brands.

• Lead development initiatives to expand Accor’s hotel portfolio across South Asia.
• Identify, evaluate, and convert high-potential development opportunities in key markets.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with hotel owners, developers, and investors.
• Represent Accor at industry events, investment forums, and networking platforms to drive brand visibility.
• Oversee and lead negotiations of Hotel Management Agreements (HMA), Franchise Agreements (FA), and MOUs across Accor’s portfolio.
• Develop win–win deal structures balancing owner requirements with Accor’s strategic and financial objectives.
• Partner with legal, technical services, operations, and brand teams to ensure seamless execution of agreements.
• Oversee development pipeline management, ensuring accuracy of monthly WeMax updates and tracking signing priorities.
• Drive conversion of leads into signed deals in line with annual development targets.
• Monitor renewals and contract extensions while maintaining positive long-term owner relations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Hospitality, Real Estate, or related field.
• 10–15 years of experience in hotel development, investment, consulting, or real estate.
• Proven track record in negotiating large-scale HMAs and FAs in international hospitality.
• Strong financial acumen with expertise in feasibility analysis, ROI modeling, and deal structuring.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to lead teams and influence at senior levels internally and externally.

Additional Information

• Exceptional Communication: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially PowerPoint, Excel, Word); familiarity with collaboration tools 
• Service-oriented with keen attention to detail.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across diverse cultures.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to manage change and deliver results under dynamic conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with initiative.