Accor appoints Graham Dodd as VP of Development for UK & Ireland

Accor has made a major move in its UK & Ireland growth strategy, naming industry veteran Graham Dodd as its new VP of Development for the group’s Premium, Midscale & Economy brands. In practice, that means Graham will be driving expansion for a broad mix of brands you’ll know well – from Pullman, Mövenpick and Swissôtel to Novotel, Mercure, TRIBE, ibis and the newer Handwritten Collection and greet.

If Graham’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s been a key player in hotel development for more than three decades. He joins Accor after a long stint at Hilton, where he shaped the company’s growth across the UK and Ireland. Before that, he held senior real estate advisory roles with major international firms including Christie & Co, Knight Frank and JLL, covering hotel, leisure and commercial markets throughout the UK, Ireland and Western Europe.

Speaking about the move, Graham said he’s excited to help push Accor’s already diverse portfolio even further. “Accor boasts the industry’s most diverse hotel portfolio,” he said. “I’m looking forward to strengthening the presence of the Group’s iconic brands and introducing owners to some of its newer, more innovative concepts like Handwritten Collection, TRIBE and greet, which have huge potential in the UK and Ireland. With powerful systems and comprehensive support, Accor is perfectly positioned to boost performance for our partners.”

Philippe Bijaoui, Chief Development Officer for Accor’s Premium, Midscale and Economy division across Europe & North Africa, called Graham’s arrival a significant win for the team. “Graham has a brilliant track record and extensive experience as a development leader,” he said. “His strategic insight and proven ability to drive growth make him an exceptional addition. We’re confident he’ll play a key role in accelerating our expansion across the UK and Ireland and reinforcing our commitment to delivering long-term value for partners and guests.”