ACCOR STRENGTHENS PEOPLE-FIRST VISION WITH APPOINTMENT OF SUSHMA SHETTY AS CLUSTER DIRECTOR OF TALENT & CULTURE

Accor has appointed Sushma Shetty as Cluster Director of Talent & Culture for Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate, and ibis Abu Dhabi Gate. With 17 years of hospitality experience, Shetty will focus on fostering a people-first culture, enhancing employee engagement, and driving talent development across the UAE properties.

Accor, a global hospitality powerhouse, has announced the appointment of Sushma Shetty as Cluster Director of Talent & Culture, overseeing human resources operations across three of its key UAE properties — Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate, and ibis Abu Dhabi Gate.

With more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Shetty brings with her a rich background in people management, leadership development, and organizational culture-building. In her new role, she will spearhead initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, drive talent growth, and reinforce Accor’s “people-first” ethos — a cornerstone of the group’s global identity.

Known for her passion for building inclusive, high-performing workplaces, Shetty’s leadership comes at a time when the hospitality industry continues to evolve post-pandemic, with a renewed focus on employee wellbeing and sustainability in work culture. Her experience across leading hospitality brands has equipped her with the ability to navigate the complexities of managing diverse, multicultural teams in dynamic environments.

Accor’s decision to appoint Shetty underscores its commitment to nurturing talent and investing in its workforce across the Middle East. The company has consistently championed initiatives aimed at empowering employees, fostering diversity, and promoting internal growth opportunities.

In her capacity as Cluster Director of Talent & Culture, Shetty will play a pivotal role in aligning HR strategies with Accor’s broader business objectives. Her priorities will include enhancing training programs, promoting leadership development, and ensuring that employees across all three properties feel connected to Accor’s shared mission of delivering exceptional guest experiences through empowered teams.

Speaking about her new role, Shetty expressed enthusiasm for contributing to Accor’s continued success in the region. “Hospitality is built on human connection. My goal is to ensure that our teams feel valued, inspired, and equipped to create memorable experiences for our guests every day,” she said.

The hospitality group, which operates more than 5,500 hotels across 110 countries, places a strong emphasis on cultivating future-ready talent. With Shetty’s appointment, Accor aims to further strengthen its leadership pipeline and sustain its reputation as one of the world’s most employee-centric hospitality brands.

As the UAE continues to emerge as a global tourism and business hub, Accor’s focus on talent and culture remains integral to its long-term vision. By empowering leaders like Sushma Shetty, the company reaffirms its belief that great hospitality starts with great people — those who embody the spirit of service, innovation, and community that defines Accor’s brand worldwide.