Accor has appointed both James Wei and Steven Li Senior Vice President Development, Greater China.
In their roles, both senior executives will lead the continued acceleration of the group’s strategic growth plans in Greater China, further strengthening Accor’s presence in the region. Wei and Li will manage all aspects of development and work with various stakeholders, primarily developers, investors and owners, with a focus on identifying new business opportunities, leading the execution of agreements and subsequent transition to the operations teams, in their respective business areas.
“With many years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, James and Steven bring a wealth of knowledge and key market expertise that rounds out a world class team and drives continued expansion of our brands and hotel portfolio for future growth,” said Gary Rosen, CEO Accor Greater China. “This year has presented interesting opportunities that extend beyond the notable developments and conversions we have seen in the past few years, setting the stage for unparalleled growth throughout 2021 and beyond. I am thrilled to welcome these two leaders to Accor to drive and elevate our pace of development and fortify the group’s strategic expansion in Greater China, across all segments but particularly in the luxury, lifestyle, premium and midscale segments.”
James Wei, Senior Vice President of Development, Luxury & Lifestyle, Accor Greater China, is a master at executing deals with luxury brands as he spearheads development in the high-end luxury, luxury and lifestyle sectors.
James worked for Jiangsu Province Civil Aviation Administration before pursuing his passion for hospitality. After graduating from Cornell University, James has been on an executive track with hotel management and development. He first consulted for Horwath Hotel, Tourism and Leisure before securing a development directorial role for Marriott International. He later joined Hilton Worldwide where for a decade, he garnered outstanding achievements, particularly in the luxury and lifestyle sectors, including his orchestrating the arrival of several first international branded hotels to China.
Steven Li, Senior Vice President of Development and Strategic Partnerships, Accor Greater China, joined Accor in May 2021 with 25 years of multi-functional hospitality experience as he focuses on the development of premium and midscale projects, master franchise and franchise deals, as well as strategic partnership opportunities.
Steven has earned a reputation for his relationship savvy and profound market knowledge. A Bachelor Degree holder in tourism and hotel management from Xi’An Jiaotong University, Steven held different leadership positions including within the Hotel Division of a Chinese state-owned enterprise as well as a senior development role with Marriott International. Steven is regarded as one of the highest performing and exemplary team leaders in Greater China today.
Over the past several years, Accor has significantly augmented its portfolio in Greater China, with the introduction and acceleration of new lifestyle, luxury and premium brands, including Orient Express, SO/, Mondrian, TRIBE nation, MGallery Hotel Collection, Swissôtel and Mövenpick, with advancement of Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel and Pullman branded hotels.