Hospitality giant Accor has appointed Raki Phillips as its new Regional President for the Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East, Africa and Turkiye, effective November 2025.
In a heartfelt message on LinkedIn, Duncan O’Rourke, CEO of Accor’s PME division in MEA & Asia Pacific, wrote:
“I’m pleased to share that Raki Phillips will be joining Accor this November… Raki is a respected leader in the region. As CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Raki helped shape the Emirate into one of the region’s most dynamic and sustainable destinations. He’s a fantastic continuation for our culture and ambitions.”
Phillips succeeds Paul Stevens, a much-admired figure within the group who has spent an exceptional 27 years at Accor. O’Rourke paid tribute to Stevens’ legacy, noting:
“Paul leaves behind a legacy of authentic, people-first leadership… He built a unifying One Team spirit and launched standout initiatives like Choir Games, Think Like an Owner, and Race to Survive… championed our values, and reminded us that great hospitality begins with how we treat each other.”
A trailblazer in tourism
With more than two decades of international experience and an impressive track record across hospitality and tourism, Raki Phillips brings exceptional operational know-how, commercial acumen, and values-driven leadership. Most recently, as CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), he led the emirate through an ambitious transformation. Under his leadership, RAK:
- Tripled tourism revenues;
- Expanded international airlift capacity;
- Secured the region-shaping Wynn Resorts investment (the largest foreign direct investment in the Emirate’s history); and
- Launched pioneering sustainability initiatives, setting new benchmarks for responsible tourism in the region.
His work attributed to Phillips being consistently recognised among the Middle East’s most influential tourism leaders, and celebrated for driving results through innovation, cultural connection, and community impact.
Phillip’s leadership experience dates back to his tenure at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, where he contributed to the launch and ramp-up of the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel Makkah Complex, as well as Fairmont properties across India and the Middle East. His early career also includes pivotal roles at Ritz-Carlton and Universal Studios Orlando, giving him a solid well-rounded view of the global hospitality ecosystem.
What to expect from Raki Phillips’ leadership
As he steps into his new role, Phillips will oversee the performance of over 250 hotels across 27 countries, and help drive a strong pipeline of 85+ upcoming openings. Reporting directly to Duncan O’Rourke, he will play a central role in shaping the group’s next phase of growth in a region that continues to show enormous potential.
Speaking about the appointment, O’Rourke noted:
“Phillips brings a rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership. With his deep understanding of the region, and strong relationships across both public and private sectors, Raki is perfectly positioned to deepen our community ties, accelerate development, and continue to elevate the strength of our brands.”
His style is expected to be inclusive, energising and forward-thinking, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. He is well-known for empowering teams, building strong stakeholder networks, and fusing commercial strategy with community impact.
Accor’s performance in the region
The Middle East, Africa, and Turkiye have long been strategic growth engines for Accor. The group continues to see strong performance across its PME brands, fuelled by increasing demand for leisure travel, evolving infrastructure, and robust government support for tourism development.
With more than 250 operational properties and a pipeline that reflects clear investment confidence, and with Raki Phillips at the helm, the region can expect sustained growth with purpose. His appointment only shouts Accor’s long-term commitment to the region and its communities.
As the hospitality industry in the Middle East and Africa continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, all eyes will be on Phillips and the transformative vision he’s set to bring to life.
