Director of Development - Luxury, India and South Asia

Job Description

The Director of Development – Luxury, India & South Asia is responsible for driving the strategic growth of Accor's Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio across the region. This role leads the identification, evaluation, negotiation, and conversion of high-quality development opportunities under Accor's prestigious luxury brands, including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, MGallery, and Orient Express.

Working closely with developers, investors, family offices, institutional owners, and internal stakeholders, the Director will be instrumental in expanding Accor's presence in key markets while ensuring projects align with brand standards, commercial objectives, and long-term growth strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

Development Strategy & Business Growth

• Identify, source, and develop new luxury hotel, resort, mixed-use, and branded residence opportunities across South Asia.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of qualified development opportunities.
• Develop and execute market strategies to achieve annual development targets.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and investment opportunities to support strategic decision-making.

Owner & Investor Engagement

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with hotel owners, developers, institutional investors, and hospitality consultants.
• Represent Accor's luxury brands to prospective partners and stakeholders.
• Lead discussions with owners and investors regarding brand positioning, commercial structures, and project viability.

Feasibility Analysis & Deal Structuring

• Conduct preliminary project assessments and coordinate detailed feasibility evaluations.
• Collaborate with Finance, Brand, Technical Services, Operations, and Legal teams to ensure project alignment with Accor standards.
• Structure commercially attractive and sustainable management and franchise agreements.

Negotiation & Contract Execution

• Lead negotiations of Letters of Intent (LOIs), Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), Hotel Management Agreements (HMAs), Hotel Consulting Services Agreements (HCSAs), and related contractual arrangements.
• Drive projects from initial engagement through execution and signing.
• Secure agreements that balance owner expectations with Accor's commercial and operational objectives.

Portfolio & Relationship Management

• Support owners and project teams following contract execution to facilitate successful project development.
• Act as a key liaison between owners and internal stakeholders during project progression.
• Maintain accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and portfolio management documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Finance, Real Estate, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Master's degree or advanced professional qualification is advantageous
• Minimum 10 years of experience in hotel development, luxury real estate, hospitality investment, or related sectors.
• Proven track record in sourcing, negotiating, and closing hotel management, franchise, or development agreements.
• Strong understanding of the luxury hospitality sector and South Asian market dynamics.
• Experience working with developers, investors, asset managers, and ownership groups.
• Exposure to luxury and upper-upscale hotel brands is highly preferred.

Additional Information

• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to develop relationships with senior-level stakeholders.
• Knowledge of hotel management agreements, franchise structures, and hospitality investment principles.
• Strong analytical and feasibility assessment capabilities.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial modeling.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple functions and geographies.