The French hotel giant has grown its development leadership team in Greater China with the appointments of experienced industry professionals James Wei and Steven Li.

Following their switches to Accor, James Wei and Steven Li will lead the continued acceleration of the group’s strategic growth across Greater China, heightening its presence in this part of the world.

Expanding the development leadership team

As senior vice presidents of development in Greater China, James Wei and Steven Li will oversee all development here, working with owners, developers and investors to lead the execution of agreements and the transition to operations teams, as well as identifying new business opportunities.

Gary Rosen, CEO of Accor in Greater China, said: “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.

“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.”

Accor has significantly grown its Greater China portfolio in recent years, with the introduction and acceleration of brands including Orient Express, SO/, Mondrian, Tribe, MGallery Hotel Collection, Swissôtel and Mövenpick, and the development of Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel and Pullman-branded hotels.

New luxury and lifestyle leadership

James Wei, the newly appointed senior vice president of development, luxury & lifestyle, Accor Greater China, has proven expertise in executing deals with luxury brands. He has spent the past decade working within the luxury and lifestyle sectors for Hilton Worldwide, where he was instrumental in introducing several international branded hotels to China.

Prior to this, Wei consulted for Horwath HTL before going on to secure a development directorial role for Marriott International. Wei, who graduated from Cornell University, first worked for Jiangsu Province Civil Aviation Administration before pursuing his interest in hospitality.

Growing development and strategic partnerships

Steven Li, meanwhile, takes on the role of senior vice president of development and strategic partnerships, Accor Greater China. With 25 years’ experience in hospitality, he’ll focus on developing premium and midscale projects and franchise deals along with strategic partnership opportunities.

After earning a bachelor degree in tourism and hotel management from Xi’An Jiaotong University, Li has held various leadership positions, including in the hotel division of a Chinese state-owned enterprise and a senior development role with Marriott.

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