Leire Leoz has been appointed Director of Franchising for Accor’s Premium, Midscale, and Economy divisions.

Her mission will be to strengthen the group’s franchise model by improving the performance of franchised hotels and consolidating relationships with owners. Leoz will also oversee the improvement of tools and processes to support partners, while encouraging the sharing of best practices within the franchise ecosystem.

Accor has a strong presence in Africa, with hotels in numerous countries: North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria), West Africa (Ivory Coast, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana), and Central and Southern Africa (Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Kenya). Leoz’s appointment underscores the importance for the group of strengthening its franchises and consolidating its relationships with owners across the African continent, as well as in Europe and the Middle East.

Leire Leoz has extensive international experience, having served as Vice President of Owner and Partner Relations for the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) at Marriott International. She also held senior management positions at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and InterContinental Hotels Group, after beginning her career at the European Commission.