In this role, Raheel will spearhead the strategic direction and execution of Accor’s F&B vision across the region, with a focus on enhancing guest experience, driving operational excellence, and strengthening brand differentiation across the portfolio as a key consumer connect pillar.
Raheel will also work closely with hotel teams and partners to optimise performance, streamline operations, and introduce new revenue-generating opportunities across segments, including lifestyle dining, weddings, and social celebrations. His mandate will include fostering collaborations, nurturing talent, and driving consistency in service standards while ensuring each hotel reflects its unique identity.
With over 25 years of experience, working with 650 hotels across 24 brands in 22 countries, Raheel brings a rare blend of culinary artistry and strategic leadership. His journey from a culinary foundation to regional leadership reflects his philosophy of using food as a medium for storytelling and guest connection creating dining experiences that are both memorable and emotionally engaging. His approach is rooted in creating immersive, emotionally engaging dining experiences.
Prior to joining Accor, Raheel was part of the senior F&B regional leadership team at Marriott International. A recipient of the Marriott Global Chef of the Year award, Raheel has led the development and scaling of multiple brand-led dining concepts across diverse markets. His expertise lies in translating local culinary heritage into scalable, commercially successful experiences across regions including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, Vietnam, and India.
He has also been instrumental in elevating culinary positioning through global partnerships with platforms such as the Michelin Guide and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, while collaborating with internationally acclaimed chefs to deliver high-impact dining experiences across markets.
A strong advocate for sustainability, Raheel has championed initiatives around responsible sourcing, plant-based innovation, and food waste reduction, embedding conscious consumption into F&B strategy and operations.
His leadership extends beyond operations into building a strong culinary ecosystem. Raheel is deeply passionate about mentorship and talent development, having supported structured culinary programs and cross-market capability building. He is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively promoting women leadership and fostering inclusive kitchen cultures across teams.
Commenting on the appointment, Ranju Alex, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia, Accor, said, “We are pleased to welcome Raheel Ahmad to Accor. His deep understanding of strategic planning, extensive expertise in the food and beverage space, and strong focus on financial performance make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. Raheel brings with him a proven track record of driving sustained revenue growth, improving margins, enhancing operational efficiencies, and creating differentiated guest experiences across diverse hospitality environments. His ability to balance innovation with commercial performance, while building high-performing teams and strengthening brand positioning, will be instrumental in further elevating our F&B ecosystem across South Asia.”
Outside of work, Raheel enjoys travelling and exploring new destinations. He also has a keen interest in cricket and keeps a close eye on global trends shaping the hospitality and culinary landscape.
Accor looks forward to Raheel’s leadership in further shaping a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive Food & Beverage landscape across the region.
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