Accor announces the appointment of Puneet Dhawan as Senior VP Operations, India & South Asia. Taking reigns from Jean-Michel Cassé, Chief Operating Officer (COO) – India & South Asia as he departs for his retirement, Dhawan’s appointment would be effective from 1st August 2020. Well ingrained in Accor’s culture, Puneet will handle the group’s operations and strategies to ensure Accor’s continued growth momentum in India and South Asia. He will be reporting to Garth Simmons – COO – Chief Operating Officer, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Asia.
Dhawan has now been with Accor for over two decades and has held key positions across countries such as Australia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, The UAE and The Philippines. During his successful tenure as Vice President Operations – Economy & Midscale Brands Accor Middle East, Dubai Regional Office, he successfully managed 35 hotels in six countries. Puneet was instrumental in coaching and supervising 23 General Managers under his leadership.
In 2012, he was positioned in Bangalore as General Manager Delegate. Under his management, the company launched Accor’s first dual property in India – Novotel and ibis Bengaluru Techpark with over 500 rooms and six restaurants & bars with a strength of over 300 employees.
After commencing his hospitality career in 1994 with Mandarin Oriental in Manila, he joined Accor in 1998 as Director of Food and Beverage of Century Wanchai, now Novotel Century Hong Kong. In his most recent role as General Manager, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Dhawan re positioned the massive hotel as a top luxury urban resort of Philippines with over 600 rooms and an extensive selection of restaurants and bars.
Congratulating Puneet Dhawan on his new position, Michael Issenberg, Chairman and CEO Accor Asia Pacific said, “With extensive industry experience and deep understanding of varied cultures, Puneet will contribute immensely in fortifying Accor’s position in India and South Asia. Being well conversant with Accor’s commitment with its guests and owners, we are certain that he will bolster our core offerings and further define our footprint in the global hospitality industry.”
