Gilles Cretallaz has been appointed as Senior Vice President Operations at Accor
Accor has announced the appointment of Gilles Cretallaz as Senior Vice President Operations, South-East Asia, Japan, Korea and Maldives for Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems.
Based in Bangkok, Gilles returns to Accor to lead a significant portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts across one of the world's most exciting travel regions. His appointment comes as Accor continues to strengthen the performance, positioning and growth of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems across Asia.
In his new role, Gilles will oversee hotel operations, owner relationships, brand delivery, talent development and strategic growth initiatives across South-East Asia, Japan, Korea and the Maldives. He will also play a key role in supporting the next phase of transformation across the region, with several major renovation, repositioning and development projects underway.
Over the coming months and years, Gilles will support landmark renovation projects designed to strengthen the positioning of several iconic properties, including Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Sofitel Saigon Plaza and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. A number of heritage hotels across Indochina are also undergoing sensitive upgrades, including Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi — MGallery Collection, which is scheduled to complete Phase 2 of its transformation by October, and Sofitel Luang Prabang, which is on track to reopen by the end of the year. Gilles will also oversee the 125th anniversary celebrations for Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi this October.
A series of new hotels and resorts will start welcoming guests in the coming months and years. Following the recent debut of V Villas at Mirihi — MGallery Collection, the highly-anticipated Sofitel Diamond Crown Hai Phong in northern Vietnam is set to make its debut by the end of 2026, along with two MGallery resorts in Phuket: Kamaliss Montazure Phuket — MGallery Collection and Navera Phuket — MGallery Collection. The expansion will also spread to Japan, where Lime Resort Myoko — MGallery Collection is on track to open in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, and the Philippines, where Sofitel Cebu City will make its debut by early 2028.
With more than three decades of experience in luxury hospitality, Gilles brings deep operational expertise, strong owner relationships and an extensive understanding of hotel transformation across Asia. His experience spans luxury operations, development, repositioning and performance, making him ideally placed to guide the continued evolution of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems across the region.
Prior to rejoining Accor, Gilles served as Chief Operating Officer of a leading hospitality company in Thailand, overseeing a portfolio of 60 hotels and resorts. Earlier in his career, he spent more than 30 years with Accor, holding senior leadership roles across Asia Pacific and managing some of the region's most renowned luxury hotels and destinations, including Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, SO/ Bangkok, Sofitel Bangkok and multiple flagship properties across Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and China.
His return reflects Accor's continued investment in experienced leadership as the Group expands its luxury footprint, elevates guest experiences and supports the long-term growth of its hotel portfolio across South-East Asia, Japan, Korea and the Maldives. Today, Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems represent more than 240 hotels worldwide, delivering distinctive luxury experiences rooted in culture, craftsmanship and meaningful connections.