Accor has reinforced its leadership in the Pacific, taking home three Major Awards at the 2025 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, held in Sydney on Friday 21 November.
The wins further strengthen the group’s position as the region’s largest hotel operator, with more than 400 properties across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Accor named Accommodation Chain of the Year
For the fourth consecutive year, Accor was awarded Accommodation Chain of the Year. Voted exclusively by senior hotel group executives, the accolade recognises excellence in hospitality, brand leadership and industry contribution.
The group’s Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Williams, was also named HM Magazine Australasian Hotelier of the Year. Williams said the recognition reflects the dedication of Accor’s people and the strength of its partnerships across the region.
Australian General Manager of the Year
A third major accolade went to Benjamin Nesbitt, Precinct General Manager for Pullman, Novotel and ibis at Sydney Olympic Park, who won Australian General Manager of the Year. Nesbitt’s award acknowledges his commercial achievements, inclusive leadership style and strong industry relationships.
Accor also secured wins across several specialist categories, including:
- Boutique Hotel: The Playford Hotel Adelaide – MGallery Collection
- Food & Beverage Associate: Bayley McGuire, Pullman Sydney Penrith
- Human Resources Associate: Stephanie Lopesi, Salter Brothers Hospitality Real Estate JV & Accor
- Hotel Engineer: Keoni Toseki-Solomona, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
- Rising Star: Bailey Wootton, Pullman Sydney Penrith
Regional recognition across NZ and the South Pacific
Accor’s success extended to the Aotearoa-Pacific gala, with wins including:
- New Zealand Apartment Hotel: Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments
- Fijian Luxury Resort: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
- Human Resources Initiative: Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems Pacific RiiSE Committee
- Food & Beverage Associate: Varun Sharma, Novotel Christchurch Airport
- Front Office Associate: Prachie Jan Amelda Gloriani, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport
- Revenue Management Associate: Kirshan Singh, Sofitel Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
- Hotel Engineer: Rebecca Dawson, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
- Rising Star (co-winner): Karishma Singh, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland
David Fraser, Accor Pacific Vice President Operations for Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems, said the accolades highlight the commitment and innovation of Accor teams across the region.
The HM Awards celebrate excellence in accommodation and hospitality, honouring outstanding performance across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. A full list of winners is available at Hotel Management online.
