Accor has announced the appointment of Maria Ashton as Vice President Development, Luxury Brands, Northern Europe.

Maria Ashton’s experience in the hospitality and real estate industries spans 15 years, the majority of which were in senior leadership roles. Her international background includes hotel development, feasibility and asset management across North America, LATAM, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. She also has a track record of acquisition and portfolio growth with leading global brands.

I am delighted to be joining Accor bringing my years of strategic business development experience to my new role as Vice President in the Northern European market. This is a critical time for our industry and Accor is a strong partner with an unrivalled brand portfolio. Accor continues to be the European market leader with an enviable pipeline and fantastic momentum. Throughout the pandemic the business has never once taken its eye off the future, building the brand portfolio and opportunities for our partners across the region. As we look to 2022 and beyond Accor is well placed to strengthen its portfolio with some spectacular projects planned.

Maria Ashton, Vice President of Development Luxury Brands Northern Europe

Maria Ashton joins Accor from Oakwood Hospitality where she was Vice President of Business Development. Prior to this, she spent 13 years in feasibility and senior development roles with Hyatt Hotels throughout the UK, Switzerland and the US.

Recent and planned luxury projects in Northern Europe include:

• Carton House, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, Ireland – opened summer 2021
• Fairmont Windsor Park, UK – opening September 2021
• Raffles London at The OWO – opening 2022
• Fairmont Moscow Mayakovskaya – opening 2022
• Raffles Moscow – opening 2023