Director of Development Luxury & Lifestyle

As a pioneer in the art of responsible hospitality, the Accor Group gathers more than 45 brands, 5,600 hotels, 10,000 restaurants, and lifestyle destinations in 110 countries. While each brand has its own personality, where you will be able to truly find yourself, they all share a common ambition: to keep innovating and challenging the status-quo.

By joining us, you will become a Heartist®, because hospitality is, first and foremost, a work of heart. 

Director of Development – Luxury & Lifestyle Brands

Accor is a global leader in hospitality, with one of the industry’s most prestigious portfolios of luxury brands including Raffles, Orient Express, Fairmont, Sofitel, MGallery, and Ennismore’s lifestyle collection. We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director of Hotel Development to accelerate the growth of our luxury & lifestyle brands across key markets in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean region.

In this role, you will be responsible for identifying, sourcing, and executing new development opportunities that align with Accor’s strategic expansion goals. You will build and nurture relationships with hotel owners, developers, and investment groups, guiding them through the full deal cycle—from prospecting and financial analysis to contract negotiation and execution. Partnering closely with Accor’s brand, design, and operations teams, you will ensure each project is positioned for long-term success and delivers the exceptional guest experiences synonymous with our luxury portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate new development opportunities for Accor’s luxury and lifestyle brands through proactive market research, networking, and relationship-building.

• Lead the deal process including financial modeling, feasibility analysis, and internal investment approvals.

• Negotiate management, franchise, and joint venture agreements that maximize value for both owners and Accor.

• Maintain and grow a strong pipeline of prospective projects across target markets.

• Represent Accor’s luxury brands at industry events, conferences, and investor meetings to strengthen visibility and partnerships.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders—brand, legal, finance, technical services, and operations—to ensure seamless execution of deals.

• Provide market insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership to guide long-term growth strategy.

Proven experience (10+ years) in hotel development, investment, real estate, or related hospitality sectors, with a strong focus on luxury and lifestyle brands.

Track record of deal-making including sourcing, structuring, and closing management and franchise agreements.

Deep market knowledge of hospitality trends, investor networks, and real estate fundamentals across the Americas (or relevant region).

Strong financial acumen with expertise in feasibility analysis, underwriting, and contract negotiation.

Established relationships with hotel owners, developers, and investment groups in the luxury space.

Excellent communication and presentation skills to influence senior stakeholders and partners.

Strategic mindset with ability to identify opportunities and align them with Accor’s brand growth objectives.

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Hospitality, or Real Estate (MBA or advanced degree preferred).

Multilingual skills English and Spanish required.