
The path to becoming a General Manager at Accor
At Accor, we believe in fostering talent, supporting growth, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
As part of our commitment to career progression, we sat down with Rafael Fröhlich, a seasoned General Manager at Novotel Munich City.
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Rafael shares his journey, the opportunities at Accor, and why hospitality is the ideal sector for anyone looking to make a difference.
Rafael, what has your journey to becoming a General Manager been like?
“My journey started with Accor 30 years ago when I joined as a Management Trainee on an Apprenticeship. I worked in various hotels—business, leisure, budget, and 4-star properties—which gave me a broad perspective of the guest and colleague experience.
Each role I took on helped shape me into the General Manager I am today. The diversity of the hotels I worked at and the different cultures I encountered have been invaluable in refining my approach.”
How has your career progressed into a General Manager role at Accor?
“I’ve been fortunate enough to receive continuous opportunities to grow. From learning from my mistakes to participating in the International Hotel Management Programme (IHMP) in Paris, I’ve always been encouraged to evolve.
The support of my supervisors and CEOs at Accor played a crucial role. They always gave me the space to learn and innovate, which has been vital in my career progression.”
What was the IHMP program like, and how did it contribute to your role as a General Manager?
“The IHMP was a year-long program that took us through various aspects of hotel management, including mathematics, asset management, HR, communications, and presentation.
It was an intensive and competitive environment, but working with a group of international professionals from diverse backgrounds broadened my understanding of global hotel management. The program prepared me not just for managing a hotel but for leading it to success.”
What advice do you have for those new to the hospitality industry?
“Stay curious and open-minded. No two days are ever the same in hospitality. If you’re dedicated and adaptable, you can go far.
It’s an industry focused on working with and for people, and with Accor, you have the opportunity to grow whether you’re in the city, the country, or even abroad.”
For someone considering a job at Accor, what can they expect?
“Hospitality with Accor is an exciting and constantly evolving journey. The company’s culture encourages learning and growth.
Mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn, and you’re always supported in trying new ideas. If you’re passionate about hospitality and looking for a place where you can develop your skills, Accor is the perfect place to start your career.”
Shape guest experiences as a General Manager at Accor
Rafael’s story is a testament to the growth and opportunities available at Accor. If you're looking to join a company that encourages continuous learning and offers endless career opportunities, consider a career with us.
Unlock a career in hospitality management today.
Discover our latest news!
Latest thinking

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
09/09/2025
Summary
At Accor, every hotel has a story, and every Heartist® helps bring it to life. From boutique design details to immersive guest experiences, our Heartists® are at the heart of what makes our hotels

Teaser
Admin jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
09/09/2025
Summary
Behind every smooth-running hotel, resort, or office at Accor is a team of dedicated administrative Heartists®. Admin jobs at Accor aren’t just about paperwork; they’re about keeping operations sea

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
09/09/2025
Summary
From the buzz of Sydney’s city hotels to the laid-back charm of coastal resorts, Accor offers some of the most exciting hospitality jobs in Australia. From welcoming guests at reception to craftin

Teaser
Housekeeping jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
07/24/2025
Summary
Curious about what a shift leader does and why this role matters so much in hospitality? Meet Yuri Menel, Shift Leader at Novotel Milano Nord Ca Granda in Italy. Yuri’s story shows how dedica

Teaser
Food and Beverage jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
07/24/2025
Summary
Are you curious about what it means to be a head waitress and why this role can be so rewarding? Meet Fiona Jabri, Head Waitress at ibis Paris Coeur d'Orly, whose journey into hospitality sho

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/24/2025
Summary
If you’re dreaming of a career in hospitality that’s exciting, rewarding, and full of possibility, Dubai might just be the place for you. Known for its vibrant culture, iconic skyline, and wor

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/24/2025
Summary
At Accor, we understand that everyone’s journey is different. That’s why our part-time jobs are built to give you the freedom to grow in a way that suits your life. From balancing

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/11/2025
Summary
Are you looking for a career where your work truly matters, where every day brings the chance to make a positive difference? At Accor, we believe hospitality is more than a job. It’s meaningfu

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/11/2025
Summary
At Accor, we believe that learning should open doors, not just to jobs, but to confidence, purpose, and a future you’re proud of. That’s why our apprenticeships are built to give you more tha

Teaser
Housekeeping jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
07/11/2025
Summary
A hotel housekeeping career is so much more than keeping rooms tidy, it’s about creating comfort, care, and unforgettable experiences for every guest who walks through the door. It’s als
Our related job opportunities
Salary
Location
Piracicaba, Brazil
Experience Level
Executive
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Brazil
Job Category
Executive & Hotel Management
Description
Apoiar o Gerente Geral na gestão do hotel, sendo responsável pelos resultados qualitativos e financeiros (custos e ocupação) da área de hospedagem e A&B;Ser corresponsável pelo desenvolvimento, empode
Reference
75a7879f-8266-4dbd-bce1-0a082b8f77c9
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mercure Hotel Mannheim am Rathaus, Mannheim, Germany
Experience Level
Executive
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
MERCURE
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Germany
Job Category
Executive & Hotel Management
Description
Sie sind verantwortlich für:Führen des Hotelsdie operative und autonome Führung des gesamten Hotelbetriebes sowie die Koordinierung und Überwachung des Geschäftsablaufes und die innerbetriebliche Orga
Reference
d851d3a5-d16d-4373-b247-a7a441f54e31
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
SLS Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Experience Level
Director
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
SLS
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Barcelona
Job Category
Executive & Hotel Management
Description
What we are looking for...We are seeking for a talented General Manager who delivers exceptional hospitality to our guests; leads our team in a motivational, energizing and effective manner; and retur
Reference
dd38b243-183f-4206-a64f-d25b13fe4f86
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Novotel Sharm El Sheikh, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Sharm El Sheikh
Job Category
Executive & Hotel Management
Description
The Night Manager will manage the Night Team to deliver performance in compliance with targets and objectivesEvaluate guest satisfaction and put measures in place to meet department quality targets an
Reference
66f11615-70ee-4b9d-936a-21939bb79a16
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
MERCURE PARIS 15 PORTE DE VERSAILLES, PARIS
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
MERCURE
Job type
Temporary
Locations
Paris
Job Category
Executive & Hotel Management
Description
Dans le cadre d'un CDD de remplacement suite à un arrêt maladie longue durée, la mission est pour le moment d'1 mois pour un poste très administratif dans l'accompagnement du directeur et la gestion d
Reference
WDOEZ804
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Le Domaine des Vanneaux Golf & Spa - MGallery, Presles, France
Experience Level
Not Applicable
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
France
Job Category
Executive & Hotel Management
Description
Nous sommes à recherche de notre futur( e) Directeur/Directrice Adjoint(e ) en charge des opérations et du commerce.Dans un premier temps, vous devez avoir fait vos preuves en ayant déjà occupé un po
Reference
133c1fed-6077-45c7-843a-c3bc80413877
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Nova Serrana, Brazil
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Brazil
Job Category
Executive & Hotel Management
Description
Fazer a gestão do hotel sob sua responsabilidade, oferecendo um produto inovador e inspirando a equipe, de forma a assegurar o seu engajamento e os resultados financeiros e qualitativos do hotel, conf
Reference
b0bf498d-8334-45d3-ba1a-9de347e83846
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
SO/ RAS AL KHAIMAH, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Experience Level
Executive
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
SO/
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Ras Al-Khaimah
Job Category
Executive & Hotel Management
Description
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Quality & Sustainability Manager to join our team in Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. In this critical role, you will be responsible for developing
Reference
6eeca613-978f-4913-99fe-2db743e0380f
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
SO/ RAS AL KHAIMAH, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
Experience Level
Executive
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
SO/
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Ras Al-Khaimah
Job Category
Executive & Hotel Management
Description
We are seeking a detail-oriented and efficient Hygiene Officer to join our team in Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. As a key member of our Health and Safety department, you will play a crucial ro
Reference
268e2f44-3f56-45b4-a21b-e494425283ba
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
ibis Lausanne Crissier, Crissier, Switzerland
Experience Level
Executive
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
IBIS
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Switzerland
Job Category
Executive & Hotel Management
Description
MISSIONS PRINCIPALES :Véritable bras droit du Directeur Général, vous assurez la coordination, l’organisation, la gestion administrative et opérationnelle de l’hôtel, tout en veillant à la satisfactio
Reference
d4fb4ef1-8080-413e-90a3-35ef6ae854f8
Expiry Date
01/01/0001