
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
Sales and Marketing jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
06/09/2025
Summary
Not every career begins with certainty, but sometimes, the smallest nudge can spark something extraordinary. For Laura Wahl, that spark came from her mother, who saw her natural people skills and b

Teaser
Housekeeping jobsContent Type
Heartists®’ insightsPublish date
06/09/2025
Summary
What does it take to thrive in hospitality? For Halima Chelkha, the answer is passion. Now an Assistant Housekeeping Manager at Mercure Rif Nador in Morocco, Halima’s journey shows how a role in h

Teaser
Culinary jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
06/09/2025
Summary
Working in an Accor kitchen means stepping into a world where every moment counts and every skill matters. It’s fast, it’s challenging, it’s full of energy, and it’s where you transform raw ingred
+(2).jpeg)
Teaser
Food and Beverage jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
06/09/2025
Summary
Not every career begins at a desk. Some start behind a bar, where creativity flows as freely as conversation, and every shift is a chance to make someone’s day. At Accor, bar jobs are more than ju
.jpeg)
Content Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
At Accor, every Heartist® plays a part in creating exceptional experiences for our guests — and the Maintenance Technician is no exception. As the backbone of hotel operations, Maintenance Technic
.jpeg)
Teaser
HR jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
At Accor, our Heartists® are at the heart of everything we do, and our Human Resources (HR) teams play an important role in shaping that success. Behind every thriving team and engaged Heartist® i
.jpeg)
Content Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
Step into any Accor hotel, and you’ll notice the polished floors, the perfect lighting, and the quiet hum of everything working just as it should. What you won’t always see is the team making that
.jpeg)
Teaser
Food and Beverage jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
05/27/2025
Summary
There’s something special about the way a great meal can bring people together. At Accor, food and drink go far beyond the plate, they’re an experience, a connection, and a chance to make someone’s

Teaser
GeneralContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/27/2025
Summary
At Accor, we believe that a fulfilling career goes hand in hand with making a positive impact on the world. Sustainability in hospitality is at the heart of our values, and we’re proud to be leadin
__original+(1).jpeg)
Teaser
Revenue Management jobsContent Type
BlogsPublish date
03/27/2025
Summary
What is a Hotel Revenue Manager? A hotel revenue manager at Accor is a strategic leader who drives profitability and shapes the future of the hotel’s financial success. This role goes beyond numb
Latest jobs
Salary
Location
25hours Hotel Copenhagen Indre By, Copenhagen, Denmark
Experience Level
Not Applicable
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
25HOURS HOTELS
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Copenhagen
Job Category
Rooms
Description
243 rooms, a big restaurant, two bars – and everything spick and span. That’s your mission. You’ll be working hand in glove with your team, and together you’ll make sure that our guests always have to
Reference
da49874b-f01f-4d0e-b78c-3c2cbdf05545
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
25hours Hotel Copenhagen Indre By, Copenhagen, Denmark
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
25HOURS HOTELS
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Copenhagen
Job Category
Sales
Description
What you'll do...Du styrer din dag selvstændigt og holder dine aftaler – også når kalenderen er fyldt, og indbakken summer.Du organiserer site-inspections og kunde-events – personlige opfølgninger bet
Reference
363071ac-0ee7-4d34-8cf1-cdf3884d617a
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mercure Alger Palais Des Congres, Aïn Bénian, Algeria
Experience Level
Director
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Temporary
Locations
Algeria
Job Category
Engineering & Maintenance
Description
Vos futures missions :● La maintenance préventive et curative de tout l’établissement est votre terrain de jeu : le bon bon fonctionnement de toutes les installations intérieures et extérieures
Reference
0847ce9c-455c-4278-9473-97df11d073eb
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
SLS SLS RED SEA, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Experience Level
Mid-Senior Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
SLS
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Saudi Arabia
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
Oversee daily shift operations, maintaining service standards and seamless restaurant flow.Supervise front-of-house team: assist in hiring, training, performance accountability, scheduling, and etique
Reference
5d0a8dbd-aa3a-49fa-9037-2dafd74d30f2
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
, MOVENPICK RESORT & SPA BINTAN LAGOON, Lagoi, Indonesia
Experience Level
Associate
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Indonesia
Job Category
Sales & Marketing
Description
Senior Sales Manager will have a defined sales territory, market segment(s), account list and/or may partner in a job-sharing setting. Their primary function is to book business from their prospectin
Reference
b27b6551-3893-457c-8d16-3655591eb563
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
SLS SLS RED SEA, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
SLS
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Saudi Arabia
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
Guest Reception: Greet and welcome guests with warmth and professionalism, guiding them to their tables and ensuring a seamless transition into the dining experience.Table Management: Efficiently mana
Reference
de984b28-c420-4119-9109-8ba95b42aa0f
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
SLS SLS RED SEA, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
SLS
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Saudi Arabia
Job Category
Food & Beverage
Description
Craft Cocktails: Prepare a wide range of cocktails, wines, and beverages with precision, showcasing your mixology skills and aligning with the high standards of DELANO Dubai.Guest Engagement: Interact
Reference
10e7a6da-dc3b-43b9-9207-589b795b5ee9
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
, Doha, Qatar
Experience Level
Entry Level
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
PULLMAN
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Doha
Job Category
Engineering & Maintenance
Description
What you will be doing:Carry out preventive maintenance, repair or retrofit of all type of A/C & Refrigeration workRecord and analyze operating logs and utilities. Take immediate measures as necessary
Reference
18c280fe-057a-4187-8359-ffcf4ce7cbab
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mövenpick Aqaba, Aqaba, Jordan
Experience Level
Associate
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
MOVENPICK
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Aqaba
Job Category
Culinary
Description
Chef De Partie - Mövenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba Ready for a sizzling career move? You will play a pivotal role in our kitchen working alongside a fantastic team. The food you prepare, cook and s
Reference
cb96b9c7-64cd-4e38-80db-ede99343359c
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
, MOVENPICK RESORT & SPA BINTAN LAGOON, Lagoi, Indonesia
Experience Level
Associate
Job Schedule
Full-Time
Brands
ACCOR
Job type
Permanent
Locations
Indonesia
Job Category
Sales & Marketing
Description
We’re on the lookout for a proactive and detail-driven Events Coordinator to join our dynamic team! In this exciting and fast-paced role, you’ll be at the heart of bringing memorable events to life —
Reference
215d777d-bb2b-4583-b44b-0970e6bf53d0
Expiry Date
01/01/0001