Business Times Issue 102 | Accor Hotels Group| Oct'23

HOSPITALITY POWERHOUSE:

EXPLORING THE SUCCESS AND IMPACT OF ACCOR HOTELS GROUP

BUSINESS TIMES

MINING HOSPITALITY

ACC HOT GRO 2

BUSINESS TIMES MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2023

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COR TELS OUP BUSINESS-TIMESMEDIA.COM

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MINING

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BUSINESS TIMES MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2023

FEATURE

HOSPITALITY POWERHOUSE:

EXPLORING THE SUCCESS AND IMPACT OF ACCOR HOTELS GROUP Project by: Malvern Kandemwa Words by: Michelle Duncan

The world of hospitality has witnessed a transformative journey led by Accor Hotels Group, a global powerhouse renowned for its commitment to unparalleled guest experiences, innovative of-

ferings, and an expansive portfolio of hotels that span continents.

With a presence in over 110 countries, Accor’s diverse range of properties caters to various tastes, needs, and lifestyles. Accor’s portfolio is a kaleidoscope of hospitality, catering to every type of traveller. From luxury to economy, boutique to business, the group offers a spectrum of brands that resonate with the unique preferences of guests.

The iconic Fairmont, Sofitel, and Raffles brands deliver opulent luxury experiences, while the Novotel and Mercure brands cater to those seeking comfort and convenience. Ibis, Accor’s economy brand, exemplifies affordability without compromising on quality. This diversity showcases Accor’s commitment to inclusivity and its endeavour to make hospitality accessible to all.

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Driving positive outcomes for people, businesses and the planet Helping hotels around the world create clean and safe spaces, responsibly Comprehensive, science-based solutions that span hotel operations:

CLEAN Helping to deliver positive experiences through clean, healthy spaces

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Warewashing and kitchen hygiene

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Food safety

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Housekeeping

PROTECT

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Floor and carpet care

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On-premise laundry

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Pool and spa

Helping to protect people, resources, assets and your business health

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Water solutions

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Pest elimination

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Quality assurance audits

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On-site, hands-on and digital training

Ecolab.com/Hotels 1 800 35 CLEAN

© 2023 Ecolab USA Inc. All rights reserved.

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BUSINESS TIMES MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2023

OPTIMIZE Helping you achieve a higher level of productivity and efficiency

FEATURE

One of the key drivers of Accor Hotels Group’s success and sustainability is its procurement function, led by Sebastien Brunel, the global Chief Procurement Officer. Brunel has 25 years of experience in the hospitality business, with 20 years in procurement. He has held various procurement roles in different regions and markets, including the UK, the US, Brazil, France, and Canada. He has been the global CPO since 2019, based in Paris.

Brunel oversees a team of more than 180 procurement professionals around the world, who manage the sourcing and purchasing of goods and services for Accor Hotels Group’s operations. His main objectives are to optimise costs, quality and value for the group and its stakeholders, while also ensuring compliance, risk management and sustainability across the supply chain.

Sebastien Brunel, Global Chief Procurement Officer, Accor Hotel Group

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HOSPITALITY

Brunel believes that procurement is not only a strategic function that contributes to the group’s performance and competitiveness, but also a catalyst for innovation and transformation. He has been instrumental in implementing several initiatives that have enhanced the procurement function’s capabilities and impact, such as: Developing a digital procurement platform that leverages data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation to streamline processes, improve efficiency and transparency, and generate insights and savings.

Launching a group purchasing program that leverages the collective buying power of Accor Hotels Group’s properties to negotiate better prices and terms with suppliers, while also offering them access to preferred products and services.

Establishing a sustainable procurement policy that sets clear standards and expectations for suppliers on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, such as reducing carbon emissions, waste, and water consumption, promoting human rights and diversity, and supporting local communities.

Creating a procurement academy that provides training and development opportunities for procurement staff and stakeholders, as well as fostering a culture of collaboration, learning and innovation.

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Brunel is also passionate about leading by example and inspiring others to embrace sustainability and innovation in their daily work. He is actively involved in several industry associations and networks that promote best practices and knowledge sharing in procurement and hospitality. He is also a mentor for young talents and entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas or solutions for the hospitality sector.

Brunel’s vision is to make Accor Hotels Group’s procurement function a world-class leader in sustainable and innovative hospitality. He believes that by working together with suppliers, partners, customers and employees, procurement can make a positive difference for the group’s business, brand, and reputation, as well as for the planet and its people.

BUSINESS TIMES MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2023

PROCUREMENT IS NOT ONLY A STRATEGIC FUNCTION THAT CONTRIBUTES TO THE GROUP’S PERFORMANCE AND COMPETITIVENESS, BUT ALSO A CATALYST FOR INNOVATION AND TRANSFORMATION.

FEATURE

Driving clean, healthy spaces around the world Since 1923, Ecolab has been known

ing water and energy use and waste

Our 47,000 associates are the key to

for

sci-

while improving employee safety and

our ability to deliver quality results for

ence-driven innovation, unmatched

its

relentless

pursuit

of

delighting customers. Service spe-

customers. Around the world, 25,000

service, and enduring commitment

cialists partner with property man-

well-trained sales and service asso-

to protect people and resources vital

agers to provide on-site training on

ciates make up one of the industry’s

to life. Ecolab has over 47,000 associ-

procedures and implement solutions.

largest direct sales-and-service force,

ates in more than 170 countries work-

Together we are committed to ele-

and approximately 1,100 scientists,

ing to help advance food safety, main-

vating sustainable initiatives without

engineers and technical specialists

tain clean and safe environments,

compromising business outcomes.

bring broad expertise in critical core

optimize water and energy use, and

This commitment is evident through

technologies, including antimicrobi-

improve operational efficiencies for

industry recognition, our sustainabil-

als, dispensing and monitoring, per-

customers around the world.

ity goals, smart water use solutions,

sonal and environmental hygiene,

and the way we do business internally

polymers, surfactants, solid chemistry

Innovation that leads to impact:

and with our customers. In 2022, Eco-

and water management solutions.

We are forward-looking innovators

lab was recognized by several leading

who are always looking for ways to

organizations for our commitment to

Our comprehensive hotel program

produce positive outcomes for peo-

operating responsibly and sustain-

includes:

ple, businesses and the planet. Cus-

ably. We earned a Platinum ranking

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tomers have come to expect us to de-

with EcoVadis, leadership-level rank-

velop innovations that help improve

ings from CDP—an A- ranking for

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Food safety

their operations, reduce business risk

both Climate Change and Water Se-

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Housekeeping

and lead the industry. Over the years,

curity submissions—and are ranked

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Floor and carpet care

our products, programs and services

33 in Corporate Knights’ 100 Most Sus-

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On-premise laundry

have helped customers:

tainable Corporations in the World.1

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Pool and spa

•

Water solutions

Warewashing and kitchen hygiene

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Maximize operational efficiency

Ecolab has ambitious 2030 sustain-

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Pest elimination

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Meet public health and food

ability goals2 that we are working to

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Quality assurance audits

safety requirements

accelerate progress against in our op-

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On-site, hands-on and digital

Improve safety for employees

erations and with our customers. We

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training

and customers

measure the impact of our solutions,

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Drive guest satisfaction

helping customers quantify their re-

Ecolab is committed to helping ho-

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Improve labor efficiency

turn on investment and track oper-

tels around the world realize im-

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Reduce water and energy use

ational improvements and progress

pactful sustainability benefits while

and waste

across a range of performance goals.

delivering on the performance and

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Extend the life of assets

operational needs of its hotel owners.

Driving clean, healthy spaces

Advancing sustainable hotel oper-

around the world

ations:

Our comprehensive cleaning and dis-

Like Accor, Ecolab is committed to

infecting solutions, combined with

shaping a more sustainable future.

unparalleled personalized service and

We are proud to partner with ho-

expert training, make Ecolab a go-to

tel owners around the world to help

resource for all hotel cleaning needs,

deliver operational savings by reduc-

from the basement to the rooftop.

1 - https://www.ecolab.com/media-center/awards-and-recognition 2 - www.ecolab.com/corporate-responsibility/2030-impact-goals

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TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMATION AND LEADERSHIP: In the digital age, technology transformation is critical for the success of any hospitality company. Guided by Sebastien Brunel’s visionary leadership, Accor Hotels Group has undergone a comprehensive digital transformation. Leveraging emerging technologies, the company has implemented innovative solutions to enhance guest experi-

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ences, improve operational efficiency, and stay ahead of market trends. Investing in its digital transformation to enhance its customer experience, loyalty, and satisfaction, as well as its operational efficiency, agility, and innovation.

Accor Hotels Group has created a digital hub that brings together experts from various fields, such as data, e-commerce, marketing, and technology, to develop and implement digital solutions

BUSINESS TIMES MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2023

for the group and its stakeholders. Accor Hotels Group has also partnered with Microsoft to use its cloud and artificial intelligence capabilities to create a new digital platform that will offer personalised and seamless services to its customers across all touchpoints. From implementing mobile check-in and keyless room entry to utilising data analytics for personalised guest recommendations, Brunel’s leadership has positioned Accor as a technology-driven industry frontrunner.

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SUSTAINABILITY: As sustainability becomes increasingly important in the hospitality sector, Sebastien Brunel recognizes the role that Accor Hotels Group plays in driving positive environmental and social change. Under his direction, Accor has set ambitious sustainability goals through their Planet 21 programs. This covers four pillars: working with its employees, involving its customers, innovating with its partners, and working with local communities. By focusing on areas such as water and energy conservation, waste reduction, and community engagement, Brunel is spearheading Accor’s commitment to sustainable practices throughout its operations. By collaborating with suppliers and implementing sustainable procurement processes, Accor aims to create a more responsible and eco-friendly hospitality industry.

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INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENT: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Sebastien Brunel’s vision extends beyond day-to-day operations.

Recognizing the importance of infrastructure, Accor Hotels Group has embarked on an ambitious journey of property renovations and new constructions.

These efforts not only enhance guest experiences but also align with the group’s commitment to sustainability. Energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and innovative designs are shaping the future of hospitality infrastructure.

Accor aims to open more than 300 properties by the end of 2023, with a stable pipeline of more than 1,200 projects and 214,000 rooms in the works. Accor has a strong presence in Europe, China, and the Middle East, and is expanding its footprint in North America and other regions. Accor also launched a new luxury brand, Emblems Collection, and signed the first two Orient Express destinations in the world in 2021. Accor also provides a clear infrastructure to help owners and operators bring tech ideas to corporate teams where many other brands lack a key direct channel from local ownership and management groups into corporate tech decision making.

They can also help secure hotel projects at each step of their life cycle, from design to construction to renovation. Accor combines global experience with local knowledge and provides tailored

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solutions for building conversion, new build, takeover, or refurbishment projects. Accor also ensures that its hotel projects comply with its environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments and standards.

Brunel ensures that Accor’s hotels have access to high-quality products and services that meet the brand’s standards. He leads the implementation of comprehensive procurement strategies, focusing on cost optimization, risk management, and supplier collaboration. By leveraging economies of scale and enhancing supply chain transparency, Accor can provide consistent experiences to guests globally.

Sebastien Brunel’s role as Chief Procurement Officer of Accor Hotels Group is instrumental in driving excellence in the company’s day-to-day operations. His leadership in technology transformation, sustainability initiatives, and procurement and supply chain management has positioned Accor as a leader in the hospitality industry. Under Brunel’s guidance, Accor continues to enhance operational efficiency, improve guest experiences, and drive sustainable practices. As the industry evolves, Sebastien Brunel’s strategic vision and expertise will be pivotal in ensuring Accor remains at the forefront of the global hospitality landscape.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ACCOR HOTELS ACCOR.COM

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