Islam Samad has been appointed Vice President of Development at Accor, Middle East
Accor has appointed Islam Samad as vice president development, Middle East, to lead the Group's regional expansion strategy for its premium, midscale, and economy division.
Samad, who brings 23 years of industry experience, will be based in Jeddah and will report directly to Maya Ziade, chief development officer for the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye. His appointment is positioned to strengthen Accor's market leadership in the region.
Samad will focus on identifying new opportunities, securing high-value deals, and strengthening relationships with owners and investors. His experience in managing large-scale projects and negotiating complex agreements is expected to drive Accor's expansion, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Previously leading the launch of over 100 new properties, Samad has negotiated high-profile deals across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. His expertise includes investment structuring, market penetration, and brand expansion, positioning him as a key figure in driving business success in the region.
Accor currently operates over 290 properties in the Middle East and plans to add more than 130 new locations by 2028. The Group's expansion strategy is focused on increasing its footprint across key markets, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, while strengthening relationships with strategic partners.
Samad's appointment reflects Accor's commitment to securing market leadership in the Middle East through targeted growth and strategic development.
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