The Accor story
Paul Dubrule and Gérard Pélisson opened their first Novotel near Lille in 1967. They built a group of hotel brands under the name Accor, created in 1983, and it grew into Europe's largest hotel group.
What makes Accor powerful
Accor's power comes from a brand for every budget. Its portfolio runs from ibis to Novotel, Mercure, Pullman, Sofitel, Fairmont and Raffles, and its ALL loyalty programme ties them together. Travellers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East see its brands everywhere.
Accor today
Accor is headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO since 2013, has turned it into a mainly asset-light business that franchises and manages hotels rather than owning them.
What comes next for Accor
Accor's next step is to grow its luxury and lifestyle brands and expand in fast-growing markets such as India and the Middle East.
Why Accor ranks #86
Brand Positioning & Recall (68.0) and Consumer Trust & Sentiment (66.0) carry Accor's Power Score of 65.96.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 64.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
5 Travel & Logistics brands are in the Europe 100. Accor is #2 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Accor in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Accor ranks #86 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 65.96 out of 100.
When was Accor founded and who founded it?
Accor was founded in 1967. Founder(s): Paul Dubrule and Gérard Pélisson.
What is Accor's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Accor's lowest pillar is Product, Innovation & Delivery at 64.0 out of 100.
Who leads Accor today?
Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO. The brand is owned by Accor SA.
Where is Accor headquartered?
Accor is based in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. Its country of origin is France.
What is Accor's revenue?
€5.64bn revenue (FY2025, +0.6%), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Accor?
Accor's story began in 1967 with the first Novotel, in Lille, France.
Key facts
| Brand | Accor |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Accor SA |
| Headquarters | Issy-les-Moulineaux, France |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Founder(s) | Paul Dubrule and Gérard Pélisson |
| Leadership | Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO |
| Latest revenue | €5.64bn revenue (FY2025, +0.6%) Source |
| Sector | Travel & Logistics |
| Country of origin | France |
| Signature fact | Accor's story began in 1967 with the first Novotel, in Lille, France. |
| Official website | group.accor.com |
Accor is ranked #86 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 65.96).