Accor Launches Its International Women’s Network: Women At Accor Generation

Accor aims to account with 50% women hotel managers worldwide, with an intermediary target of 35% by 2015

Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, announced today the international launch of its women’s network: Women at Accor Generation (WAAG). WAAG’s aim is to fight against stereotypes and help Accor reach its gender equality objectives. This network is opened to both women and men, and is represented on all five continents.

During the regional launch of its women’s network at Accor Middle East’s headquarters in Dubai recently, Christophe Landais, Managing Director, Accor Middle East said: “Women at Accor Generation is a great initiative from Accor. Not only does it assist in the recruitment but also in the retention of top women talents. As an industry leader, Accor is blazing the trail in the region to establish a women network for professional development”.

Women at Accor Generation, at the global level, is chaired by Sophie Stabile, Accor’s Global Chief Financial Officer. Its activities are mainly based on mentoring, sharing of experiences and training, as well as on the creation and collaboration through networks, with the aim of promoting greater access by women to managerial positions. The network also intends to act as a source of proposals in areas that concern Accor’s own business. The first workgroup set up with this in mind will come up with innovative products and services that meet the expectations of business women who are customers at Accor’s hotels.

“There are more female graduates than male graduates, and yet women are under-represented in corporate managerial positions,” explains Stabile. “We know that mixed teams are more innovative and more efficient. Women at Accor Generation aims to give women confidence in their potential, to embolden them, and to accompany them as they take this approach.”

Women at Accor Generation is structured around a Steering Committee, which determines its key areas of activity and coordinates regional initiatives, and a Bureau, which is its active representative body. WAAG’s initiatives are agreed on collectively and in consultation with the regions. They are coordinated locally by nine regional leaders in eight geographic regions, namely: Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, North America, Latin America, Southern Europe, Northern, Eastern and Central Europe, and France.

Valerie Brignone, Training & Learning Development Director Accor Middle East, added: “The establishment of a network for the development of women professionals within Accor demonstrates Accor’s commitment to promoting gender equality while recognising a vast resource of potential untapped talent. I am very proud to play a part in this program and I am convinced we at Accor Middle East can really make a difference.”

By end 2013, the network aims to have 3,000 members and to have deployed all its action plans and workgroups on the five continents.

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Dec 19, 2012

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