Accor has reinforced its position as a hospitality powerhouse in the Pacific, taking home three Major Awards at the 2025 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence in Sydney on Friday 21 November.
The hotel group was once again named Accommodation Chain of the Year, marking its fourth consecutive win and cementing its leadership across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. The award, voted exclusively by senior hotel group executives, recognises industry-leading performance, innovation and operational excellence.
Adding to the celebration, Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer Adrian Williams was crowned Australasian Hotelier of the Year, a prestigious honour recognising standout leadership and a significant contribution to the region’s accommodation landscape.
“We are so honoured to receive such recognition at this year’s HM Awards. We love what we do, and it’s a true reflection of the incredible talent, dedication, and passion of everyone at Accor,” Mr Williams said. “Being recognised by our industry peers is hugely rewarding… and we congratulate our fellow industry colleagues on their achievements and service to our industry.”
The group’s third Major Award went to Benjamin Nesbitt, Precinct General Manager for Pullman, Novotel and ibis at Sydney Olympic Park, who was named Australian General Manager of the Year for record-breaking commercial results, strong industry partnerships and a people-first leadership approach.
“This win reflects the power of great people, strong partnerships and a culture that puts others first,” Mr Nesbitt said.
Additional wins across Australia
Accor’s outstanding showing continued with several category awards:
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Boutique Hotel: The Playford Hotel Adelaide – MGallery Collection
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Food & Beverage Associate: Bayley McGuire, Pullman Sydney Penrith
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Human Resources Associate: Stephanie Lopesi, Salter Brothers Hospitality Real Estate Joint Venture & Accor
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Hotel Engineer: Keoni Toseki-Solomona, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
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Rising Star: Bailey Wootton, Pullman Sydney Penrith
Accor Pacific Vice President Operations – Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, David Fraser, said the results were a testament to the team’s dedication. “These accolades reflect the exceptional dedication and innovations of our teams and I couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.”
Success in New Zealand and the South Pacific
The recognition continued at last month’s Aotearoa-Pacific HM Awards, where Accor celebrated wins across multiple categories:
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New Zealand Apartment Hotel: Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments
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Fijian Luxury Resort: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
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Human Resources Initiative (NZ): Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems Pacific RiiSE Committee
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Food & Beverage Associate (NZ): Varun Sharma, Novotel Christchurch Airport
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Front Office Associate (NZ): Prachie Jan Amelda Gloriani, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport
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Revenue Management Associate (South Pacific): Kirshan Singh, Sofitel Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
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Hotel Engineer (NZ): Rebecca Dawson, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
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Rising Star (co-NZ winner): Karishma Singh, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland
Celebrating excellence
The HM Awards recognise outstanding contributions to hotels, staff and brands across the region, highlighting excellence in service, leadership and operations.
Accor currently operates more than 400 hotels across the Pacific under leading brands including Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget and lifestyle portfolio brands such as SO/, Mondrian, 25hours, Hyde and JO&JOE.
