Sushma Shetty Appointed Cluster Director of Talent & Culture

Accor, a global leader in hospitality, has announced the appointment of Sushma Shetty as the Cluster Director of Talent & Culture. In this new role, Shetty will oversee human resources functions across three prominent properties in the United Arab Emirates: Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate, and Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate. With more than 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Shetty is poised to make a significant impact by fostering a people-first culture and strengthening employee engagement at these key Accor properties.

Having worked with prestigious brands such as Hyatt and IHG Hotels & Resorts, Shetty brings a wealth of expertise in creating inclusive and high-performance work environments. Her proven track record of enhancing employee engagement, driving organizational excellence, and developing strong talent management practices positions her to lead the team in her new role effectively.

A Distinguished Career in Hospitality Human Resources

Before her appointment at Accor, Shetty served as Cluster People & Culture Manager for Accor Hotels in Dubai Deira Waterfront and the Gold Souk District. She began her career as a Human Resources Coordinator at the Hawthorn Hotel in Deira, Dubai, where she quickly developed the skills that would define her career in hospitality HR. Over the years, Shetty has taken on increasingly senior roles, including Assistant Manager of Human Resources at Mercure Gold Hotel, Talent & Culture Manager at Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel & Convention Centre Dubai, and Talent & Culture Manager at other key properties within Accor.

Shetty’s expertise extends beyond the core functions of human resources; her leadership emphasizes employee development, fostering inclusivity, and aligning HR practices with business goals. Her journey reflects a strong foundation in building effective teams and workplace cultures that prioritize both employee satisfaction and operational success.

Leadership Approach and Core Values

Shetty is well-regarded for her ability to blend industry insight with a compassionate approach to leadership. Her leadership style is grounded in the belief that a company’s true strength lies in its people. She has consistently focused on creating environments where employees feel valued, engaged, and empowered to grow personally and professionally.

Her leadership approach includes a focus on employee well-being, work-life balance, and professional development. Shetty believes that when employees are supported and motivated, they contribute to a company’s success. Her efforts to build inclusive workplaces are complemented by her initiatives to improve employee engagement and retention, which have been key drivers of organizational performance in her previous roles.

Overseeing People & Culture Across Multiple Properties

As Cluster Director of Talent & Culture for Accor, Shetty will oversee all aspects of people & culture across the three Accor properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Her responsibilities will include managing employee development, talent acquisition, and ensuring alignment between HR practices and the company’s mission and values.

In her new role, Shetty will focus on maintaining Accor’s people-first culture by ensuring that all employees feel supported in their professional journeys. She will drive initiatives to strengthen employee engagement, ensuring that employees are not only highly skilled but also aligned with the company’s broader objectives of delivering outstanding guest experiences.

A Continued Commitment to Excellence at Accor

Accor is one of the largest hospitality groups in the world, with a portfolio of over 85 properties in the UAE. The company continues to expand its footprint in the region, as evidenced by the recent acquisition of Dubai Creekside Hotel. This acquisition highlights Accor’s commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and human resources within the UAE.

Shetty’s appointment is aligned with Accor’s strategy of ensuring that its hotels are staffed with a motivated, skilled workforce. By strengthening employee development and talent management across her cluster of properties, Shetty will contribute to the ongoing success of Accor in the UAE. Her leadership will help Accor maintain its position as a top employer in the region while furthering its goal of delivering world-class guest experiences.

Career Milestones and Impact

Throughout her career, Shetty has been instrumental in shaping the human resources landscape within the hospitality industry. Her growth from Human Resources Coordinator to Cluster Director of Talent & Culture is a testament to her dedication and expertise in the field. Shetty’s work has consistently focused on improving employee engagement and creating workplaces where talent can thrive.

She has a deep understanding of the importance of employee satisfaction, and her initiatives have led to improved performance and retention rates at the hotels she has managed. Her success in aligning human resources practices with the broader goals of the organization has made her a valuable asset to every company she has worked for, and she is poised to continue this tradition at Accor.

Looking Ahead: Empowering People and Building Excellence

With her appointment as Cluster Director of Talent & Culture at Accor, Sushma Shetty will continue to build on her legacy of excellence in human resources. Her primary focus will be on developing and nurturing a talent pool that is both capable and engaged, ensuring that the company’s workforce remains aligned with its broader strategic objectives.

Shetty’s leadership in this new role will be crucial in maintaining Accor’s strong people-first culture, driving employee satisfaction, and ultimately ensuring the success of the hotels under her care. As Accor continues to grow and strengthen its presence in the UAE, Shetty’s contributions will be key to its continued success, fostering a workplace where employees are empowered to deliver exceptional guest experiences and thrive professionally.