Jonathan Sheard has been promoted to the newly-created role of senior vice president, development, for AccorHotels UK & Ireland.
Sheard, who has worked for the French hotel group since 1992, was most recently senior vice president for luxury, upscale and midscale brands in the UK and Ireland, responsible for growth of the Mercure brand.
His new role will see him accelerate franchise growth particularly for the Mercure and ibis Styles brands.
He will be looking to acquire new portfolios on a franchise and management basis and seek out projects for development.
UK and Irealnd managing director, Thomas Dubaere, said: “Jonathan has held a number of key positions during his career at AccorHotels and has already contributed to the additional growth of our portfolio particularly in the Mercure brand which has significantly increased in the last two years.
“The UK is a growing market and we have ambitious expansion plans to reach 40,000 rooms in the coming years. Jonathan’s skillset alongside the experienced team will be invaluable.”
Sheard said: “The UK is a thriving market for hotels at the moment and there is real development potential for AccorHotels.
“We will be actively seeking new portfolios in the economy and midscale segment as well as continuing to drive individual franchise and management contracts.”