Gérard Pélisson, Co-Founder of Accor, Passes Away

Dark/Light Mode (07/03/23)  Gérard Pélisson, Co-Founder of Accor and President of the Institut Paul Bocuse, passed away on Monday at the age of 91.

Gérard was an iconic pioneer who, together with Co-Founder Paul Dubrule, inspired a modern approach to French hospitality at a time when it was poised for fresh ideas.

Gerard Pelisson (9 February 1932 – 6 March 2023)

Setting aside his engineering background and a budding career at IBM, Gérard bravely pursued the standardized hotel business model through the creation of an US-inspired Novotel in Lille Lesquin in 1967. That innovative endeavor would lay the foundation for today’s Accor.

Throughout his journey, Gérard utilized his extensive network of contacts to leverage opportunities to build the group, while overseeing its business plans and major financial projects.

Together with Paul, they achieved major milestones, building the group’s early portfolio which included: founding ibis, Mercure, Sofitel and Formule1, amongst many others.

Gérard was also passionate about sharing his knowledge of the sector with future generations, exemplified in his role as Chairman of the Institut Paul Bocuse. He held a deep conviction that all roles across the hospitality sector be recognized for the important part they played, no matter the task, in contributing to outstanding experiences. He will also be remembered as a competitive golfer who shared his love for the sport with his colleagues when he launched the tournament ‘Tee Bleu’.

In 1997, Gérard stepped back from leading the Group and assumed his role as co-chair of the Supervisory Board alongside Paul.

“Gérard Pelisson was an entrepreneur par excellence. A true revolutionary of our industry who, together with Paul Dubrule, made Accor a global force to be reckoned with,” said Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor. “With courage and determination, they fearlessly challenged conventions, reinvented hospitality, and forever altered the industry’s trajectory, making a global impact. Gérard’s legacy lives on at Accor and we will all endeavor to embrace his daring spirit, mirroring his pursuit of excellence and passion for business. His vision and heart will forever be with us!”

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