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Accor’s new era: Ranju Alex on leadership rooted in listening, action, and putting people first

Ranju Alex, CEO, South Asia, Accor, shares her leadership mantras and vision for Accor.

Ranju Alex, CEO, Accor South Asia
Ranju Alex, CEO, Accor South Asia

An acclaimed hospitality professional with nearly three decades of experience, Ranju Alex began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 and has since held several leadership positions across leading hotel brands.

Before joining Accor as CEO, South Asia, Accor, Ranju served as the Regional Vice President for South Asia at Marriott International, where she oversaw operations of over 170 hotels across the region. Her exceptional contributions to the industry were recently recognized with the Bharat Gaurav Award, a prestigious honour celebrating her achievements and leadership.

Legacy of Leadership

Reflecting on her vision, Ranju shares, “Leadership is about shaping a culture that creates lasting impact, breaks down barriers, challenges the status quo, and leads by example. To me, it means building trust, balancing operational discipline with genuine care, and fostering inclusive, sustainable growth.”

She believes that hospitality’s true essence lies in human connection, “At its core, hospitality is about meaningful personal connections, emotions, and celebrating special moments. If the next generation of leaders can strengthen this industry with greater resilience, relevance, and heart, then we will have truly succeeded.”

Vision for the Future

“The future belongs to responsible growth. While technology, shifting guest expectations, and global connectivity are transforming the industry, real progress is achieved by integrating growth with cultural depth, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.”

Adding that Accor’s strength lies in balance, she says, “At Accor, we’re proud to champion a distinctive approach — combining global excellence with India’s innate warmth and authenticity.”

Leadership Mantra

“Leadership isn’t defined by a title—it’s about inspiring confidence and providing direction when it counts. It’s rooted in listening, decisive action, and putting people at the heart of everything. True leadership empowers teams, fosters accountability, and drives responsible growth.”

“Challenges are inevitable, but a steady, focused leader fortifies both the organization and the people who bring it to life.” With her unwavering focus on people, purpose, and progress, Ranju Alex continues to redefine hospitality leadership—proving that true icons don’t just lead industries, they inspire generations.