Accor, a global leader in hospitality, has announced the appointment of Sushma Shetty as the Cluster Director of Talent & Culture, overseeing human resources operations across 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 set to play a pivotal role in fostering a people-first culture, enhancing employee engagement, and driving talent development across these key Accor properties.
Having worked with prestigious international hotel brands including Hyatt and IHG Hotels & Resorts, Shetty brings a wealth of expertise in building inclusive, high-performance work environments. Her proven track record in talent management, organizational excellence, and employee engagement positions her as a dynamic leader within Accor’s growing UAE portfolio.
Before assuming her current role, 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, and went on to hold senior HR leadership positions including Assistant Manager of Human Resources at Mercure Gold Hotel and Talent & Culture Manager at Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel & Convention Centre Dubai, among others. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to employee development, inclusivity, and aligning HR practices with business goals to create workplace cultures that promote both employee satisfaction and operational success.
Renowned for her empathetic and people-centric leadership style, Shetty believes that a company’s true strength lies in its people. Her focus on employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance has consistently driven higher engagement and retention rates in her previous roles. Through innovative people strategies and inclusive initiatives, she has empowered teams to perform at their best while nurturing a culture rooted in collaboration, respect, and excellence.
In her new capacity as Cluster Director of Talent & Culture, Shetty will oversee all aspects of human resources across Accor’s three UAE properties, with key responsibilities including talent acquisition, employee development, and ensuring strategic alignment of HR practices with Accor’s mission and values. Her priorities will include strengthening employee engagement, nurturing leadership talent, and maintaining Accor’s people-first philosophy—ensuring that every team member feels supported and inspired to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Accor continues to expand its presence in the UAE, now operating over 85 properties across the country. The company’s continued investments—such as the recent acquisition of Dubai Creekside Hotel—underscore its commitment to operational excellence and workforce development in the region. Shetty’s appointment reinforces Accor’s dedication to cultivating a motivated, high-performing workforce that is central to the group’s mission of delivering world-class hospitality experiences.
With her extensive expertise and passion for people development, Sushma Shetty is poised to make a lasting impact on Accor’s UAE operations. Her leadership will continue to drive a culture of excellence, empower teams to thrive, and ensure that Accor remains an employer of choice in the region’s competitive hospitality landscape.
