To honor Gérard’s legacy, Accor teams from around the world will be paying tribute to using a virtual commemoration wall.
PARIS – It is with deep sorrow that we have learned of the passing of Gérard Pélisson, co-founder of Accor, who passed away at the age of 91.
The Group offers its most sincere condolences to his loved ones and more particularly to his nephew, Gilles Pélisson, who has worked for Accor for 17 years, including five years leading the Group.
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. Setting aside his engineering background and a budding career at IBM, Gérard bravely pursued the standardized hotel business model through the creation of US-inspired Novotel in Lille Lesquin, in 1967. This 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.
Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor, said: “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. 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!”
To honor Gérard’s legacy, Accor teams from around the world will be paying tribute to using a virtual commemoration wall.
Our thoughts are with the Pélisson family at this time.
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
