One of the industry’s most respected hoteliers, Michael Issenberg, has joined the Board of TFE Hotels as the Australian-based hotel group readies themselves for their next phase of global expansion.

In announcing the appointment, Chairman of TFE Hotels​, Allan Vidor, said Michael was an outstanding hotelier, and would complement TFE’s strong line-up of existing Board Members and Executives.

“As TFE looks to 2024 and beyond, we are focused on growth, quality and innovation,” Allan said. “And in that respect, we are thrilled that Michael has joined the Board. He is results driven, highly skilled in acquisitions and mergers and, during his tenure, led Accor to become the largest hotel operator in Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand, supporting more than 140,000 employees.”

TFE Hotels has recently debuted the Vibe Hotels and Adina Hotels brands into Singapore and the Adina brand in Austria and Switzerland and continues to develop a robust pipeline of hotels in the Australian, New Zealand, and European markets.

Issenberg, a 26-year veteran of Accor - where he was the Chairman and CEO, Accor Asia Pacific - brings more than 42 years of international experience at executive management and Board level in the travel and hospitality industry to the table. During his tenure at Accor Asia Pacific, he grew his regional network from 200 hotels to 1250.

“Michael has a stellar track record in strategy, investment and operational excellence across the US, Australia and Asia, which will stand us in good stead as we continue to grow globally.” Allan said.

Michael Issenberg said he was delighted to be joining the Board of TFE Hotels.

“The joint venture between Toga and Far East Orchard Limited ten years ago, was a game changer for both companies and the Australian hotel industry, creating an unique platform of brands, operations and real estate capabilities,” he said. ‘I am excited to be joining the Board and assisting the company with the next stage of its growth and evolution.”

Michael is the current Chair of Tourism Australia and a Director of the Star Entertainment Group. He is also a lifetime member of the Cornell Hotel Society; a lifetime member (and former Deputy Chair) of the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) Australia; and a recipient of both the Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur and L’ordre National du Mérite from the French Government.

Today’s announcement comes as the Australian-based hotel company celebrates the 10-year anniversary of their joint venture partnership between Australian based TOGA Group and Singapore-based hotel company, Far East Orchard Limited.