Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems, emphasized the Pacific’s growth potential:

“Australia has always been a key market for our Sofitel and MGallery brands, home to several flagship properties such as Sofitel Darling Harbour and MGallery Manly Pacific, winner of the Prix de Versailles.

"2024 has been a record-breaking year for our luxury brands globally, marked by a new dynamic with 90 new hotels signed in the pipeline and major renovations, including Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. In this exciting new chapter, I am delighted to count on David’s talent and strong expertise to continue expanding in the Pacific, a region that is especially dear to us.

"It is also one of the most advanced regions in terms of sustainability and responsible luxury, perfectly aligning with our brand ambitions. Together, we look forward to reaching new heights with an unprecedented development pipeline over the next three years.”

David brings over 25 years of industry experience, having previously served as Head of Asset Management at Axsia HTL, where he oversaw projects and transactions exceeding $16 billion. His career spans senior roles with Marriott International, Starwood, and Hyatt, and he returns to Accor, where he worked from 1995 to 2005.

“I am excited to return to the Accor family and work with these much-loved brands. I’ve always been passionate about collaborating with owners and teams to reposition and elevate hotels, optimize performance, and enhance guest experiences. Joining the Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems brands gives me the opportunity to bring this experience to some of the Pacific’s most iconic luxury properties.”

Markus Keller, Chief Operating Officer for Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems celebrated David’s appointment, stating:

“We are confident that David’s expertise in hotel operations and asset management will ensure that we continue the renewal of the Sofitel brand and the reinforcement of the MGallery brand in the Pacific, which is one of our most important markets globally. With significant investments, new openings, and renovations, the Sofitel and MGallery global portfolios are reaching unprecedented heights, and David’s leadership will further strengthen their success.”

David’s scope will include 21 luxury hotels across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, including Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Sofitel Adelaide, Sofitel Wellington, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, and Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, which recently relaunched after a $70 million renovation.

The MGallery Collection, including Manly Pacific Hotel Sydney, The Porter House Hotel Sydney, Hotel Chadstone Melbourne, and Hotel St Moritz Queenstown, is positioned for rapid growth. The Pacific is also a strategic market for developing Emblems, a collection of emblematic luxury hotels serving as flagships for their destinations. Globally, Emblems aims to grow to 60 properties by 2030.

David added: "Here in the Pacific, my goal is to make Sofitel the luxury brand of choice with its French zest and to grow MGallery into the region’s fastest-growing boutique luxury brand, offering meaningful and memorable moments to its guests. I’m also eager to explore opportunities to bring the prestigious Emblems brand to the Pacific.”

Originally from New Zealand, David has called Sydney home for the past 20 years, where he lives with his wife Martine and twin boys, Jack and Dylan. A passionate rugby fan and avid traveler, he enjoys exploring new destinations and creating unforgettable experiences with his family.