Accor wins three Major Awards at 2025 HM Awards

Accor, the largest hotel operator in the Pacific region, was a standout at the 2025 HM Awards for Hotel and Accommodation Excellence, presented by Sealy Posturepedic in Sydney on Friday 21 November, winning three of the night’s Major Awards.

Accor was named Accommodation Chain of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, further cementing its leadership position in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Voted exclusively by the heads of hotel groups in the region, this award recognises outstanding leadership and excellence in hospitality.

Another crowning moment came shortly after, as Accor’s Chief Operating Officer in the Pacific region, Adrian Williams, was awarded the coveted HM Magazine Australasian Hotelier of the Year.

We are so honoured to receive such recognition at this year’s HM Awards. We love what we do, and it’s a true reflection of the incredible talent, dedication, and passion of everyone at Accor. Being recognised by our industry peers is hugely rewarding, and it also highlights the privilege we have in working alongside our owners and partners, whose trust and collaboration are key to our success. Each year, the calibre of award nominees raises the hospitality benchmark even higher, and we congratulate our fellow industry colleagues on their achievements and service to our industry, said Mr Williams.

Benjamin Nesbitt, Precinct General Manager for Pullman, Novotel and ibis at Sydney Olympic Park, also triumphed on the night, taking home the illustrious Australian General Manager of the Year award for his record-breaking commercial performance, standout industry partnerships, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity and people-focused leadership. Mr Nesbitt said he is incredibly honoured: This win reflects the power of great people, strong partnerships and a culture that puts others first.

Accor’s other award wins on the night included:

• Boutique Hotel: The Playford Hotel Adelaide – MGallery Collection
• Food & Beverage Associate: Bayley McGuire, Pullman Sydney Penrith
• Human Resources Associate: Stephanie Lopesi, Salter Brothers Hospitality Real Estate Joint Venture & Accor
• Hotel Engineer: Keoni Toseki-Solomona, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
• Rising Star: Bailey Wootton, Pullman Sydney Penrith

It is an absolute honour to see Sofitel and MGallery recognised for their outstanding achievements at the 2025 HM Awards. These accolades reflect the exceptional dedication and innovations of our teams and I couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments. Accor Pacific Vice President Operations – Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, David Fraser

Last month, New Zealand and the South Pacific’s leading properties and people were recognised at the 2025 HM Awards Aotearoa-Pacific gala ceremony. Accor’s winners included:

• New Zealand Apartment Hotel: Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments
• Fijian Luxury Resort: Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
• Human Resources Initiative (NZ winner): Sofitel, MGallery and Emblems Pacific RiiSE Committee
• Food and Beverage Associate (NZ winner): Varun Sharma, Novotel Christchurch Airport
• Front Office Associate (NZ winner): Prachie Jan Amelda Gloriani, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport
• Revenue Management Associate (Sth Pac winner): Kirshan Singh, Sofitel Fiji Beach Resort & Spa
• Hotel Engineer (NZ winner): Rebecca Dawson, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
• Rising Star (co-NZ winner): Karishma Singh, Mövenpick Hotel Auckland

The annual HM Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements that exemplify excellence in performance and service across the hospitality industry in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. For a full list of award winners visit hotelmanagement.com.au

From luxury to economy, Accor operates more than 400 hotels in the Pacific region under renowned brands such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore’s SO/, Mondrian, 25hours, Hyde and JO&JOE.