Accor, the multinational hospitality company, is mourning the passing of Gérard Pélisson, one of its co-founders. Pélisson passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that transformed the hospitality industry.
Accor expressed its deepest condolences to Pélisson’s loved ones, particularly his nephew Gilles Pélisson, who has been working with the company for 17 years, including a five-year tenure as its CEO.
Pélisson was an iconic figure who, along with co-founder Paul Dubrule, redefined French hospitality and introduced a modern approach to the industry. Despite having a background in engineering and a budding career at IBM, Pélisson took the bold step of launching the US-inspired Novotel in Lille Lesquin in 1967, which laid the foundation for today’s Accor.
Throughout his career, Pélisson leveraged his extensive network of contacts to build the company and oversaw major financial projects. Along with Dubrule, he founded ibis, Mercure, Sofitel, and Formule1, among others, and achieved major milestones that made Accor a global leader in the hospitality industry.
Pélisson was also passionate about sharing his knowledge of the sector with future generations, as exemplified by his role as Chairman of the Institut Paul Bocuse. He believed that all roles in the hospitality sector should be recognized for their importance in contributing to outstanding experiences. He was also a competitive golfer and launched the tournament ‘Tee Bleu’ to share his love of the sport with colleagues.
In 1997, Pélisson stepped back from leading the company and assumed his role as co-chair of the Supervisory Board alongside Dubrule.
Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, paid tribute to Pélisson, calling him “an entrepreneur par excellence” and “a true revolutionary of our industry” who fearlessly challenged conventions, reinvented hospitality, and forever altered the industry’s trajectory.
To honour Pélisson’s legacy, Accor teams from around the world will pay tribute to him using a virtual commemoration wall.
The hospitality industry has lost a true visionary, but Pélisson’s legacy lives on at Accor, and his daring spirit, pursuit of excellence, and passion for the business will continue to inspire the company and its employees for years to come. Our thoughts are with the Pélisson family during this difficult time.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach (Joom)