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Episode Transcript

About

The podcast emphasizes the vital role of high-performing executive teams in driving organizational success. Felicia Shakiba introduces Duncan O'Rourke, CEO of Accor, who shares insights on crafting effective leadership teams. Duncan highlights the importance of results-focused leadership and values alignment within the team. He prioritizes qualities like subject matter expertise and strategic thinking in team members. Duncan stresses open communication, diversity, and talent inclusion in decision-making.

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Duncan O'Rourke

After studying hotel management at César Ritz Colleges Switzerland and earning an MBA from Reims Management School, Duncan held several hospitality executive positions across Europe, the US, and the Middle East. From 2004, he served as General Manager at Kempinski Hotel Thessaloniki Nikopolis before overseeing the pre-opening of two London hotels.

He later became Regional Director & General Manager at Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea in Jordan, overseeing ten regional pre-openings. In 2008, he became Chief Operating Officer of Kempinski Hotels, joining the Management Board.

Duncan joined Accor at the end of 2016, as the COO Europe for the luxury segment and was responsible for 140 hotels in the region until end of 2019. In September 2018, he additionally took over as the COO Central Europe, leading teams in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

As CEO of the Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Asia Pacific, Duncan oversees 1,000 operating properties, with 200+ in the pipeline, with brands including Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Mercure, Novotel, Novotel Suites, Adagio, ibis, ibis budget and ibis styles.

In October 2020, Duncan joined the Group’s Executive Committee and manages the Premium, Midscale and Economy Division across 44 countries.

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