5 Star Conversation with Adrian Williams - Embracing Hospitality's Evolution

In "5 Star Conversations," Brendon speaks with Accor's COO for the Pacific, Adrian Williams. Adrian reflects on his start in food and beverage, a pivotal Canadian stint at Banff Springs Hotel, and his rise within Accor. His path shows the hospitality sector's dynamic nature and capacity for personal growth. He credits his parents for steering him towards hospitality, a field that's trained him and many others, providing diverse career paths. Adrian discusses the sector's resilience post-COVID-19, its adaptability, and growth, highlighting new property styles and services. He's excited about hospitality's increasing role in daily life, such as events at Accor Stadium. Technology's impact is also explored, with Adrian viewing it as essential for productivity and improving guest experiences, from mobile check-ins to AI's potential in service and operations. These advancements promise an efficient, guest-centric future for hospitality. Bio for Adrian Williams Starting his hotel career in Canada at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Adrian has 30 years’ of experience in hotel operations including 25 years with Accor. Adrian has held various Senior Leadership positions within Accor. In 2018, he led the integration of Accor’s acquisition of the Mantra Group, bringing more than 140 hotels and 6,500 team members to the group. As Chief Operating Officer ‐ Pacific, he now head’s Accor’s operations across the Pacific region with almost 400 hotels and ancillary businesses with 21,000 team members in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii. Adrian holds a B.Bus in Catering and Hotel Management and a Masters of Marketing from VU. He is a Board Member of the Australian Accommodation Association and a long-standing board member of the Melbourne Convention Bureau. Contact Details Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brendongranger www.Technology4Hotels.com.au Phone +61 2 8317 4000 Phone 1300 503 657 (Australia only)