Accor CEO Bazin to Step Down in 2028, Shareholders Push Back on Pay
Photo Credit: Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin at Skift Global Forum in New York in 2022. Skift
Skift Take
Accor had a retirement policy. So the news here is CEO Sébastien Bazin saying a “succession search” is underway and that he may leave sooner if the board “finds the right person.” More than 40% of shareholders voted against his pay.
Accor chairman and CEO Sébastien Bazin told shareholders on Wednesday that the term ending in May 2028 will be his last, formally launching the search for his successor.
“I was clear with the board of directors, and the board was equally clear with me, this will be my last term,” Bazin said at the company’s annual general meeting, via the company's translator. “Now is the time to get to work. Now is the time to lay the groundwork in terms of succession planning.”
Bazin, who has led Accor since 2013, framed the announcement as creating space for a structured handover. In February 2025, the board had asked Bazin to remain in his role at least until he reached Accor’s mandatory retirement age of 65.
Vice chairman of the board
