Gérard Pélisson, Co-Founder of Accor and
President of the Institut Paul Bocuse, passed away on Monday at
the age of 91.
Gérard was an iconic pioneer who, together with
Co-Founder Paul Dubrule, inspired a modern approach to French
hospitality at a time when it was poised for fresh ideas.
Setting aside his engineering background and a
budding career at IBM, Gérard bravely pursued the standardized
hotel business model through the creation of an US-inspired
Novotel in Lille Lesquin in 1967. That innovative endeavor would
lay the foundation for today’s Accor.
Throughout his journey, Gérard utilized his
extensive network of contacts to leverage opportunities to build
the group, while overseeing its business plans and major financial
projects.
Together with Paul, they achieved major
milestones, building the group’s early portfolio which included:
founding ibis, Mercure, Sofitel and Formule1, amongst many others.
Gérard was also passionate about sharing his
knowledge of the sector with future generations, exemplified in
his role as Chairman of the Institut Paul Bocuse. He held a deep
conviction that all roles across the hospitality sector be
recognized for the important part they played, no matter the task,
in contributing to outstanding experiences. He will also be
remembered as a competitive golfer who shared his love for the
sport with his colleagues when he launched the tournament ‘Tee
Bleu’.
In 1997, Gérard stepped back from leading the
Group and assumed his role as co-chair of the Supervisory Board
alongside Paul.
“Gérard Pelisson was an entrepreneur par
excellence. A true revolutionary of our industry who, together
with Paul Dubrule, made Accor a global force to be reckoned with,”
said Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Accor. “With courage and determination, they fearlessly challenged
conventions, reinvented hospitality, and forever altered the
industry’s trajectory, making a global impact. Gérard’s legacy
lives on at Accor and we will all endeavor to embrace his daring
spirit, mirroring his pursuit of excellence and passion for
business. His vision and heart will forever be with us!”
