The arrangements follow the sudden and tragic death a month ago of Accor�s Managing Director Asia, Tony Young.

The Chief Financial Officer of Accor Asia Pacific, Mr Jochen Dobel, will take up the position of Deputy Chairman and will be based in the Bangkok office co-ordinating the Asian management team.

Reporting to Mr Dobel will be Mr Reggie Shiu, who has been appointed Senior Vice President Asia. Mr Shiu will be in charge of overall development for the Asia region, while retaining his operational responsibilities for China, Korea, Thailand and Indochina. Mr Shiu will be supported by Mr Alain Billy, who will be in charge of financial investment aspects of development. Mr Billy will report to Mr Dobel.

Mr Marc Steinmeyer, Vice President Asia, will return to Indonesia and establish his own business as a hotel consultant with an exclusive contract with Accor to facilitate development projects in Indonesia and Brunei. The move, agreed between Accor and Mr Steinmeyer last year, will take place from 1 July 2000.

Mr Oswald Pichler has been appointed Director of Operations for Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines and will remain in Jakarta.

Commenting on the appointments, Accor Asia Pacific Chairman, Mr David Baffsky, said: �Tony Young established a strong and committed team and a firm base on which Accor will continue to grow in Asia.�

Accor is the world�s largest hotel and tourism company, operating in 140 countries around the world. The global group is a leader in travel, tourism and corporate services with two major international activities:

• hotels (3300 hotels, including 170 in Asia-Pacific under Sofitel, Novotel, All Seasons, Mercure, and Ibis brands) and complementary businesses including travel agencies, restaurants and casinos;
• service vouchers with Accor Corporate Services