Accor appoints Puneet Dhawan as senior VP, operations for India and South Asia, Jean-Michel Cassé retires

NEW DELHI: Accor announced the appointment of Puneet Dhawan as senior VP, operations for India and South Asia on Tuesday. Dhawan will take over from Jean-Michel Cassé, chief operating officer (COO), India and South Asia as Cassé departs for his retirement, the hospitality chain said in a statement.

Dhawan’s appointment would be effective August 1, 2020.

Accor said Dhawan will handle the group’s operations and strategies to ensure Accor’s growth momentum in India and South Asia. He will be reporting to Garth Simmons COO, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Asia.


Dhawan has been with Accor for over two decades and has held key positions across countries such as Australia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, the UAE and the Philippines.

Michael Issenberg, chairman and CEO Accor Asia Pacific said Dhawan will contribute immensely in fortifying Accor’s position in India and South Asia. "Being well conversant with Accor’s commitment with its guests and owners, we are certain that he will bolster our core offerings and further define our footprint in the global hospitality industry.”

Dhawan holds a hotel and restaurant administration degree from Switzerland, and a hotel, restaurant and travel administration degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in the United States.