Paris-headquartered hospitality group Accor has appointed Ranju Alex as its Chief Executive Officer for South Asia, a role that will see her oversee operations and growth in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The company currently runs more than 70 hotels across the region, with over 30 new properties in development.

Alex, a veteran of the hospitality sector with more than three decades of experience, was most recently Regional Vice President for South Asia at Marriott International, where she managed a portfolio of 170 hotels. She began her career with The Oberoi Group in 1993 and has held senior leadership roles with Marriott. Earlier this year, she received the Bharat Gaurav award for her contributions to the industry.

Accor and InterGlobe Enterprises earlier this year announced plans to consolidate their hospitality businesses into a single joint venture, subject to regulatory approval.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to welcome Ranju to the Accor and InterGlobe Family,” said Gaurav Bhushan, Chairman of the proposed Accor–InterGlobe joint venture. “She brings a wealth of rich experience, skills and relationships into our business and we look forward to building the foremost hospitality platform in the region under her leadership.”

Commenting on her appointment, Alex said: “I am delighted to join an organization with the most comprehensive and exciting portfolio of brands in the region. It will be an honor to lead the Group’s vision in this region, and I eagerly look forward to this exciting role.”

Accor operates more than 5,700 properties worldwide across 110 countries under brands ranging from luxury to economy, while InterGlobe Enterprises is a diversified Indian conglomerate with businesses spanning aviation, hospitality, logistics and technology.