Who will take over RAKTDA as CEO joins Accor?

Accor has appointed Raki Phillips as Regional President for the Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East & Africa & Türkiye.

Phillips will step down from his role as the CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in the UAE in October and begin his new role in November 2025, based in Dubai.

A respected hospitality leader who has overseen the transformation of the northern emirate of the UAE, including the upcoming launch of the region’s first casino resort Wynn Al Marjan Island, Phillips will succeed Paul Stevens who leaves Accor after 27 years.

RAKTDA now has the task of replacing Phillips as it looks to maintain momentum which has seen the emirate welcome a record 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024, up 5%, and with hotel inventory set to double by 2027.

In April 2025, RAKTDA appointed Brent Anderson as Chief Commercial Officer and Emil Petrov as Vice President of Strategy and Insights. In his current role, Anderson is responsible for expanding global partnerships, enhancing aviation connectivity and driving marketing awareness through strategic campaigns and global engagement.

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Raki Phillips to oversee 250 hotels at Accor

In his new Accor role, Phillips will be tasked with overseeing 250 hotels across 27 countries, with 85 in the pipeline, with a portfolio including Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure and ibis.

He will report to Duncan O’Rourke, CEO, Premium, Midscale & Economy, MEA APAC, Accor, who said: “With his deep understanding of the region, and strong relationships across both public and private sectors, Raki is perfectly positioned to deepen our community ties, accelerate development, and continue to elevate the strength of our brands.” 

As well as a highly successful stint at RAKTDA, Phillips has worked at Ritz-Carlton, Universal Studios Orlando, and held a senior role at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International.

He also co-founded Earth Hotels in 2017, a lifestyle brand that was due to open a property on Al Marjan island and recently announced two properties in Saudi Arabia – in Riyadh and Jeddah.

But it is with RAKTDA that Phillips cemented his status as a regional hospitality heavyweight, tripling tourism revenues in Ras Al Khaimah, expanding air connectivity, developing island destinations and securing that Wynn game-changer.

Posting on LinkedIn, O’Rourke described Phillips as “a fantastic continuation for our culture and ambitions” while paying tribute to Paul Stevens.

“Paul leaves behind a legacy of authentic, people-first leadership. He’s empowered others, championed our values, and reminded us that great hospitality begins with how we treat each other.

“I truly mean it when I say: Thank you, Paul, for everything.”

For more information, visit all.accor.com