(March 2, 2015) – Accor North America, Central America and the Caribbean (NCAC) region has announced the promotion of Balendra Nagesvaran to vice president of operations for Accor luxury and upscale brands in the region. The segment encompasses all Sofitel (luxury), Pullman (upscale), and MGallery (upscale) hotels throughout the region, excluding Cuba and the Dominican Republic. His role will also include the development of the luxury and upscale segment in the region, including Sofitel Mexico Reforma, set to open in 2017.
Nagesvaran brings more than 27 years of experience in international hotel operations and management to his new position. Prior to his new role, Nagesvaran was vice president of hotel operations for North America and general manager of Sofitel New York.
“Balendra has been integral to the Sofitel leadership team and the success of the brand for more than two decades,” said Dominique Colliat, executive vice president of Accor North America, Central America and the Caribbean region. “With his exceptional track record and experience, his expertise will position Accor’s upscale and luxury brands for greater growth.”
Nagesvaran has been with Accor for nearly three decades in locations including Miami, where he served concurrently as general manager of Sofitel Miami and area general manager overseeing various Accor hotels in Asia-Pacific, including Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand; and Columbo and Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka.
An active community member and involved professional, Nagesvaran was a previous board member of the Greater Miami Hotel Association, where he won multiple years of diversity awards. He is also a founding member of the external advisory board at Florida International University’s Hospitality Department. He has also been honored with the prestigious Bernarche Award from Accor.
He attended the University of Massachusetts Hospitality and Tourism program and has attended various Cornell University executive programs over the years.
