Accor Pacific’s chief executive officer Simon McGrath is set to step into his new role as Crown Sydney’s chief executive officer and Crown Resort’s group head of hospitality.

With more than three decades experience across the Pacific region, McGrath is one of the hotel industry’s most respected and esteemed hoteliers, with numerous awards and accolades to his name. This includes being named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his outstanding work in promoting Australian tourism internationally.

In his current role as Accord Pacific’s chief executive officer, McGrath oversees 397 hotels and 18,000 employees across the region. Prior to this, he held senior executive positions in hotel groups such as Southern Pacific Hotels (SPHC) and Rydges Hotel Group.

Commencing his new role for Crown Sydney in February 2022, McGrath will be responsible for strategic oversight of all operations, marketing, branding and business development for the luxury property in Sydney’s Barangaroo.

Additionally, McGrath will also take on the role of Crown Resorts group head of hospitality, which will see him play a strategic advisory and leadership role to enhance customer experience and ensure continuous innovation remains at the centre of the Group’s strategy across all three Crown Resorts properties.

Crown Resorts chief executive officer and managing director Steve McCann said McGrath’s appointment is well timed with Crown Sydney gearing up to help rebuild international tourism.

“We are pleased to have attracted such a respected industry leader to Crown. Simon’s international credentials means he brings to Crown Sydney an unparalleled understanding of the operation of luxury hotels and global hospitality businesses,” McCann said.