By James Wilkinson in Jakarta, Indonesia

Accor’s Chairman and COO of Asia-Pacific, Michael Issenberg, says it’s exciting times for the chain, following the announcement of global changes last week by the company’s CEO Sebastien Bazin.

Speaking exclusively to SPICE and sister magazine HM on camera at the opening of the Pullman Jakarta last week (Feb 13), Issenberg said the changes, which included the moving of the company’s upscale and luxury brand management to the Asia-Pacific office in Singapore, was recognizing that the region had achieved.

Accor’s Michael Issenberg

“It’s a recognition of a couple of things,” he said. “One is the success we at Accor have had in the region with our upscale and luxury brands. So, the Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure and Sebel brands’ marketing will be based in Singapore and we are in the process of putting that together and launching that in April.

“And it’s a recognition of not just what we’ve achieved in the region, but Asia has become the home of upscale and luxury in not just the hospitality industry, but for a lot of consumer items,” he told HM and SPICE.

To view the video interview, click on the YouTube image at the top of the page.

SPICE flew to Jakarta on Qantas, the Spirit of Australia. Qantas offers regular flights to the city from Sydney, with connections available from across Australia. The author recommends flying in Business Class, a cabin that’s highlighted by an extensive range of entertainment on demand alongside a top selection of Australian wine and meals designed by star chef Neil Perry. For bookings, visit www.qantas.com