Raki Phillips steps down as RAK Tourism chief for Accor post
One of the UAE's most prominent tourism figures, Raki Phillips, is set to leave his role as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and take on a major new leadership position at hospitality giant Accor.
From November 2025, Phillips will become regional president for Accor's Premium, Midscale & Economy (PME) division across the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. He succeeds Paul Stevens, whose tenure with Accor spans nearly three decades.
Phillips brings over 20 years of experience in global hospitality and destination development.
During his six years at RAKTDA, he helped transform the northern emirate into one of the region's fastest-growing and most progressive tourism destinations. Under his watch, Ras Al Khaimah tripled its tourism revenues, expanded international air connectivity, secured the landmark Wynn Resorts deal – the largest foreign direct investment in the emirate – and launched wide-ranging sustainability initiatives.
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Prior to his role in government, Phillips held senior roles at Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, where he supported the ramp-up of high-profile properties including the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel Makkah Complex. His earlier experience includes time with Ritz-Carlton and Universal Studios Orlando, giving him a well-rounded view of both luxury operations and global entertainment-led hospitality.
Accor's CEO for the PME division in the Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, Duncan O'Rourke, described Phillips as a 'rare combination of commercial agility, regional knowledge, and purpose-led leadership,' adding that his appointment is key to strengthening Accor's local leadership across the region.
Phillips will now oversee a network of over 250 hotels across 27 countries, with more than 85 properties in the pipeline. He will be based in Dubai and manage a diverse brand portfolio including Swissôtel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure and ibis.
His arrival comes at a time of momentum for Accor, with more than 350 hotels and 92,000 rooms across the region, and a development pipeline of over 140 hotels. Key markets such as the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia continue to drive performance and investor interest.
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