IN THE RAREFIED world of international hospitality, few executives command the respect and influence of Gilda Perez-Alvarado. As group chief strategy officer of Accor SA and CEO of Orient Express, she stands as one of the most powerful women of color in an industry where diversity in leadership remains a work in progress.
For aspiring hospitality professionals, particularly women of color, Gilda’s journey offers both inspiration and a roadmap. Her story demonstrates that with exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and strategic vision, it's possible to not only enter the highest levels of global hospitality leadership but to reshape the industry itself.
Gilda's ascent to the upper echelons of global hospitality wasn't accidental. Her journey began with a solid foundation at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, where she graduated with honors in 2002, specializing in hotel real estate finance. Her academic excellence earned her the distinction of serving as Degree Marshall for her graduating class – an early indicator of the leadership roles that would follow.
After beginning her career at PwC, Gilda joined JLL in 2004, where she would spend nearly two decades building a reputation as one of the industry's most formidable dealmakers. Her rise through the ranks at JLL was nothing short of meteoric. By 2018, she had been named CEO of JLL's Hotels group for the Americas, and by 2021, she ascended to Global CEO of JLL's Hotels & Hospitality Group.
What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that it positioned her as "the most senior woman in hospitality commercial real estate brokerage worldwide," making her a pioneer in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Perhaps nothing illustrates Gilda's exceptional talent and perseverance more than her distinction as the only woman to receive the prestigious Jack A. Shaffer Financial Advisor of the Year award – not once, but twice, in 2016 and 2021. This recognition speaks volumes about her ability to navigate and excel in spaces where women, particularly women of color, remain underrepresented.
After receiving the award for the second time, Gilda remarked with characteristic humility: "I am truly honored to receive this award, particularly following what has been the most challenging year in our industry's recent history. I share this award with my global colleagues and their passion for serving our clients, creating value and working as one team during the most adverse market conditions."
Behind Gilda's success lies an unparalleled talent for orchestrating complex, high-stakes transactions. Her track record includes marketing some of the world's most iconic hospitality assets, including the St. Regis New York, Montage Beverly Hills, Four Seasons Toronto, and the Mandarin Oriental Boston.
One of her most notable achievements came in 2019 when she advised on the $310 million sale of the St. Regis New York to Qatar Investment Authority. Speaking about the transaction, Gilda noted, "The St. Regis New York is the quintessential, global trophy asset. Its rich history and positioning as the birthplace of the St Regis hotel brand make it truly irreplaceable, and a strategic investment."
This ability to connect global investors with premium assets has made her an indispensable figure in the industry, known for creating value through relationships that transcend borders.
Beyond her business acumen, Gilda has established herself as a vocal advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion in the hospitality sector. At JLL, she was actively involved in numerous internal and external committees focused on finance, sustainability, education, and diversity, equality and inclusion (DE&I).
Her promotion to Global CEO at JLL wasn't just a personal achievement but a significant milestone for representation in the industry. As the first woman to hold this position, she has used her platform to champion diversity initiatives and create pathways for other women and people of color in hospitality.
In October 2023, Gilda embarked on a new challenge, joining Accor as group chief strategy officer and member of the company's management board. By January 2024, her role expanded to include CEO of Orient Express, Accor's ultra-luxury hospitality division featuring trains, yachts, and hotels.
Her arrival at Accor coincided with the company's strategic reorganization into two divisions: Premium, Midscale & Economy, and Luxury & Lifestyle – the latter housing the Orient Express brand she now leads.
Speaking on her appointment, Gilda shared: "I am extremely pleased to be joining Accor, which I have long admired as a global innovator in the hospitality industry. I look forward to applying my global hospitality, real estate and capital markets experience and insight to drive forward the group strategy and deliver against the management's inspiring vision for the company."
While Gilda now calls Paris home, her impact on the American hospitality landscape remains significant. Accor's footprint in the U.S. includes 59 hotels and 17,906 rooms, with 20 Fairmont properties among them. This portfolio represents an important part of Accor's global network of 5,600 hotels across 110-plus countries.
Her leadership of Orient Express has already yielded tangible results. In December 2024, she announced the spring 2025 opening of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome, the brand's first hotel asset. "This milestone proudly marks the long-anticipated arrival of our first Orient Express hotel," she said. "It is not only a destination for the most discerning travelers seeking exceptional experiences but also a place for Romans to come together."
Gilda's influence extends beyond her executive roles. She serves on the board of directors of Blackstone Mortgage Trust and is a member of the board of trustees of Cornell University. Her industry engagement includes membership in the Industry Real Estate Financing Advisory Council (IREFAC), Cornell School of Hotel Administration Dean's Advisory Board, WX New York Women Executives in Real Estate, and the World Travel and Tourism Council.
She is also a recipient of the 2021 Castell Award, which honors a woman leader in the hospitality investment arena, and the recipient of JLL’s 2023 Champion of Excellence Award.
