6 December 2004: One of Accor's pioneers in Asia, Reggie Shiu, was amongst the casualties of the tsunami that hit the Khao Lak beachside in southern Thailand on 26th December, 2004. While his body is yet to be positively identified, he is now presumed dead.

Below is a statement by Accor Asia Pacific Chairman, David Baffsky:

"Unfortunately, we must sadly assume that one of our most senior Accor executives, Reggie Shiu, his wife and two of his three children are amongst the victims of the terrible tsunami disaster that struck Thailand.

Reggie Shiu was one of the great hotel pioneers of the Asia Pacific region. Reggie was Senior Vice President - Asia for Accor Asia Pacific, based in Shanghai, where he was responsible for Accor's operations and development in Greater China.

The fact that Accor was amongst the most successful and fastest growing international hotel groups in China speaks volumes for the drive and flair that Reggie brought to the role. From just a handful of hotels when he was appointed, he built the network to 25 hotels by the end of 2004, with another 13 hotels scheduled for opening in the next two years.

Reggie not only grew the Accor hotel portfolio, he built relationships with some of China's leading hotel and travel groups. He was a master at developing and building relationships, and he was widely respected throughout China and the whole Asia Pacific region.

A US citizen educated both in Hong Kong and New York, Reggie graduated from the State University of New York City in 1976.  He first joined Group ACCOR in 1980 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York and in 1983 became the General Manager of the Doral Park Avenue Hotel in New York City.

In 1986, he re-joined ACCOR and was appointed to be part of Accor Asia Pacific's (AAPC) management team with the first assignment based in Singapore. In 1989, Reggie was the opening General Manager of AAPC's flagship hotel in Thailand - The Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square, before being promoted in 1991 as the property-based Country Manager to be in charge of Accor's then six hotel properties in Thailand.  In 1993, Reggie became one of the five recipients of ACCOR's most prestigious award (Bernache D'or) amongst 145,000 employees worldwide.

Subsequently, he was promoted to the position of Chief Executive for Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos, a position he held for over 4 years before being promoted to the position of Director of Operations - Asia based in Bangkok, supervising more than 60 properties throughout the Asia region.  He was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President - Asia in 2000.

Reggie reported directly to the Managing Director of Accor Asia Pacific and to the Chairman of Accor Asia Pacific.

Reggie's loss will be felt by the wider hospitality industry. A man of great natural charm and positive energy, he has inspired many working with him to progress their careers in the industry.

He will be missed by all of his colleagues, and our deepest felt condolences go to his surviving daughter, Zoe, who not only lost a wonderful father, but also her mother and two brothers in this terrible disaster.

Reggie will be very sadly missed but fondly remembered by everybody who knew him.

Details of a memorial service will be communicated as soon as possible."

David Baffsky
Chairman

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