AccorHotels today announced that the company’s Chief Operating Officer for North & Central America, Kevin Frid, has decided to retire on January 31, 2019. Frid’s retirement will bring to a close a remarkable career of more than 36 years of service to the company.

“Kevin has been an incredible leader and asset to our organization for nearly four decades. A seasoned professional with experience in all aspects of the business, his acumen is matched only by his deep understanding of the industry,” said Chris Cahill, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, AccorHotels. “We are grateful for Kevin’s years of service and his many contributions to our organization. His vast experience and extensive expertise have been essential in our continued growth and expanding footprint across North and Central America. He will be sorely missed by those who have had the benefit of working with him.”

“It has been a tremendous privilege to have spent nearly 37 years with this great company, and I am deeply honoured to have had the opportunity to lead this region for the last 5,” said Frid. “It has been extremely rewarding to work alongside our talented and dedicated employees across North and Central America, and around the world, building on a legacy in hospitality which extends back over 100 years. I am proud of what we have accomplished, and am confident AccorHotels North & Central America will maintain its momentum as Chris and the team continue to build on our strong foundation of success.”

Frid began his career in hospitality in 1982 with Delta Hotels, working in many operational capacities as he rose through the ranks to senior vice president, operations when the company was acquired by Canadian Pacific Hotels in 1998. In 2000, Canadian Pacific Hotels merged with Fairmont Hotels to become Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, and Frid transferred to Chicago as regional vice president for the Central US region. Since that time, Frid has been instrumental in the evolution of the company leading the transformation from Fairmont to FRHI as president, Americas, and then to AccorHotels in his current role as COO, North & Central America.

AccorHotels North & Central America will remain under the leadership of Chris Cahill, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, AccorHotels. Alongside the AccorHotels North & Central America senior leadership team, Cahill is working closely with Frid to ensure a smooth transition.