Accor, the largest hospitality group in the Pacific, is proud to announce that Sara Hughes, General Counsel Pacific and Deputy General Counsel Middle East, Africa, Asia and Pacific (MEA APAC), has been recognised among Australia and New Zealand’s leading female legal professionals in the prestigious Elite Women 2026 list by Australasian Lawyer and NZ Lawyer.
The annual recognition celebrates outstanding female lawyers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional excellence and a significant contribution to the legal profession.
With 20 years of legal experience, including more than a decade specialising in hospitality, Sara oversees the legal function for Accor’s Pacific operations, spanning more than 420 hotels across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Hawaii, alongside the Group’s workplace, lounges, apartments and realty businesses.
During her time at Accor, Sara has played an instrumental role in several significant corporate transactions, including the acquisition of Mantra Group and the TRIBE brand, the divestment of Accor Vacation Club and the Essendi (formerly AccorInvest) divestment in Australia.
This latest recognition builds on an impressive track record of professional achievements, including being named in the Legal 500 GC Powerlist Australia Rising Stars in 2019 and shortlisted for General Counsel of the Year at the 2025 Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards.
Beyond her legal expertise, Sara is passionate about developing high-performing teams and positioning the legal function as a proactive strategic partner to the business. As a member of Accor’s Pacific Executive Committee and Extended Executive Committee for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, she also contributes to broader business strategy, including through steering committees focused on artificial intelligence, data and sustainability.
