Mary Ann Coopera Andaya is an experienced People and Culture leader with a strong background in employee engagement, organizational transformation, and workplace wellbeing within the global hospitality industry. As the Cluster Director of People & Culture for Accor Shared Services in Dubai, she oversees HR strategy and operations across multiple hotel brands including Pullman, Novotel, Ibis, Adagio, and Mövenpick, supporting one of the largest hospitality clusters in the Middle East.Since joining Accor, Mary Ann has led several initiatives focused on strengthening workplace culture, advancing employee wellbeing, and integrating digital and AI-driven HR solutions to enhance employee experience and leadership decision-making. Her work focuses on building resilient teams, fostering inclusive workplaces, and aligning people strategies with Accor’s global purpose of “Pioneering the Art of Responsible Hospitality Connecting Cultures with Heartfelt Care.”
We are delighted that Mary Ann will be speaking in Hong Kong as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit Asia this April. We caught up with her to see how she’s feeling in the runup to the event.
Hi Mary Ann, we are thrilled that you will be joining us at the Wellbeing at Work Summit Asia in April. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
Thank you so much for the invitation. I’m doing well and feeling grateful.
Like many leaders in the region, we are closely monitoring the current situation and developments around us. Moments like this remind us how important resilience, calm leadership, and community support are both personally and professionally.
Here in Dubai, operations continue, but we remain mindful that regional developments can influence people’s sense of safety and wellbeing. As leaders, it is our responsibility to provide reassurance, maintain stability, and ensure that our teams feel supported during uncertain times.
Personally, I try to stay grounded through wellness activities such as sports and maintaining balance. Wellbeing is not just something I advocate in the workplace it’s something I practice daily.
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health?
One of the key challenges in hospitality is the fast-paced operational environment combined with the diversity of our workforce.
In Dubai, our teams represent many cultures and nationalities, which means people experience wellbeing and stress differently. Leaders must be mindful of these differences while ensuring that everyone feels supported.
Another challenge is balancing operational excellence with employee wellbeing. Hospitality is about delivering exceptional guest experiences, but it is equally important that we take care of the people delivering those experiences.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that are moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
Over the past six months, I’ve seen organizations becoming more intentional about embedding wellbeing into workplace culture rather than treating it as a one-off initiative.
Internally, we focus on initiatives such as employee engagement programs, wellness and sports activities, leadership development, and open communication platforms that allow employees to feel heard and supported.
Externally, organizations are shifting toward holistic wellbeing models, recognizing that physical, mental, social, and financial wellbeing all play a role in creating sustainable workplaces.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
For me, people are always at the center of every organization.
In hospitality, our employees or what we proudly call Heartists at Accor are the ones who create meaningful experiences for our guests. When our people feel supported and valued, they are able to bring genuine care and authenticity to their work.
Employee wellbeing aligns closely with Accor’s purpose of connecting cultures with heartfelt care, which begins internally by caring for our own teams.
What impact is AI having in your organization and how are you managing that?
AI is increasingly becoming part of how HR operates, particularly in areas such as data analytics, talent management, and workforce planning.
In our organization, we see AI as a tool that can help simplify processes and enable leaders to make more informed decisions. However, it is important that technology remains human-centered.
Hospitality is ultimately about people, so our goal is to ensure that AI enhances efficiency while preserving the human connection that defines our industry.
Other than AI, are there any challenges that you are seeing for the first time and how are you addressing them?
One emerging challenge is the changing expectations of the workforce, especially among younger generations.
Employees today are looking for meaningful work, career development opportunities, flexibility, and a sense of belonging.
Organizations must respond by creating environments where employees feel empowered to grow while aligning their work with a larger purpose.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
Employers should focus on strengthening leadership capability, workplace culture, and sustainable wellbeing practices.
Equally important is investing in talent development and internal mobility, ensuring employees see long-term growth opportunities within their organizations.
Organizations that prioritize people development will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent.
Do you feel that investment in employee wellbeing in the region is increasing or decreasing and is that a direct reflection on HR leaders’ increasing ability to demonstrate effective returns of their strategies to leadership?
I believe investment in employee wellbeing is increasing across the region.
Organizations are recognizing that wellbeing directly influences engagement, productivity, retention, and employer reputation.
HR leaders are also becoming more strategic and data-driven, helping leadership teams see the direct connection between employee wellbeing and sustainable business performance.
How has your organization been leading the way?
At Accor, wellbeing is embedded in our culture through our Heartist philosophy and our purpose of responsible hospitality.
Across our properties, we focus on initiatives that support both professional and personal wellbeing, including employee engagement programs, wellness activities, leadership development, recognition initiatives, and community impact programs.
Our goal is to create workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow because when our people thrive, our guests and our communities thrive as well.
Mary Ann is speaking in Hong Kong as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit Asia 2026 which takes place in Hong Kong, Singapore and Bengaluru this April. Click the links below to find out more and book your tickets:
April 23 2026 – Hong Kong. Click here to find out more and book your tickets
April 28 & 29 2026 – Singapore. Click here to find out more and book your tickets
April 20 2026 – Bengaluru. Click here to find out more and book your tickets
