Essendi Replaces AccorInvest to Drive Sustainable Hospitality in Europe

In a significant strategic departure of its enthusiasm for environmental, social, and governance values, AccorInvest has officially changed its name to Essendi. The move marks a milestone for the company after it became independent from French hospitality giant Accor in 2017. The rebranding, which was announced on April 28, 2025, positions Essendi as an innovative operator whose central theme of operations is sustainability and long-term growth aspirations. The company name "Essendi" from Latin translates to "what must be" and denotes its new mission.

The fundamental business of Essendi remains real estate ownership and operation with a rapid shift to green hospitality. Its future trajectory is charted with prime objectives like achieving 100% Green Key certification for all the facilities by 2026 and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by the year 2030. They point towards its direction towards international levels of sustainability standards. The firm's new strategy is founded on the pillars of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at the core of the firm's operations, growth, and creation of business value.

The firm has a portfolio of 576 hotels in 24 countries under favorite Accor brands like Ibis, Novotel, and Mercure. Accor still retains 30% of Essendi even after selling out by the middle of 2026. This unbundling of strategy will provide Essendi with the room to go for solo alliances and grow without the restrictions of co-ownership. The company hopes to use this space to strengthen its competitive position in the hospitality industry in Europe, especially through alliances that support its sustainability goal.

The rebranding was brought about by an internal collective exercise among employees at all levels, ranging from hotel staff to corporate staff. With the innovative abilities of the agency Dragon Rouge, the transition was managed with utmost success planning and discretion until its public unveiling. To mark the rebranding, Essendi is organizing simultaneous launch events in capital cities such as Paris, London, Warsaw, and Munich. The shift is being accompanied by a communications campaign driven by strategy targeting real estate, finance, and institutional stakeholders with the message of responsible and sustainable hospitality.

Financially, the company is back on track. It recorded revenues of €4 billion and gross operating profit of €656 million during the year 2024. Strategically selling assets have played a major role in lowering debt levels, which were lowered from €5 billion to €3 billion at the end of the year. It increases its capacity to make investments in sustainability and operating improvement.

Essendi’s emergence marks a turning point for the European hospitality industry, reflecting the sector’s evolving response to environmental and social demands. As it enters this new phase, the company is expected to remain committed to responsible ownership and sustainable operations. Its long-term strategy combines profitability with measurable impact, reinforcing its relevance in a hospitality landscape where sustainability is becoming essential.

By incorporating sustainability as a necessity factor of its core business strategy, Essendi looks not only to differentiate itself from the pack but also to raise the bar for other players within the industry. Governance, green certification, and emissions goals ensure that the organization stays attuned to new-age consumer values, investor values, and worldwide green agendas.

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Content sourced by The Pinnacle Gazette courtesy KnowESG