Raki Phillips

Initiator
DISC Type : Di

Regional President - Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor

United Arab Emirates

Overview

Raki Phillips is the Regional President for Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor. A serial entrepreneur and award-winning tourism veteran, he previously tripled tourism revenues as CEO of RAKTDA, securing a $3. 9B investment. Colleagues describe him as creative, results-driven, and a helpful guide.

Outside of his corporate roles, Raki displays his entrepreneurial spirit by co-founding unique ventures. These include SugarMoo, the UAEs first online dessert delivery bakery, and Earth Hotels, a sustainable and tech-forward hospitality brand. He holds a B. B. A. from the University of Central Florida and an MBA.

Unique fact: Raki co-founded an "anti-cupcake" dessert company to capitalize on a gap in the online food delivery market, pioneering hybrid desserts like the kunafeh cheesecake.

Personality Overview

Risk-Accepting

Confident

Impact-Oriented

They usually prefer to drive the conversation.  They measure a product on its merit but can be influenced by strong testimonials. They don’t mind taking a stand if they believe in something.

Topics They Care About

MENA Tourism Growth
His career is defined by expanding tourism in the Middle East, first at RAKTDA by achieving record visitor numbers, and now by leading Accor's regional growth strategy.
Sustainable Hospitality
He co-founded the eco-friendly Earth Hotels and has been recognized on Forbes' 'Sustainable 100' list for his commitment to responsible tourism development in the region.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
A serial entrepreneur who has successfully launched multiple businesses, including a pioneering online dessert brand (SugarMoo) and a lifestyle hotel concept (Earth Hotels).

Media Appearances

Accor announces Raki Phillips as new Regional President for Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. Featured in Economic Times – Travel

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Exclusive: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Chief to Leave for Role at Accor. Featured in Skift

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Accor announces Raki Phillips as new Regional President for Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. Featured in Economic Times – Travel

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Work History

11-2025
Regional President - Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor
5-2019 - 10-2025
Chief Executive Officer at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
1-2017
Co-Founder & Investor at Earth Hotels
9-2015 - 4-2019
Senior Vice President Development, Senior Partner at INHOCO International Hospitality Consulting Group
11-2014 - 6-2025
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer at SugarMoo Desserts

Education

2001 - 2003
Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Phoenix
1997 - 2000
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from University of Central Florida

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 28 Location : United Arab Emirates Job Level : Leadership Designation : Regional President - Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor
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Insights For Selling To Raki

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Refer to testimonials from well known people to highlight the value of your product
  • Clearly address the competitive aspects
  • Get them to a point where they are ready to bat for your product internally

DONT's

  • Don't be unorganized, be prepared for the pitch
  • Don’t be very informal even if they are being so themselves
  • Don’t be too verbose or overly friendly; a little bit, however, is fine

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Raki is

  • Product value plays a big role, followed by relationship and a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Raki

  • If they do not firmly believe in you, they will refuse without hesitation.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Raki move?

  • If they develop confidence in your product and you, then they can make fast decisions.
  • Can Raki take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they have the ability to take risky decisions.

You And Raki

Personality Compatibility


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