Anh Vu is Director of Development at Accor in Vietnam, one of the group’s most dynamic markets. Accor is the leading hotel company in Europe and the sixth largest worldwide. Passionate about architecture and travel, she shares with The Women’s Voices her career journey, her vision of hotel development, and her commitment to shaping the future of tourism and urban landscapes. An exclusive interview.
Can you describe your professional journey ?
With close to 20 years of experience across sales, development, and hospitality, I’m currently the Director of Business Development for Accor in Vietnam, where I focus on expanding our network of luxury brands. What I love most about my role is that it allows me to combine strategic planning and market development with my personal passion for architecture and travel. These two interests have really shaped how I see the potential of each project—not just commercially, but in terms of design and destination impact.
I actually started my career back in 2005 in equipment sales for high-rise buildings. That gave me a strong foundation in negotiation, coordination, and managing complex stakeholder relationships. Then in 2009, I decided to pursue an MBA with Solvay Brussels School, which was a turning point. I shifted into real estate development by joining SPN Corp., working on a mix of commercial projects—offices, serviced apartments, and hotels. That’s where I led my first hotel project, an MGallery in partnership with Accor.
It’s been really meaningful to see that property become one of Accor’s flagship city hotels today—and now, being part of the Accor team myself since early 2022, I’m proud to support the continued growth of our portfolio in Vietnam. I work closely with investors, owners, and our internal teams to bring unique, high-end hotels to life—projects that are not only commercially sound, but also culturally and architecturally thoughtful.
Outside of work, I’m a big traveler and someone who deeply appreciates design and the way architecture tells a story. That perspective is something I bring into every development conversation—it’s not just about building hotels, it’s about creating places people want to discover and remember.”
What is unique about your field of activity ?
What makes my field—hospitality development, specifically in the luxury segment—truly unique is that it sits at the intersection of business strategy, design, and cultural storytelling. It’s not just about building hotels; it’s about creating destinations that reflect the identity of a place while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Every project requires a careful balance of commercial viability, brand alignment, and local relevance.
In the luxury segment, that becomes even more nuanced. Expectations are higher, and success depends not only on location or design, but on how well the hotel captures a sense of place and offers something distinctive and memorable. From site selection and investor alignment to working with architects, interior designers, and operators—there’s a constant need for cross-functional collaboration and long-term vision.
Another unique aspect is that hospitality development is a field where personal passion truly matters. My love for architecture, travel, and discovering new cultures directly fuels my work. Each project is different, each destination has its own story, and I find it incredibly fulfilling to help bring that story to life through thoughtful development.
Lastly, especially in emerging markets like Vietnam, we’re not just developing hotels—we’re shaping the future of tourism and urban landscapes. That sense of impact makes this field both dynamic and deeply rewarding.
What advice would you give to a young woman entering the workforce?
It’s okay to feel lost. I spent years feeling like I was going nowhere. My first major was accounting—because my dad thought it was a “safe job for a girl.” But by the end of the first year, I knew it wasn’t for me. I called him and said, “I’m switching to international trade. It just feels right.” That wasn’t the only pivot I made—but each one brought me closer to who I wanted to be. You don’t need all the answers. Just keep moving.
Early in my career, I learned the value of saying yes before feeling fully ready. When my chairman asked if I wanted to join the project development team for a luxury resort, I had zero background. But I said yes. I learned how to read technical drawings, figured out how the sky bridge between two towers was built, and asked a million questions. I grew more in those years than any other time in my career. You don’t grow by waiting—you grow by doing.
I also realized that being humble and kind, while staying sharp, is essential. No matter how far you go, never stop listening, learning, or treating people well. I’ve worked with people who were sharper, faster, more experienced—and yes, I’ve felt jealous. Still do, sometimes. But instead of letting it drag me down, I turn it into motivation. I study what makes them great, and I push myself to level up. Let your envy teach you, not shrink you.
Along the way, I discovered the importance of chasing progress rather than perfection. My career path hasn’t been straight. It’s been full of detours, mistakes, and resets. But every wrong turn taught me something—and got me closer to the version of myself I’m proud of today. Be proud of the person you’re becoming—not just the title you’re chasing.
Finally, I learned to absorb knowledge from everything and everyone. Reading Good to Great changed my mindset. That book showed me what leadership really looks like—and pushed me out of my comfort zone when I needed it most. Now, with so much knowledge at your fingertips, you have every tool to grow—faster and smarter. Stay curious. Keep learning. That’s your real edge.
Be bold. Be kind. Keep showing up—even when it’s hard. You’ll look back one day and realize: the version of you you’ve always wanted to be? You were building her the whole time.
What motivates you the most, and why?
Curiosity is what drives me. I’m always eager to learn something new, explore different challenges, and find ways to do things better than before. That constant desire to grow pushes me forward every day.
I don’t focus on being perfect—I focus on being better than I was yesterday. For me, real growth comes from small, steady improvements over time. Consistency matters a lot. Success isn’t about big wins; it’s about showing up, working hard, and staying focused, even when things get tough. That mindset helps me keep moving and becoming the leader I want to be.
What book, film, or series would you recommend right now ?
If movie, I’d recommend 13 Going on 30. It might seem like just a feel-good romantic comedy, but there’s something really meaningful behind all the charm and humor. It’s about growing up, making choices, and realizing what truly matters—not success, not status, but staying true to yourself.
I think every young woman should watch it at least once. It’s a great reminder that you don’t need to rush to become someone else. Being 30, flirty, and thriving isn’t about having it all—it’s about knowing who you are and owning it.