The company - whose brands include Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure and Ibis - has co-opted the politician on to its board as an independent member, replacing a director who represented former shareholders Colony Capital.
Sarkozy recently announced that he was considering turning his back on politics after a failed bid to win the Republican Party presidential nomination at the end of 2016.
Accor said he will chair its international strategy committee, which is being tasked with developing the group’s network and brand portfolio, as well as promoting French tourism.
