Innova's Andrea Payne (l) Accor's Irma Meignan office testing Innova tables and chairs

Specialist supplier of conference tables and chairs to the hospitality industry, Australian-owned Innova Group has boosted its relationship with Accor.

Innova has appointed Andrea Payne as Account Director for its services to Accor Hotel Group, the first time the company has created an account directorship role within its Client Services and Sales functions, according to National Sales Manager, Jamie Glaister.

“We have just signed a new two-year agreement as a nominated supplier of conference and restaurant furniture with Accor and we intend to fully service and protect that status with a professional on-the-spot presence,” he said.

Payne, who has held senior hotel management positions throughout North America and Australia as well as the National Account Manager for American Hotel Register Company in Chicago, joined Innova Group specifically for this role.

She joined Accor’s Category Manager – Procurement, Irma Meignan, at Accor’s Sydney HQ for “office-testing” of some of Innova’s latest products – a custom Elite chair and a Mity-Lite Reveal naked trestle table, a lightweight table which boasts super durability (15 year warranty) and a load capacity of 900kgs.

Meignan said Accor was impressed with the Innova account service initiative and recognised the benefits of nurturing a business partnership with its suppliers.

“We are in the midst of a program of expansion and property development, so seamless supply and installation of fittings and fixtures is paramount,” she said. “This appointment will facilitate that process.”