Hotel Knight
In 1991 French hotel giant Accor had no presence in the South Pacific…today they have more than 450 hotels and the man responsible for their success will be created a knight by the French Government at the end of the month.
David Baffsky
Baffsky, a Sydney-based non-practising lawyer, is not new to awards. He was awarded an AO [Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia] in 2001, recognised for his efforts in business, indigenous affairs and the Arts.
In 2004, Baffsky added Hotelier of the Year to his list of honours.
He has now been created a Chevalier en Ordre de la Nationale Ordre de la Legion d’Honneur. He told J-Wire: The French embassy informed me of the award which was announced by the French president. About twenty years ago, I entered a joint venture with Accor which has now become a leading name in hotels in our region.”
Baffsky will receive the award marking his dedication to fostering an amicable relationship between France and Australia from French Ambassador Stephane Romatet…fittingly at the Sofitel Hotel in Sydney, a jewel in Accor’s crown.
A spokesperson for the French Embassy told J-Wire: “To date we count 52 Australian recipients of the Legion d’Honneur.”
David Baffsky holds many roles in public life. He is a director of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority, the Indigenous Land Authority, Tourism Task Force abd a trustee of the Art Gallery of NSW. He supports a diverse range of charities and non profit organisations.
A Chevalier in France equates to a British Knight.
