InterContinental Hotels Group establishes Greater China Leadership Team

The InterContinental Hotels Group has set up a Greater China leadership team. Reporting to Chief Operating Officer, North Asia, Mr Edmond Ip, the newly formed team comprises five seasoned hospitality professionals with impeccable track records and expertise ranging from business development to investment and operations management.

InterContinental Hotels Group Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Mr Patrick A. Imbardelli said, “We have been in Greater China for over 20 years. We are committed to the growth and success of this key market and have continually invested in infrastructural and talent development. Today, we are pleased to announce the Greater China leadership team that will support our growth in this country. Representing the best in the business, the new team with their complementary experience and expertise, as well as a deep understanding of Greater China, will ensure that we capture the exciting opportunities and continue to deliver exceptional business performance. Under their stewardship, we will push ahead with our continued expansion in Greater China, to achieve our target of doubling our portfolio by 2007, a target that is well within our grasp.”

The members of the Greater China Leadership Team are:

Mr Kieron Ritchard, Vice President, Strategy, China: Mr Ritchard will assess market opportunities and develop the growth strategy for Greater China. He will articulate and execute a strategy that builds upon the group’s strong development focus and contributes to increasing distribution.

Mr Jerry Huang, Vice President, Development, China: Mr Huang leads the development team in driving the group’s expansion in Greater China and extending its brand distribution in key locations.

Mr Michael Liu, Vice President, Joint Ventures & Asset Management, China: As head of the capital deployment team, Mr Liu will identify suitable new potential partners and ensure the optimal use of capital to increase the China portfolio.

Mr Ooi Joon Aun, Vice President, Hotel Openings, China: Mr Ooi will leverage his project management skills to manage and oversee pre-opening hotels, including the provision of systems and tools support to ensure a smooth operational transition, resulting in a successful launch for the hotels.

Mr Bruce McKenzie, Regional Vice President, Operations, China: Mr McKenzie is in charge of the existing portfolio of hotels in China, to achieve operational and service excellence. He will work with the hotels to drive market share, profitability, guest and employee satisfaction and brand consistency.

Mr Imbardelli added, ”To continue to grow from strength to strength in Greater China, we will continue to invest in our infrastructure and in our people. The formation of the Greater China Leadership Team is another example of how we have deployed the right resources to where they are needed. I am confident that the team will quickly prove themselves to be a force to be reckoned with and drive home the fact that InterContinental Hotels Group is the partner of choice.”

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