Executive Movements @ InterContinental Hotels Group

InterContinental Hotels Group has appointed Angela Brav as head of its new European division, and unveiled a regional realignment which combines the Middle East and Africa with Asia Australasia, allowing two similar businesses to leverage scale in key developing markets. The changes are effective from 1 August 2011.

Angela Brav, currently Chief Operating Officer, North America takes up the new position of Chief Executive, Europe assuming a seat on the Executive Committee.

Jan Smits, currently head of the Asia Australasia region will take additional responsibility for the Middle East and Africa, becoming Chief Executive, Asia, Middle East and Africa.

These appointments follow the move last month of Kirk Kinsell, former President Europe, Middle East and Africa to President, The Americas.

Tom Seddon, Chief Marketing Officer, is leaving IHG. His role will be split on an interim basis between two senior members of the IHG sales and marketing organisation. Eric Pearson, currently Chief Marketing Officer, The Americas, becomes Interim Global Head of Brands. Steve Sickel, currently Senior Vice President Distribution and Relationship Marketing, becomes Interim Global Head of Sales and Distribution.

A search process is now underway for a new Chief Marketing Officer.

Chief Executive of IHG, Richard Solomons, said, “Following the promotion last month of Kirk Kinsell to President, Americas I am delighted to welcome Angela to the Executive Committee and congratulate Jan on his additional responsibilities. Across the company we have strength in depth, enabling swift appointments while keeping momentum across the business. Angela Brav brings a wealth of franchising and operations experience to Europe and aligning two similar businesses in the Middle East and Asia Australasia under Jan Smits will allow us to leverage our scale more effectively, driving market share growth. Finally I would like to thank Tom Seddon for his significant contribution to IHG during his time with the Group and I wish him well for the future.”

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