Moloney takes charge of InterContinental Hotels Group in Middle East, Africa

Chris Moloney has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Africa, for InterContinental Hotels Group.

The appointment follows the demerger of the hotels and retail divisions of the former Six Continents PLC, with the new hotels company being named as InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.

Moloney takes over senior operations responsibilities in the Middle East and Africa from Raymond Khalife, one of the most respected and experienced figures in the regional hotel industry.

Khalife, who is continuing with the company in a consultancy role, played a key part in establishing the InterContinental brand’s global reputation for luxurious accommodation, exceptional facilities and meticulous service, in the Middle East and Africa.

Moloney, who oversees the management of 72 InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels and resorts, said: “Raymond Khalife’s status and reputation extend well beyond this region, and his 40 years of experience, support and guidance will be invaluable to me in this challenging and exciting position.”

He added: “Our new name represents a significant step in becoming an independent hotel company. InterContinental Hotels Group clarifies the focus of our core business and expertise. Put simply, it tells the world what we do.”

Moloney, who has been serving as Area Vice President Operations for the Middle East and Africa since last October, was previously General Manager of the InterContinental Riyadh and Regional Vice President Operations for Saudi Arabia.

Moloney joined the company in 1983 after graduating from Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne, Switzerland. After gaining valuable experience in F&B and managerial positions with InterContinental properties in Paris and Abu Dhabi, Muscat and San Francisco, he was appointed Resident Manager of the Forum Hotel in London in 1995. Moloney returned to the Middle East in 1997, initially as General Manager of the Al Jubail InterContinental Hotel in Saudi, where InterContinental Hotels Group currently manages 21 InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn properties.