InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced that Keith Barr will step down as CEO on June 30. He will be succeeded by Elie Maalouf, a member of IHG’s board and executive committee, who has led the company’s Americas business as regional CEO for the past eight years. Maalouf will assume his new position on July 1 and will be based in the UK.

Barr has been with IHG for more than 30 years and, according to the announcement, has positioned the company for long-term sustainable growth, surpassing 6,000 open hotels, broadening the portfolio with the addition of seven brands in six years, significantly investing in IHG’s digital capabilities and loyalty offer, embarking on a 10-year responsible business strategy and progressing in key areas of DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion).

During Barr’s tenure, according to the announcement, IHG has also successfully navigated a global pandemic and “continued to grow its footprint and reputation with key stakeholders around the world.”

Maalouf joined IHG as Americas CEO in February 2015. Under his leadership, according to the announcement, the region’s inventory has grown from approximately 3,700 hotels to more than 4,350. In addition, said the announcement, he led the delivery of record profits, oversaw the launch of new brands and formats, and “strengthened how the business drives value for our hotel owners.”

Business Travel News Promo

To support Maalouf and CFO Michael Glover and to help ensure a smooth transition, Barr will remain available to the business for the rest of 2023. A process is underway to appoint a successor to Maalouf as Americas CEO.

Image: rafapress/Shutterstock