Above: the InterContinental San Juan

By the Caribbean Journal staff

InterContinental Hotels Group has named Jorge Apaez its new Chief Operating Officer for the Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean region.

The move comes after the retirement of industry veteran Alvaro Diago, the company said.

In the role, Apaez will oversee 220 hotels under six brands in the region.

“Jorge is among the industry’s most respected professionals with more than 30 years of hospitality experience including several years leading IHG’s business in Mexico,” said Elie Maalouf, CEO at IHG for the Americas. “With his strong owner relationships and deep understanding of hotel operations, this makes him the perfect person to lead the entire Latin America region. Latin America continues to be a strong area of focus for IHG and having someone like Jorge lead our efforts to deliver a preferred guest experience is critical to our success.”

Apaez has been with IHG since 1995.