InterContinental Hotels Group has named a new CEO, following the retirement of Richard Solomons.
Solomons has been succeeded by Keith Barr, a member of IHG’s executive committee who has spent nearly 17 years with the company.
Barr will take up the position and become a member of IHG’s board on July 1.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Richard, and on behalf of the Board and our colleagues I want to thank him for his successful leadership of IHG. Richard has been an outstanding CEO and a driving force behind IHG becoming the leading global organization it is today,” said Patrick Cescau, chairman of IHG. “He has created exceptional shareholder value and as CFO successfully steered the group through the financial crisis. He has executed our winning strategy with a sharp focus on developing our brands, guest experience and loyalty proposition, as well as the digital transformation of the business. Although we are sorry to see him go, we respect and understand his decision to retire and wish him all the very best for the future.”
The company said Barr’s appointment came as the result of a “rigorous process.”
“I am honored to be appointed CEO of one of the world’s leading hotel companies and to have the opportunity to lead IHG. Building on Richard’s leadership and IHG’s strong performance track record, we will continue to focus on developing our portfolio of brands, delivering consistent, high-quality growth and creating value,” Barr said in a statement.
— Caribbean Journal Staff
