IHG Announces Major Leadership Shakeup, New CEO

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced that Keith Barr has decided to step down from his roles as Chief Executive Officer and on the Board of Directors, effective June 30.

Barr informed IHG that he intends to return with his family to the United States, but will remain in a consultant role to support and advise the business until the end of 2023.

“After a long time living abroad, now is the right time for me and my family to return to the U.S.,” Barr said. “I am proud of the strong position that IHG is in today, thanks to the investments we have made to transform every aspect of our business, deliver for our guests and owners, and grow and operate our brands in the right way around the world.”

As part of the company’s succession plan, Barr will be succeeded by Elie Maalouf, who has served as the Americas’ regional CEO for the past eight years and is a member of IHG’s Board and Executive Committee.

Maalouf will take over the role as CEO on July 1 and be based out of the United Kingdom.

IHG officials said the process is underway to appoint a successor to Maalouf as Americas CEO.

“I am extremely proud to be appointed CEO of one of the world’s leading hotel companies and excited to work with our talented teams and owners around the world on what will be an important new chapter for IHG,” Maalouf said.

“Working closely with Keith and as an Executive Committee, we’ve made a number of critical strategic investments in recent years that position us with exciting opportunities to realize IHG’s full industry leading potential, by driving the performance and growth of our fantastic brands and delivering strong returns for all our stakeholders,” Maalouf continued.