InterContinental Hotels Group PLC announced that Keith Barr has informed the Board of his decision to step down from his role as Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and from the IHG Board. Barr intends to return with his family to the United States. His final day as CEO will be June 30, 2023, after which he will remain available to support and advise the business until the end of 2023.
Barr will be succeeded by Elie Maalouf, a member of IHG’s Board and Executive Committee, who has led IHG’s Americas business as regional CEO for the past eight years. Maalouf will take up his new position on July 1 and will be based in the United Kingdom to lead the business. Barr has been a part of IHG for more than 30 years and was appointed to the Board and as CEO in July 2017.
Executing a clear strategy, he has transformed IHG to position the company for long-term sustainable growth, surpassing 6,000 open hotels, broadening the portfolio with the addition of seven brands in six years, investing in IHG’s digital capabilities and loyalty offer, embarking on a 10-year responsible business strategy, and progressing in areas of DE&I, according to the company. During Barr’s tenure, IHG has also navigated a global pandemic and continued to grow its footprint and reputation with stakeholders around the world. To support Maalouf and Chief Financial Officer Michael Glover and to help ensure a smooth transition, Barr will remain available to the business over the rest of 2023. A process is underway to appoint a successor to Maalouf as Americas CEO.
