IHG appoints Leanne Harwood as Managing Director, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas

Thursday, January 18, 2024

One of the premier hotel companies globally, announced today the appointment of Leanne Harwood as the new Senior Vice President (SVP), Managing Director, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas (LLA). Harwood, an industry veteran with almost three decades of hospitality experience, will assume her role on March 1. In her new position, she will oversee the daily operations of the LLA organization, drive performance and operations of IHG’s six Luxury & Lifestyle brands, and support their growth in the Americas region.

Currently serving as SVP, Managing Director for IHG’s Japan, Australasia and Pacific (JAPAC) region, Harwood has played a pivotal role in the impressive regional growth since taking on the position in January 2018. Her accomplishments include the expansion of the region to nearly 160 open or in pipeline hotels, marked by significant signings such as the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, Kimpton Margot Sydney, RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, and Regent Kyoto. Harwood has also been instrumental in the global and regional launches of IHG’s rapidly growing voco hotels and Vignette Collection brands in recent years.

Recognized as a trusted and strategic leader within IHG and the broader industry, Harwood is poised to lead the next era of growth for IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in the Americas region, already one of the largest in the world. With her extensive experience in operations, commercial and sales, as well as food and beverage, she is well-suited for the role. The announcement was made by [Person’s Name], who expressed confidence in Harwood’s ability to introduce IHG’s leading Luxury & Lifestyle brands to even more owners, guests, and markets in the coming years.

Before joining IHG, Harwood held roles of increasing leadership and responsibility across various sales, operations, and commercial teams. Her hospitality journey began in a hotel bar in New Zealand, where she eventually became the Food & Beverage Director and later New Zealand’s first female hotel concierge.

Beyond her professional roles, Harwood is a respected leadership voice in the industry. In 2021, she made history as the first female president of Accommodation Australia, the nation’s most prominent hospitality assembly. Additionally, she serves as chair of IHG’s ANA Hotels Group Japan Board and was an early sponsor of IHG’s RISE program, which supports the development of female General Managers through training, mentorship, and resource access.

[Image Source: Travel Weekly]

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