New CEO for InterCon group

InterContinental Hotels Group has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer, Keith Barr, to oversee its portfolio of hotels in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific and to drive the expansion of its global brands in the region.

Previously Vice President of Operations for the Group’s midscale brands in the United States, Keith has relocated to Australia to take on the new role.  Having specialised in revenue management and branded hotel operations during his 15 years to date in the hotel industry, Keith will be an important driver of the continued expansion of the Group’s international brands in ANZSP, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts.

As Vice President of midscale brand operations, Keith was responsible for 170 Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites hotels in the US and Canada with annual revenues in excess of US$800 million (A$1.1 billion).  In this role, Keith led the senior management team in developing and implementing growth strategies for each brand, as well as developing owner relationships, pursuing new management contract development opportunities and coordinating the Group’s resources in the acquisition and disposition of assets.

“Keith is one of InterContinental Hotels Group’s most accomplished operational leaders, with a skill set that will be more welcome than ever in the Chief Operating Officer role.  He will be responsible for capitalising on the successes of the last five years in building our portfolio in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, both in terms of further expansion and in strengthening the emotional link between our customers and our brands,” said InterContinental Hotels Group Asia Pacific Chief Executive, A. Patrick Imbardelli.

“Keith has joined the Group in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific at a time when its brand distribution and owner relationships have never been stronger.  We have emerged from the sale of our owned assets in the region to focus all of our energy and attention on the performance of our brands and adding to our burgeoning management portfolio.

 “Globally, we have already announced our intention to significantly expand our international network of branded hotels.  The Asia Pacific will produce the lion’s share of these growth opportunities and, while China will account for as much as one third of overall expansion, we believe there are many opportunities yet to be realised in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific.  I am looking forward to the unique perspective and dedication Keith will bring to his new role, and the contribution he will make to further grow our brands,” Mr Imbardelli said.

Keith’s appointment follows his predecessor, Phil Lee’s decision to retire from the industry.  One of the most respected and accomplished figures in this region’s hospitality industry, Phil will take his leave carrying the vast experience of a career that has spanned close to four decades.

“As a result of Phil’s leadership and dedication to the hotels, teams and guests, our hotels in ANZSP are constantly providing us with the best-practice methods and initiatives that have become the models for our continued brand expansion across the Asia Pacific region.  His influence will be felt within the Group and by our owner partners for many years to come, and he deserves all our congratulations and best wishes for what has been an extraordinary career,” Mr Imbardelli said.