New IHG regional director of sales and marketing

One of IHG’s rising stars, Leanne Harwood has been appointed regional director of sales and marketing to the Group’s expanding portfolio of hotels across Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific. Currently area director of sales and marketing for IHG’s hotels in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, Leanne will assume management of the Group’s regional sales and marketing division from mid-November 2007.

This division supports close to 50 InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and locally-branded hotels and resorts in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and French Polynesia.

Lauded as the Most Outstanding Director of Sales and Marketing in Asia Pacific at IHG’s 2007 APAC Leadership Conference, Leanne has forged a reputation for innovation and leadership within the company – making her, according to regional COO, Keith Barr, a perfect candidate for the role.

“Leanne combines the weight of her 21 years’ experience in the hotel and hospitality sector with a continuously fresh approach to how we market our hotels and manage our world-class brands. Her team’s contribution to the overall performance of our hotels in the southern and western parts of Australia has been significant, demonstrating skills and ideas that are worthy of application at a regional level,” Mr Barr said.

Leanne will replace the current regional director of sales and marketing, Karin Nielsen, who is set to relocate to London as vice president of brand development and delivery for IHG across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Commencing mid-November, Karin will be responsible for continuing innovation across IHG’s suite of international hotel brands, representing a continuation of the many legacies left from her tenure in this region.

“Since assuming the role of regional director of sales and marketing for ANZSP in mid-2005, Karin has led an evolution in the way we bring our brands to life. Many of the industry-leading products, services and brand standards that Karin championed have since been applied across Asia Pacific and beyond, and her professionalism, dedication and personal approach will continue to provide inspiration to those privileged to have worked with her.

“Karin’s contribution to IHG in ANZSP cannot be measured and we are sure she will continue this success in her new role,” Mr Barr added.

Leanne will be based at IHG’s ANZSP headquarters in St Leonards, Sydney.

Report by The Mole