Kenneth Macpherson, currently IHG’s CEO of Greater China, will lead the new EMEAA region, which will be created by bringing together two of IHG’s current operating divisions: Europe; and Asia, Middle East & Africa. Taking over from Kenneth is Jolyon Bulley, who has been promoted to CEO, Greater China. These changes will take effect at the beginning of 2018.
Kenneth, who currently has responsibility for the management, growth and profitability of the company’s fastest growing region, joined IHG in April 2013 from Diageo – a company he had been with for almost 20 years. He has lived and worked in China since 2005 and during his career has been based in several locations in Asia, the UK and South Africa. His in-depth experience and knowledge of business across three continents will be a key part in this new role.
The EMEAA region will be headquartered in the UK and operate through strong sub-regional divisions based in a number of locations, including Singapore, to ensure the business remains close to hotel owners, guests and colleagues. By bringing two strong, established regions together as one, the company will focus on further growth through increased agility and effectiveness.
Jolyon is currently Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Americas and responsible for operations across IHG’s largest region with almost 4,000 hotels. With his appointment to CEO of Greater China, Jolyon will also become a member of IHG’s global Executive Committee (EC). Jolyon brings decades of experience in the hotel industry, including 16 years with IHG. He joined IHG in 2001, as Director of Operations for New South Wales in Australia and has taken leadership roles across various divisions since. Jolyon was COO for Greater China from 2011 to 2014, with oversight of strategic planning across the region’s hotel performance, food and beverage offerings, brand performance and owner relations.
Keith Barr, IHG's Global Chief Executive, said: “The success of our current Asia, Middle East & Africa and Europe regions has put us in great shape. Our clear and focused strategy, which remains unchanged, along with the investments we have made, has seen our business grow significantly in these markets. We are now ready to take the next step, which will continue to drive operational performance and accelerate the growth of our brands.
The Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa region will be hugely diverse with tremendous opportunity. With Kenneth’s experience in our fastest growing region, sharp focus on operational excellence and strong background in consumer brands, he has both the experience and passion to take our new region forward.
I’m delighted we have such a strong successor in Jolyon. He is a hotelier through and through, and has long been a respected senior leader in IHG. Jolyon already has extensive experience of the Greater China market and enjoys close relationships with many of our most valued owners. In addition, his franchise experience, developed during his most recent role as COO for the Americas, means he is extremely well-placed to lead the region’s next phase of growth and I look forward to welcoming him to the EC.”
After 28 and 15 years with IHG respectively, Angela Brav, CEO of Europe, and Jan Smits, CEO of Asia, Middle East & Africa, have made the decision to pursue other opportunities outside of the company. They will remain with IHG until the end of the year to support the transition process.
Keith Barr, added: “Angela and Jan have been instrumental to IHG’s success over a number of decades and I want to thank them for their invaluable contribution. They are not only IHG leaders, but authorities of the industry with an enviable depth and breadth of experience. As colleagues, leaders and mentors they will be missed by the business and we wish them every success for the next stage of their careers.”
