(TAN): IHG has announced the appointment of Haitham Mattar as managing director of India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA), effective April 18, 2021.
Haitham is an industry veteran in the IMEA region, with over 25 years of experience in hospitality and tourism and an outstanding network across the industry. In his new role with IHG, Haitham will take on a broad leadership agenda to drive IHG’s business in the Middle East, Africa and the South West Asia region, covering both development and operations responsibilities across a portfolio of 165 operational hotels and a strong pipeline of over 100 properties, representing IHG’s brands across luxury and lifestyle, premium, essentials and suites collections.
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He joins IHG from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism where, as senior advisor and a member of the Executive Leadership Committee, he contributed to the development and implementation of Saudi’s sustainable tourism strategy.
Haitham previously spent 11 years at IHG Hotels & Resorts from 2000 to 2011 in various operations, commercial and sales & marketing positions based in IMEA. In his new role, Haitham will be based in IHG’s Dubai office and will report to Kenneth Macpherson, CEO, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA).
Macpherson said: “Haitham has a wealth of experience within the sector and has been at the forefront of several important strategic initiatives in the region over the last decade. I am confident that his knowledge, diverse experience, along with cross-continent and local expertise will be invaluable, as we look to continue driving our recovery.”
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Haitham Mattar said: “The tourism and hospitality landscape in IMEA has transformed significantly in recent years, providing us with a tremendous opportunity to offer world-class hospitality options to both domestic and international travellers. Building on IHG’s strong performance track record and growth plans, I look forward to working with the team, as well as our partners, as we look ahead to the next chapter of travel in the region.”
IHG currently operates 165 hotels across 8 brands in India, Middle East, and Africa.
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