IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Leanne Harwood as its new Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Luxury & Lifestyle Americas (LLA).

Ms Harwood has spent almost 30 years in the hospitality industry, most recently leading IHG in Japan, Australasia and the Pacific for six years.

She has led regional growth to include the signings of the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, Kimpton Margot Sydney, RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka and Regent Kyoto.

Her new role, which begins in March 2024, will oversee the daily operations of the LLA organisation, drive performance and operations of IHG’s six Luxury & Lifestyle brands in the Americas.

IHG Americas CEO, Jolyon Bulley, said Ms Harwood has built a proven reputation among IHG and the broader industry as a trusted and strategic leader.

“I have no doubt she is the right person to lead the next era of growth for our Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio – already one of the largest in the world – in the Americas region,” he said.

“From operations, commercial, and sales to food and beverage, her depth and breadth of experience is very well suited for this role. 

“I look forward to working with Leanne and her leadership team to introduce our leading Luxury & Lifestyle brands to even more owners, guests and markets in the coming years.”

IHG also highlighted Ms Harwood is a respected leadership voice in professional organisations across the industry. In 2021, she was elected the first female president of Accommodation Australia.

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.

IHG will share an update into its succession plans within the JAPAC region in the upcoming weeks.