Karin Sheppard appointed MD of Europe for IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has appointed Karin Sheppard as managing director of its European business.
Sheppard, who has worked for IHG for 15 years, has moved to her new role based at the company's global headquarters in Buckinghamshire, having spent the past three years as chief operating officer of Australasia and Japan, where she looked after 70 hotels for the group. It marks a return to the UK for Sheppard after 10 years away.
She will report to Kenneth Macpherson, who has just taken up the new position of chief executive, Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa (EMEAA) for IHG, replacing Angela Brav, who stepped down as chief executive of Europe after 28 years with the company.
During her time in Australasia and Japan, Sheppard oversaw the debut of the Holiday Inn Express brand and signed a deal to develop Even Hotels across the region.
Earlier in her career with IHG, she has worked as chief commercial officer for Asia, Middle East and Africa, and vice president, brand management for Europe, Middle East & Africa.
Originally from Denmark, Sheppard said: "Europe is a fantastic continent, full of diversity and opportunity. The progress and achievements IHG has made in revitalising our brands and launching new ones over the last few years has set us up well to make the most of this. I look forward to leading the team as we continue to deliver quality growth and brand excellence for our hotel owners and guests."
• IHG has been accredited as a top employee for corporate employees for the fourth year running by the Top Employers Institute.
Angela Brav to step down as IHG's boss in Europe >>
IHG to launch new midscale hotel brand >>
IHG hints of "aggressive" expansion plans for boutique hotel sector >>
Videos from The Caterer archives
