IHG Appoints Christian Hempell, VP Strategy, Americas Region

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. October 14, 2008

ATLANTA, GA, September 21, 2006. Based in Atlanta and reporting to Gavin Flynn, senior vice president, strategy and corporate development, IHG, Hempell provides leadership to a strategy function that provides support and analysis to drive revenue and profit growth of the Americas region, which is instrumental to IHG's overall global growth ambition.

Hempell will collaborate with regional and global colleagues to provide coordination, insight and recommendations on strategic plans that will contribute to IHG's delivery of shareholder value, including the goal of 60,000 net organic rooms by the end of 2008. He joins the region as a member of the Americas Operating Committee, a key group of senior executives who directly support the efforts of Steve Porter, president, The Americas.

'Christian has a strong understanding of what we need to drive our global growth strategy,' said Steve Porter. 'With his new focus on the Americas region, we have an excellent opportunity to execute the growth drivers that will help meet IHG's global expansion goal of 60,000 net organic rooms by the end of 2008, as well as additional growth options that leverage our strong operating system and powerful brand portfolio.'

Hempell most recently served as vice president, global strategy for InterContinental Hotels Group, based at the company's headquarters in London. In this position, he was responsible for supporting key global initiatives, including elements of the company's asset disposal plan, which has successfully transformed IHG into a focused pure-play hotel company with managing and franchising expertise. He also helped determine the size and scope of IHG's global growth plan and supported dialogues with the IHG Executive Committee and Board of Directors on the company's overall strategic position.

Prior to joining IHG, Hempell spent six years in consulting with Andersen's hospitality and leisure group, serving global travel clients in the hotel and resort, cruise line and tour operator areas. He earned a BS degree from the Hotel School at Cornell University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.