ATLANTA — InterContinental Hotels Group has appointed Julienne Smith as SVP, Development in the Americas region.
In this role, Smith will lead a team responsible for increasing IHG’s presence in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean for new-builds and conversions to the Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo and EVEN Hotels brands. She will also lead the Transactions & Asset Management team, which is focused on growing and enhancing IHG’s relationship with owners and their hotels. She is based at IHG’s Americas headquarters in Atlanta.
“During her years in the industry, Julienne has built strong relationships based on establishing trust and delivering successful results,” says Joel Eisemann, Chief Development Officer, Americas, IHG. “We’re extremely pleased to welcome her to IHG. Julienne’s demonstrated performance leading a hotel development team will be a tremendous asset to our company.”
Smith brings more than 17 years of development experience to IHG, previously serving in leadership roles at Hyatt Hotels Corporation after starting her career at Marriott International. Most recently, she was SVP, Development and Owner Relations at Hyatt, where she primarily oversaw the growth of Hyatt’s select-service hotel brands and grew the company’s footprint through franchise and management contracts.
“I’m excited to join IHG, where there is such a strong opportunity for growth across the company’s entire brand portfolio,” says Smith. “I’m looking forward to being part of a team of dynamic leaders who are committed to working with passionate and dedicated owners.”
