According to the U.S.-based publication Hotels, Abrahamson will step into his new role later this year, after the appropriate transition of Interstate CEO Tom Hewitt, who is staying with the company as chairman. “I have worked closely with Interstate as a franchisor over the past two decades and respect their ability to operate at the highest levels and their track record of providing superior returns to their owners,” Abrahamson told Hotels.
For its part, IHG was quick to react, appointing Kirk Kinsell, current president Europe, Middle East and Africa, to the role vacated by Abrahamson. “Having spent five years heading the Americas development team before taking up my current role and over seven years leading the Holiday Inn franchise business in the U.S., I am looking forward to working with the team, taking the region to the next stage,” said Kinsell.
“We thank Jim for his substantial contribution since joining IHG and wish him every success with his future career,” said Richard Solomons, incoming chief executive and current CFO and head of Commercial Development of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.
Changing Camps: Jim Abrahamson has stepped down as IHG’s president of the America’s to assume the role of CEO at Interstate Hotels & Resorts