Haitham Mattar joins as Managing Director at IHG Hotels – India, Middle East & Africa

IHG^® Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Haitham Mattar as Managing Director of India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA) with effect from 18 April 2021. Haitham is a well-known industry veteran in the IMEA region, with over 25 years of experience in hospitality and tourism and an outstanding network across the industry IHG^® Hotels & Resorts, as per the recently released press note.

Haitham, in his new role with IHG, will take on a broad leadership agenda to drive IHG’s business in the Middle East, Africa and the South West Asia region, covering both development and operations responsibilities across a portfolio of 165 operational hotels and a strong pipeline of over 100 properties, representing IHG’s brands across luxury and lifestyle, premium, essentials and suites collections.

Prior to joining IHG, Mattar worked with Saudi Ministry of Tourism as Senior Advisor and a member of the Executive Leadership Committee, he contributed to the development and implementation of Saudi’s sustainable tourism strategy to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Prior to that Haitham spent four years as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, reporting to His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Guided by His Highness’ vision, Haitham was responsible for developing and implementing the first ever tourism strategy to position Ras Al Khaimah as a global adventure tourism destination, connecting the world to the emirates’ natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport, an IHG hotel

Haitham previously spent 11 years at IHG Hotels & Resorts from 2000 to 2011 in various operations, commercial and sales & marketing positions based in IMEA. In his new role, Haitham will be based in IHG’s Dubai office and will report to Kenneth Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA).

Kenneth Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa commenting on the announcement,  said: “I am very pleased to welcome Haitham back to IHG and lead our business in IMEA at such a crucial time for the travel and tourism industry. Haitham has a wealth of experience within the sector and has been at the forefront of several important strategic initiatives in the region over the last decade. I am confident that his knowledge, diverse experience, along with cross-continent and local expertise will be invaluable, as we look to continue driving our recovery”.

Haitham Mattar, on his appointment at IHG said: “I am delighted to join the IHG family once again and have an opportunity to lead such a diverse region with enormous potential. The tourism and hospitality landscape in IMEA has transformed significantly in recent years, providing us with a tremendous opportunity to offer world-class hospitality options to both domestic and international travellers. Building on IHG’s strong performance track record and growth plans, I look forward to working with the team, as well as our partners, as we look ahead to the next chapter of travel in the region.”

It may be noted that IHG currently operates 165 hotels across 8 brands in India, Middle East, and Africa including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, voco^™and Six Senses with a further 102 in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years.

Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram