Loews Hotels & Resorts, a wholly owned-subsidiary of Loews Corporation, has named S. Kirk Kinsell as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2, 2015. Paul Whetsell will remain CEO until that time and will then become Vice Chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts to ensure a smooth transition. Both will report to Jonathan Tisch, who will continue his leadership as Chairman.
Kinsell will step down from the IHG Board and his role as President of IHG’s Americas business on 13th February 2015. He joins Loews Hotels after 19 years in senior positions with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and more than 35 years in the hospitality business. With more than 3,700 hotels under his management in his latest IHG role, Kinsell was responsible for business development and performance of all hotel brands and properties in North and South America. Prior to IHG, Kirk was with ITT Sheraton and Trammell Crow Hotel Company.
“Kirk’s broad experience in development, sales, and brand operations makes him an ideal choice to lead Loews Hotels forward in our next phase of growth and operational excellence,” said Jonathan Tisch, Chairman of Loews Hotels & Resorts and Co-Chairman of Loews Corp. “I want to thank Paul Whetsell for his leadership over the last several years. He has been instrumental in profitably growing our brand and broadening our customer base through the addition of key properties in gateway cities and by building upon the success of our existing portfolio.”
“It has been an honor to work at Loews Hotels. I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish together and I look forward to helping Kirk and the team,” said Mr. Whetsell. “I’ve known Kirk for many years and he is absolutely the right person to advance our strategy from this point.”
“I am impressed with Loews Hotels and the strategic steps taken over the last few years to enhance the operational effectiveness of the network and strengthen the brand. The company has exceptional assets and a solid foundation in place,” said Mr. Kinsell. “I have spent the majority of my career at larger chains, and am gratified by the prospect of being able to shape the continued growth of one of the most storied luxury brands in the industry. On a personal note, I very much look forward to working with Jon and Paul, and with the Loews Hotels executive team.”
