Kenneth Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer of IHG, Greater China is pleased to announce that Jean-Jacques Reibel, a 32 year veteran of IHG, who has served as Managing Director of InterContinental Hong Kong for twelve years, will relocate to Los Angeles in April 2016 to become the opening General Manager of the new InterContinental Downtown Los Angeles, which is currently under construction. The new 900 room conference hotel owned by Korean Airlines is scheduled to open sometime in the latter part of 2017. Jean-Jacques’ last day at InterContinental Hong Kong will be 27th February 2016.
As per Kenneth Macpherson, “Jean-Jacques is an incredible leader. During his tenure at our flagship InterContinental Hong Kong property, he has created an impressive legacy and has been the driving force behind the hotel’s many successes, accomplishments and awards. I would personally like to thank him for his outstanding contributions to the success of the IHG Greater China region.”
Returning to InterContinental Hong Kong as the hotel’s new General Manager will be Claus Pedersen, who is currently Vice President, Hotel Operations for MGM Macau. Claus Pedersen served as Executive Assistant Manager, F&B and Resident Manager at InterContinental Hong Kong for six years from 2005-2011. His past experience with the hotel will be invaluable in ensuring a smooth transition. Claus will start the handover process with Jean-Jacques on 15th February 2016 and will assume the position of General Manager effective 1st March 2016.
As per Jean-Jacques Reibel, “Claus is a true professional whose wealth of experience, especially with InterContinental Hong Kong, will be invaluable. During his six years with the hotel, he built strong relationships with our employees and clients. He was instrumental in the repositioning of the hotel acclaimed restaurants from the launch of NOBU to the evolution of SPOON, making the hotel’s F&B operations both successful and profitable. I am confident that he will take the hotel to an even higher level in the future.”
About Jean-Jacques Reibel
The 32 year IHG veteran and native Frenchman spent 20 years managing the company’s top properties in the USA (including The Willard in Washington, DC and InterContinental Miami) before joining InterContinental Hong Kong, IHG’s flagship property, as Managing Director on 1st February 2004. Under his leadership, InterContinental Hong Kong has become the first IHG property globally to be awarded Five Stars by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide. He also repositioned the hotel as a destination for exceptional dining in its five celebrated restaurants, which include two with Michelin stars (the 2-star Yan Toh Heen and 1-star SPOON by Alain Ducasse).
Overseeing over 800 associates, Jean-Jacques has been the driving force and vision behind over US$90 million in major hotel renovations and enhancements during his twelve year tenure, including the renovation of all 503 guestrooms, the creation of Hong Kong’s largest Presidential Suite, the launch of NOBU and relaunch of Yan Toh Heen and renovation of the hotel’s 2,102 sq. meters (22,626 sq. feet) of meeting and event space.
About Claus Pedersen
Claus Pedersen has over 25 years of international hotel experience spanning multiple continents. Currently Vice President, Hotel Operations for MGM Macau, Claus joined MGM China Holdings in 2011 as Director and then Executive Director of Hotel Operations, before being promoted to Vice President in 2014. In his role, he oversees a team of 800 employees at the 35-story tower with 582 deluxe rooms, 8 restaurants and bars, pool and spa facilities and approx. 1,600 sq. meters (17,222 sq. feet) of convention and meeting space. He has also been heavily involved in the development of MGM Cotai, which is scheduled to open in mid-2016 with 1,500 rooms and 10 F&B outlets.
Claus spent six years at InterContinental Hong Kong from 2005-2011, first as Director of Food & Beverage and then Executive Assistant Manager – F&B. In 2007 he was promoted to Executive Assistant Manager and in 2008 to Resident Manager, a position he held until 2011. During this time, he played a key role in the repositioning of the hotel’s successful F&B operations, including the launch of NOBU, the introduction of the popular Harbourside buffet, and the relaunch of THE STEAK HOUSE and the evolution of the SPOON concept. As Resident Manager, he focused on quality and service improvements that laid the groundwork for the hotel’s eventual recognition as a Forbes Travel Guide Five Star property.
Prior positions include being Director of Operations at the Hilton Otaru and Director of Food and Beverage at Hilton Nagoya in Japan. Claus launched his hotel career in his native Denmark before pursuing an international career with postings in Dublin, Kuala Lumpur, Cairo, Valencia in Venezuela and London.
