IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced a new senior appointment in Europe. Eric Viale takes up the role of Managing Director Southern Europe, based in IHG’s Paris office.
Eric Viale was previously the Area General Manager for Portugal and brings a wealth of experience to this new role from his 23 years in the hotel business. Over the last 15 years, he has worked in a multitude of positions within IHG, spanning commercial and operations leadership roles both in corporate offices and hotels.
His new leadership role will be responsible for driving accelerated growth across the franchised estate in Europe as IHG continues to strengthen and grow its existing brand portfolio through design and product development. Recent initiatives include the continued roll-out of the innovative Holiday Inn® Open Lobby concept as well as exciting new room designs for Holiday Inn Express®, new Crowne Plaza® work-life room designs and the Plaza Workspace, a technology-enabled public space designed for solo work as well as small group meetings.
IHG is also adding new brands to its portfolio, including in the high-value luxury and upscale segments with the expansion of its luxury boutique brand, Kimpton® in key cities across Europe, and the launch of its new upscale brand, voco™.
Karin Sheppard, Managing Director Europe, commented: “IHG is building momentum across Europe through the development of our existing portfolio as well as the launch of exciting new brands. Eric has deep experience of the southern Europe hotel markets and his leadership will play a key role in strengthening IHG’s presence and accelerating our growth in the region.”
