IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced the appointment of long-standing IHG leader Joanna Kurowska as Vice President, Middle East and Africa Development. The move reflects IHG’s strategic focus on placing seasoned internal leaders in priority growth markets to strengthen owner partnerships, accelerate development, and drive sustained business performance across the region.
With nearly 15 years at IHG, Kurowska brings a strong track record of accelerating performance across complex, large-scale markets and is widely respected within the organisation and the wider hospitality industry for her people-centric approach and proven ability to drive stellar commercial performance. Her appointment reinforces IHG’s depth of internal talent and continued investment in advancing high-performing leaders from within the business.
Since 2021, Kurowska has led IHG’s UK and Ireland business – the company’s largest market within EMEAA – overseeing a portfolio of more than 400 open and pipeline hotels. Her leadership across development strategy, owner engagement, and portfolio performance has directly contributed to the market’s sustained growth. Most recently, she played a pivotal role in the integration of Ruby Hotels into IHG’s portfolio, strengthening the group’s brand offering and expanding its growth ambitions.
In her new role, Kurowska will spearhead IHG’s development strategy across the company’s highest-priority markets, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. Her experience managing one of IHG’s largest and most operationally complex regions has equipped her with the strategic rigor to navigate the diverse opportunities and owner landscape across the dynamic Middle East and Africa.
Kurowska is a strong advocate for inclusion, reflected in her role on IHG’s Europe Inclusion and Impact Board, a principle that will continue to guide her leadership across the region.
