Leanne Harwood

IHGHotels & Resorts (IHG) today announces the appointment of Leanne Harwood as its new Senior Vice President (SVP), Managing Director, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas (LLA). Upon assuming her role on 1 March 2024, Harwood will oversee the daily operations of the LLA organisation, drive performance and operations of IHG's six Luxury & Lifestyle brands and support their growth in the region.

A highly respected industry veteran with nearly three decades of hospitality experience, Harwood currently serves as SVP, Managing Director for IHG's Japan, Australasia and Pacific (JAPAC) region. She has led record regional growth since assuming this position in January 2018, expanding its reach to include nearly 160 open or in pipeline hotels highlighted by the signings of the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula, Kimpton Margot Sydney, RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka and Regent Kyoto.

Beyond her well-deserved reputation on delivering on business performance, Harwood's deep passion for making positive change in the world through a personal focus on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), ESG and community engagement, included the RISE program for female GMs, the Shadow Board (LINK) initiative and JAPAC DE&I Council, as well as being executive sponsor of IHG's partnership with OzHarvest, Pride in Diversity, Out & Open and Champions of Change.

Harwood is also a respected leadership voice in professional organisations across the industry. In 2021, she was elected the first female president of Accommodation Australia - the nation's most prominent hospitality assembly. Harwood additionally serves as chair of IHG's ANA Hotels Group Japan Board and was an early sponsor of IHG's RISE program, which supports the development of female General Managers through training, mentorship and resource access.

Prior to joining IHG, Harwood assumed roles of increasing leadership and responsibility across various sales, operations and commercial teams. She began her hospitality journey at a hotel bar in New Zealand and ultimately became its Food & Beverage Director and later New Zealand's first female hotel concierge.

IHG will share an update into its succession plans within the JAPAC region in the upcoming weeks.