IHG gets new chief development officer

Cape Town - InterContinental Hotels Group has appointed Rajit Sukumaran as the new chief development officer in the Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) region, the company announced.

Sukumaran, who was as senior vice president for acquisitions & development for Asia Pacific at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, will head the development team and lead the group’s growth strategy. He brings more than 12 years’ experience in development, acquisitions and feasibility.

“Rajit brings with him vast knowledge, a stellar reputation and the ability to drive development success across brands which will prove invaluable as he drives the acceleration of IHG’s growth strategy across AMEA,” said AMEA CEO Jan Smits.

“I am thrilled to join the IHG family as it continues on the growth journey in the region," said Sukumaran about his appointment.

He said the AMEA region has seen unprecedented growth in the past decade and still has a long runway. "I look forward to working with some of the best talent in the industry as we forge ahead with both our existing and new partners across the region."

Sukumaran has also worked in the corporate finance division of PricewaterhouseCoopers Singapore where he was involved with several cross-border corporate transactions including mergers, acquisitions and initial public offerings.

He graduated from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University with a degree of Bachelor of Accountancy.

IHG operates across nearly 40 countries and territories in AMEA. The company operates hotels in three ways: as a franchisor, as a manager, and on an owned and leased basis.

It has a broad portfolio of hotel brands, including InterContinental, HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.