IHG Announces New Leadership For Development In Americas Region
	COO Tom Murray to lead business development, Jim Anhut to lead franchise
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) today announces new roles for company veterans Tom Murray and Jim Anhut as they will lead the company's development activities in the Americas region and help continue IHG's global development momentum as the company is well on track to exceed its net organic rooms growth target of 50,000-60,000 rooms by the end of 2008. Murray, chief operating officer for the Americas region, will increase his responsibilities to include all business development activity in the region relating to management and equity participation in hotels. Based in Atlanta, Murray will manage the business development for the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Crowne Plaza brands in accordance with the brand distribution strategy and strategic market planning. He will also direct the application of capital to ensure distribution of the Hotel Indigo brand in strategic markets, as part of the brand's expansion plans in North America. As COO Murray also oversees operations of owned and managed hotels in North America, as well as operations in Latin America and Mexico. Story continues below ↓ Advertisement Anhut has been promoted to the position of senior vice president, Franchise Development. This role will maximize the distribution of IHG's franchised hotels in North America and drive enhanced strategic market planning for both franchised and managed development. This structure will allow IHG to continue to build upon its strategic approach to franchise growth and its record-breaking development pipeline. 'Tom's and Jim's extensive experience in the hospitality industry and with IHG makes them the perfect fit for their new roles,' said Steve Porter, president, the Americas, IHG. 'Their experience will serve them well as we continue to build on the momentum we have already established to drive our strategic priorities in the Americas region.' Prior to being named COO for the Americas region, Murray served as area president, mid-scale operations, North America for IHG. In that capacity he was responsible for managing the sales, marketing, financial performance and new business development of IHG's company-managed properties in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America. Since 1981, Murray has worked in the hotel industry in various positions from finance, operations and development. Murray is on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Georgia and holds a degree in accountancy from Villanova University. Anhut is a third-generation hotelier with more than 25 years of industry experience, including more than 20 years in senior management positions with several national lodging franchisers and extended stay hotel brands. He most recently served as senior vice president, Brand Development, in the Americas and was responsible for the success of the Hotel Indigo brand. Prior to Hotel Indigo, he designed and launched Staybridge Suites, directed the growth of the brand as well as implemented the strategies to ensure its success. Under his leadership, the brand laid claim to the distribution milestones of "fastest to 50" and "swiftest to 75" in its upscale extended-stay segment.