A global sales organisation led from Atlanta
Announced on 6 October 2026 in Atlanta, the appointment of Leanne Harwood places her at the head of the Global Sales organisation of IHG Hotels & Resorts. She will oversee its strategy, performance and customer engagement across all commercial segments and every region in which the group operates.
Her remit covers three key components of hotel demand: corporate clients, groups, and the meetings and events market. The stated objective is to drive customer engagement and growth across these segments worldwide.
More than two decades with IHG
Leanne Harwood has more than thirty years of experience in hospitality, over twenty of them at IHG. Since March 2024, she had served as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Luxury, Lifestyle & Managed Hotels, Americas, responsible for the operations and performance of the group’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio across the region.
Globally, IHG continues to expand this segment, as illustrated by the signing of the first Kimpton in Rome with Castello SGR and the five openings scheduled by Six Senses in 2027.
A career shaped across Asia, the Middle East and the Americas
Prior to this role, Leanne Harwood held leadership positions at IHG in sales, commercial and operations across South-East Asia, the Middle East, Japan and Australasia. According to the group, this experience of leading teams in diverse markets has given her a keen understanding of customer needs and business priorities.
Analysis – This dual grounding, both commercial and operational, matches the nature of the role: a global sales leadership position that must balance customer segments and markets with distinct dynamics.
Customer relationships at the heart of the mandate
Jolyon Bulley, CEO, Americas of IHG Hotels & Resorts, highlighted Leanne’s in-depth commercial expertise and proven ability to build high-performing teams, which in his view make her the ideal person to lead the group’s Global Sales organisation.
He added that her international experience, strategic vision and passion for hospitality would be invaluable as IHG continues to strengthen and grow its customer partnerships across the business.
The appointment forms part of a series of senior leadership moves at major hotel groups in the Americas, with Accor having entrusted Kara Brill Randall with developing its luxury brands in North America.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
IHG names Leanne Harwood SVP, Global Sales
Appointment announced on 6 October 2026, based in Atlanta
Leads IHG’s Global Sales organisation across all segments and regions
Focus on corporate, group, and meetings & events business worldwide
30+ years in hospitality, including 20+ years with IHG
Previously SVP & MD, Luxury, Lifestyle & Managed Hotels, Americas (since March 2024)
