APPOINTMENT

IHG Hotels & Resorts Appoints Joanna Kurowska as Vice President, Middle East and Africa Development

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Joanna Kurowska as Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa, as part of its strategy to strengthen owner partnerships and accelerate growth across key markets in the region.

Kurowska brings nearly 15 years of experience with IHG, having held several leadership roles within the organisation. Most recently, she led operations in the UK and Ireland, IHG’s largest market within the Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA) region. During her tenure, the market recorded continued growth, with more than 400 hotels operating or in development.

In her new role, Kurowska will lead development strategies across priority markets including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. Her previous experience includes overseeing strategic initiatives such as the integration of Ruby Hotels into IHG’s portfolio, supporting the group’s broader brand and growth ambitions.

Commenting on her appointment, Kurowska said, “I am delighted to take on this new role representing IHG Hotels with such a strong legacy and presence in the region, as well as ambitious growth plans for the years ahead. Having been part of IHG for more than a decade, it is a true joy and an honour to step into this position and represent the Group in the MEA region.”

“Having spent the past few months meeting with owners in Jeddah, Riyadh, Sub-Saharan Africa, Dubai and Cairo, I can confidently say the scale of opportunity unfolding across this region is extraordinary. My focus is on ensuring we bring the right brands, the right deal structures, and strong local expertise to help our owners succeed. The Middle East and Africa are dynamic regions already delivering exceptional performance, and I look forward to working closely with our dedicated teams to drive meaningful, sustainable growth while creating long-term value for owners and the communities we serve.”