• Michael Zager will report directly to Stephen McCall, Chief Operating Officer, Europe, IHG®, and join IHG’s Operations Leadership Team
  • Zager will be based in Frankfurt, reflecting the operator’s focus on Germany as a key market

IHG, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has appointed Michael Zager as Vice President, Operations, Continental Europe. Zager will start his new role effective October 1st and report to Stephen McCall, Chief Operating Officer, Europe.

Zager will join the Operations Leadership Team and will be based within IHG’s Frankfurt office to help further strengthen presence and resource in this key market. IHG currently has 657 hotels open in Europe with a further 132 in the pipeline.

Stephen McCall, Chief Operating Officer, Europe, IHG, commented: “As we continue to build presence within Europe, it is crucial to get the right team in place within key locations, and Michael’s perspectives and experience make him the right person to lead the team in meeting our goals.”

Adds Michael Zager: “I have long admired IHG and am proud to be joining them at such a pivotal period as they continue to succeed in Europe. I look forward to bringing my experience to what is already an incredibly skilled Operations Leadership Team, and working closely with Stephen.”

A 32-year veteran of the industry, Zager – who started his hotel career as an apprentice in Germany – has worked across multiple disciplines and brands, including several GM appointments. He joins IHG from Wyndham Hotel Group, where his most recent role was Regional Vice President Middle East & Africa in the International Hotel Division, where he led operations across a large portfolio of franchised hotels and established the infrastructure supporting their managed division in that region. Prior to that he was responsible for new openings and operations across UK&I and Continental Europe at Marriott.