Each division will be operated as an individual business unit divided into the following geographical areas - UK & Ireland; Western & Southern Europe; Central & Eastern Europe; and Middle East & Africa. Reporting to Richard Hartman, the Chief Operating Officers of the divisions will be John Bamsey; Heinz Strobl; Arie van der Spek and Chris Moloney respectively. 

The regional centre, based in the UK, will support these divisions. It will provide fast and efficient core services to each of the four geographical divisions including legal, IT, human resources, development, franchising, quality, marketing and promotional resources.

Richard Hartman, Managing Director for the EMEA region of InterContinental Hotels Group said: �The new structure brings clarity and focus, maximising both revenue generating activities and cost efficiencies. Employees now have clear accountability and authority to get the job done and take the business forward. The regional centre will concentrate on how we do business and ensure the heart of EMEA, the divisions, are appropriately supported. These divisions in turn will focus on delivering the very best service for our guests to enhance their experience and exceed expectations.� 

Richard Hartman moved to the EMEA region in January. He was previously Managing Director of the Asia Pacific region where he achieved a number of milestones. Key highlights include the acquisition of the Hong Kong Regent - now the Hotel InterContinental Hong Kong - and pioneering hotel development in Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. He recently received industry recognition, winning the coveted award �Hotelier of the Year� at the annual Asia Pacific Hotel Industry Investment Conference. 

John Bamsey has been appointed Chief Operating Officer UK & Ireland. Bamsey joined the company in 2001 as area president for Europe. His wealth of experience includes Regional Managing Director for Le Meridien UK & Ireland and also UK Managing Director for Hilton International.

Heinz Strobl appointed Chief Operating Officer Western & Southern Europe will be based at the Brussels divisional office. He was previously Area Vice President Operations in Western Europe and has worked for the group since the early 1980s.

Arie van der Spek is the new Chief Operating Officer Central & Eastern Europe. He was previously Senior Vice President for the company�s franchise business and will be based at the Frankfurt divisional office.
Chris Moloney becomes Chief Operating Officer Middle East & Africa. Moloney was previously Area Vice President of Operations for the Middle East & Africa. Additional roles in the company include General Manager of the InterContinental Riyadh and Vice President of Operations for Saudi Arabia.

InterContinental Hotels Group, formed from the separation of Six Continents plc on 15 April 2003, owns manages and franchises a portfolio of renowned brands - InterContinental Hotels, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Express by Holiday Inn.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, more than 3,300 hotels and 515,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world (www.ichotelsgroup.com). The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn, Express by Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites, and also has a controlling interest in Britvic, the second largest soft drinks manufacturer in the UK.