Keith Barr (businessman)

Keith Barr
Barr in December 2017
Born	(1970-07-16) July 16, 1970 (age 55) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Alma mater	Cornell University
Occupation	Former CEO Hospitality
Title	Former CEO, InterContinental Hotels Group
Term	2017–2023
Predecessor	Richard Solomons
Successor	Elie W. Maalouf

Keith Barr (born July 16, 1970) ^[1] is an American businessman. He was the chief executive of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) from July 2017 until July 2023, when he was succeeded by Elie W. Maalouf. ^{[2] [3]} Barr left IHG to return to the US. ^[4]

Early life and education

Born in Boston, Barr was educated at Saint Sebastian's School in Needham, Massachusetts, and has a degree from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity. ^{[1] [5]}

Career

Barr joined IHG in 2000, rising to CEO in July 2017, succeeding Richard Solomons. ^{[6] [7] [5]}

Prior to assuming the role of CEO, Keith spent four years as chief commercial officer, IHG. He has also spent four years as CEO, Greater China. He is a non-executive director of Yum! Brands. ^{[8] [9]}

Awards

In 2024, it was announced that he would receive the Cornell Hospitality Icon of the Industry Award. ^[10]

References

1. Meddings, Sabah (11 March 2018). "Keith Barr: Airbnb? It won't kill off hotels". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
2. "Richard Solomons to step down from IHG". Financial Times. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
3. "Elie Maalouf". InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.
4. O'Boyle, Daniel (2023-05-05). "IHG boss who criticised London's declining listing appeal will quit and return to US". Evening Standard. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
5. "Keith Barr". InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
6. "Big Plans from IHG's New CEO: Business Travel News". www.businesstravelnews.com. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
7. "Breaking News: Keith Barr to replace Richard Solomons as IHG's CEO - Hotel Management". hotelmanagement.com.au. 5 May 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
8. "Keith Barr". InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. Retrieved 2020-12-09.
9. Meddings, Sabah. "Keith Barr: Airbnb? It won't kill off hotels". ISSN   0140-0460 . Retrieved 2020-12-09.
10. "Global Hospitality Executive Keith Barr to Receive 2024 Cornell Hospitality Icon Award". Hospitality Net. 2024-06-04. Retrieved 2024-03-05.