John Bamsey steps down as IHG COO, India and MEA

InterContinental Hotels Group chief operating officer India, Middle East and Africa John Bamsey has announced his retirement and will step down from his role at the end of April.

Bamsey, who will be returning to the UK to be with his family, joined IHG in 2001 and has been leading the region as COO for the last five years.

IHG chief executive Asia, Middle East and Africa Jan Smits said: "The business will miss John’s leadership greatly. He has always been a ‘people person’ and his ability to challenge his team to deliver great performance is part of what makes him not only a leader, but a memorable colleague”.

Bamsey will be succeeded by Pascal Gauvin, who has been promoted from his role as vice president operations, Near East and Africa.

Gauvin has been with IHG for close to 19 years and based in Dubai since 2006.

As COO, Gauvin will be responsible for the overall operations and growth of the region reporting to Smits, who said: “In Pascal we have a senior leader and experienced operator with a strong track record. He is no stranger to either IHG or the Middle East and Africa region and having Pascal at the helm will be a real advantage for us”.