Pascal Gauvin, Chief Operating Officer, India, Middle East and Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group
05. Pascal Gauvin, Chief Operating Officer, India, Middle East and Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group
Consolidating strong relationships with owners and igniting new partnerships is key to Gauvin’s success.
Pascal Gauvin has achieved key milestones over the last 12 months. Leveraging existing and new partnerships, IHG has signed 11 hotels and opened five. With brands ranging from the three-star Holiday Inn to the five-star InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the company continues to strengthen its presence in key markets.
With 77 hotels operating across five brands, in nine Middle Eastern countries, IHG has another 29 properties in the pipeline. As well as a strong portfolio in the long-stay, midscale and luxury segments, InterContinental is keeping ahead of the curve with its lifestyle offering, Hotel Indigo. The Sustainable City property in Dubai will comprise 170 rooms and is set to open in the first half of 2017 as a ‘net zero energy building’, whereby 100% of its energy needs will be met by solar power.
Gauvin asserts that he is committed to growing the next generation of leaders, as he supports more than 25,000 people across India, the Middle East and Africa. “Since I took on the role of COO for the region in 2012, one of my main focuses has been to keep building on IHG’s strong presence and legacy. And one of the ways we do that is through our people. “We want to expand the presence of our brands, earn our guests’ love and loyalty, be recognised as a great company to work for and a great partner, which delivers on its promises.”
Gauvin has worked in a number of senior managerial positions across Qatar, the UAE and Lebanon and is responsible for the operations of more than 120 hotels in 20 countries.
Top inspiration
“Nalin Mandaritta, general manager of Crowne Plaza Kathmandu-Soaltee, who led the recovery from two devastating earthquakes and continues to help our guests, colleagues and the local community in the aftermath of the disaster. He has shown outstanding leadership in the midst of a crisis and was a source of strength to the hotel team in delivering aid to those affected. I am greatly inspired by Nalin – he is a true example of what being a great general manager is all about.”
By the numbers
Number of years in role: 3
Number of years with company: 22
Number of Middle East operating hotels: 77
Number of Middle East pipeline hotels: 29
Number of Qatar hotels: 3
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