IHG Hotels Appoints Leanne Harwood as Global Sales SVP
Leanne Harwood will lead the hotel giant's global sales strategy from her base in Atlanta.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Hotels
IHG Hotels & Resorts has appointed Leanne Harwood to the position of Senior Vice President of Global Sales. Harwood, who is based in Atlanta, brings over three decades of hospitality expertise to the new role.
Why it matters
The appointment leverages Harwood's extensive background in international markets and her long-standing history with the company to steer its global sales performance. Her leadership is expected to drive customer engagement across the organization's expansive portfolio.
Leanne Harwood brings over 30 years of total hospitality experience to the company, including more than 20 years specifically within the IHG organization. She will continue to operate from her base in Atlanta.
The players
Leanne Harwood
She is the newly appointed Senior Vice President of Global Sales at IHG Hotels & Resorts with an extensive background in international hospitality markets.
IHG Hotels & Resorts
This is a multinational hospitality company that operates a diverse portfolio of hotel brands across the globe.
The details
Harwood oversees the company's global sales organization by focusing on strategic performance and customer engagement initiatives. She most recently served as the Senior Vice President and managing director of Luxury, Lifestyle & Managed Hotels in the Americas.
Timeline
March 2024: Harwood began her role as SVP and managing director of Luxury, Lifestyle & Managed Hotels in the Americas.
October 15, 2026: The company officially announced the appointment of Leanne Harwood.
Travel Outlook
This transition follows the 2024 IHG Luxury & Lifestyle expansion strategy by realigning leadership to support growing global market demands. The move reflects broader trends in the hospitality industry where companies prioritize experienced regional leaders to manage shifting international tourism patterns.
The leadership change is unlikely to alter immediate booking processes or guest experiences for travelers visiting Atlanta or other global destinations. Customers should continue to manage their travel arrangements through existing IHG booking platforms and loyalty programs as scheduled.
The takeaway
Harwood's transition highlights the importance of retaining internal talent with deep regional experience to navigate the complexities of global hospitality sales. Her background across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Japan, and Australasia will be key to managing the company's international reach.
Further reading
Learn more about the local hospitality sector by visiting our Hotels section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hotelier Magazine.
