InterContinental Buckhead Names New Sales and F&B Leaders
The Atlanta hotel appointed Stephanie Gustafson as director of sales and marketing and Kristian La Plante as director of food and beverage.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Hospitality
InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta has named Stephanie Gustafson director of sales and marketing and Kristian La Plante director of food and beverage. The appointments were announced in a press release dated November 5, 2026.
Why it matters
The hotel is adding leaders for its sales, marketing, and food and beverage operations, which together shape revenue and guest experience at the Buckhead property. The changes add two senior executives to the hotel's leadership team in Atlanta.
Gustafson brings more than 25 years of hospitality sales and marketing experience, and La Plante brings over 22 years leading front-and-back-of-house operations, banquets, and catering. The announcement does not specify start dates for either executive.
The players
InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta
A luxury hotel in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta, part of the InterContinental brand within the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio.
Manuel Deisen
General Manager of InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, overseeing the hotel's operations.
The details
Gustafson will oversee sales strategy, marketing, commercial execution, and revenue growth, with prior leadership roles at IHG Corporate Global Sales Strategy, Hilton, and Marriott. La Plante will oversee daily culinary operations, catering services, and restaurant strategy, with prior roles at Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort and Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin.
Timeline
November 5, 2026: Appointments of Gustafson and La Plante announced in a press release.
Industry Dynamics
Gustafson's background spanning IHG Corporate Global Sales Strategy, Hilton, and Marriott reflects the career path common among senior hotel sales executives moving between major global brands. Her appointment places that multi-brand corporate sales experience directly into a single InterContinental property's commercial leadership.
For guests booking at InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, the new sales, marketing, and dining leadership may shape the hotel's offerings and events over time. The announcement does not describe any immediate changes to rates, packages, or menus.
The takeaway
Leadership changes in sales and food and beverage often influence how a hotel positions its rooms, events, and dining over time. Readers planning stays in Buckhead can watch for any updated offerings from the property as the new directors settle into their roles.
Further reading
For more on the local hotel sector, see Hospitality coverage for Atlanta.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hotel Online.
