Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 17, 2025
IHG Owners Association Names Steve Sickel as New CEO
TLDR
- IHG franchisees gain a strategic advantage with Steve Sickel's appointment as CEO, leveraging his IHG expertise to enhance investment returns and owner advocacy.
- Steve Sickel's appointment as IHG Owners Association CEO follows a comprehensive search process, with his 13-year IHG background ensuring smooth leadership transition from November 24.
- Sickel's leadership at IHG Owners Association strengthens owner relationships and advocates for win-win solutions that improve long-term value across the global hospitality industry.
- Steve Sickel, recognized among HSMAI's Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality, brings innovative distribution strategies from RoomKey to lead IHG's owner association.
Impact - Why it Matters
This leadership transition matters because the IHG Owners Association represents the interests of thousands of hotel franchise owners worldwide who collectively operate major brands including Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Kimpton. The CEO selection directly impacts hotel investment returns, operational standards, and the relationship between franchisees and one of the world's largest hotel corporations. Sickel's extensive experience with IHG's commercial operations and distribution strategies positions him to effectively advocate for owners on critical issues like fee structures, marketing programs, and technological investments that ultimately affect guest experiences and property profitability across the global hospitality landscape.
Summary
The IHG Owners Association, representing over 5,000 franchisees of IHG Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide, has announced the appointment of Steve Sickel as its new Chief Executive Officer effective November 24. Sickel succeeds retiring CEO John Muehlbauer, who delivered tens of millions in value to owners through initiatives like loyalty program enhancements and fee reductions during his five-year tenure. The selection followed a comprehensive search process led by a committee of owner volunteers in partnership with hospitality talent firm Bristol Associates.
Sickel brings exceptional qualifications to the role, including 13 years of experience with IHG where he served as Global Head of Revenue Delivery, overseeing critical commercial functions including IHG One Rewards, digital marketing, and revenue management. His impressive background also includes CEO leadership at RoomKey, where he developed strategies to reduce third-party distribution costs, and most recently serving as Partner & Chief Marketing Officer at The Mallet Group, a global loyalty marketing consultancy. Recognized by HSMAI as one of the "Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality," Sickel has committed to building on Muehlbauer's foundation by strengthening relationships with IHG hotel owners and leadership while advocating for win-win solutions that enhance long-term member value.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by citybiz. Read the original source here, IHG Owners Association Names Steve Sickel as New CEO
