InterContinental appoints chief marketing officer

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has appointed Tom Seddon, a senior executive at sandwich chain Subway, as chief marketing officer.

Seddon, who joins the hotel giant on 1 November, replaces Peter Gowers who was appointed chief executive of IHG’s Asia Pacific region in July.

Gowers replaced Patrick Imbardelli, who resigned in May in controversial circumstances after admitting to “inconsistencies” on his CV.

At Subway, Seddon was chief executive of the company’s franchisee advertising fund trust, heading up worldwide sales and marketing activity.

Prior to that, he worked for IHG in the USA in a number of senior roles including senior vice-president, Americas brand performance from 2002-2004 and senior vice-president of strategic services.  

Andrew Cosslett, IHG chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tom back to IHG. He is well known and well respected throughout the industry. 

“I am confident his deep knowledge of our business together with the fresh perspective he will have gained over the three years he has been away will serve him and the company very well.”

Seddon will be responsible for IHG brands InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Hotel Indigo and for guest loyalty programme Priority Club Rewards.

He will oversee global marketing strategy for each brand including worldwide sales, brand management, and distribution marketing.

InterContinental appoints Peter Gowers as Asia Pacific chief executive >> 

InterContinental's chief executive of Asia Pacific resigns >> 

InterContinental executive backs Patrick Imbardelli's decision to resign >>

By Daniel Thomas

E-mail your comments to Daniel Thomas here.