Patrick Imbardelli has resigned from his role as InterContinental Hotels Group’s (IHG) chief executive, Asia-Pacific region, after an “internal review” of his academic qualifications.

Imbardelli was set to join the board of IHG on the 1 July, while retaining the stewardship of IHG’s Asia-Pacific operations, a role he has held since 2003.

An announcement regarding Imbardelli’s permanent successor will “be made shortly”, the company said in a statement this morning.

He joined Bass, as IHG was, back in 2000 having worked for Hilton International, Hyatt and Southern Pacific Hotels Corporation.

Only last month was Imbardelli named Hotelier of the Year 2006 at the 10th Asia Pacific Hotel Investment Conference.

Tony South, currently senior vice-president, development and asset management, Asia Pacific, becomes acting chief executive of the region with immediate effect.

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By Christopher Walton

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