Patrick Cescau to step down as IHG chair

The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced that its non-executive chair, Patrick Cescau, will retire from the IHG board, effective 31 August 2022. Deanna Oppenheimer has been appointed to take over the role of non-executive chair from 1 September 2022, following Cescau’s retirement. She will also take over as non-executive director from 1 June 2022. In her new role, Oppenheimer will join the nomination committee of the IHG board upon her appointment as non-executive director, and she will subsequently chair the committee upon assuming the role of non-executive chair. Cescau has been IHG's non-executive chair since 2013. During his tenure, he has overseen IHG's growth and has been responsible for business practises. Meanwhile, Oppenheimer is currently the non-executive chair of Hargreaves Lansdown plc and sits on the board of Thomson Reuters Corporation. She previously served as a non-executive director of Whitbread PLC and chair of its Remuneration committee. She has also been senior independent director of Tesco PLC, where she chaired the Remuneration committee and served on the board of Tesco Bank. Prior to this, Oppenheimer reportedly led and “transformed” the retail banking division at Barclays plc. IHG said her board and executive-level experience across “high-profile” consumer brands will bring “valuable insights and perspectives” to the group. Cescau said: "I feel honoured to have overseen the growth of IHG over the past nine years and take great pride in the Board's leadership through the pandemic, where we have prioritised doing the right thing by all of our stakeholders. I am confident that I leave IHG in a strong position for growth.” Oppenheimer added: "I am delighted to be joining the IHG board and to have the opportunity to work with Keith and his executive committee to ensure that IHG's strategic priorities and responsible business goals continue to be delivered successfully. Patrick leaves behind a strong legacy and I look forward to working closely with my new board colleagues.” Keith Barr, IHG chief executive officer, said: "I would like to thank Patrick for his counsel and support during his tenure as chair. His dedication and stewardship has left the company in a strong position for high-quality future growth and I am certain the wealth of experience Deanna will bring to the IHG board will make her an excellent successor."

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Patrick Cescau to step down as IHG chair

Following his retirement, Deanna Oppenheimer will take over the role in September.

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