InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the appointment of Shantha de Silva to the role of Head of South West Asia, overseeing India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Leading IHG’s business in the region, with a focus on India as a key market, de Silva will be responsible for driving strategic growth for the company and the operational performance of 21 hotels across four brands: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. He will also play an integral role in driving IHG’s plans to have 150 hotels open or in the pipeline in India within the next 10 to 15 years.

De Silva started his career with IHG more than 30 years ago at the former InterContinental Colombo, and was most recently Director of Operations for Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, responsible for the performance of 13 hotels across three brands in the region, including InterContinental Singapore where he was also General Manager. In his time with IHG he has also held leadership roles in many emerging markets in the region, including Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

He is based in Gurgaon, India and reports to Pascal Gauvin, Chief Operating Officer, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG.

Gauvin comments: “Shantha takes the helm of our India leadership team with a proven track record in driving growth in emerging markets. We are very pleased to have him spearhead our operations in South West Asia and have every confidence he will strengthen the team and take it to the next level.”

Commenting on his appointment, Shantha de Silva, Head of South West Asia, IHG says: “India is one of the most dynamic countries in our Asia, Middle East and Africa region and its hospitality sector is going through exciting times with a number of new government initiatives to boost travel and tourism. The South West Asian region is also expected to see some strong growth and it is a personal milestone, and honour, for me to have the opportunity to head up our operations in this part of the world.”

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