IHG names Julienne Smith SVP/development for Americas region

IHG appointed Julienne Smith SVP/development in the Americas region.

Based in Atlanta, Smith oversees a team responsible for growing IHG’s Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo and Even Hotels brands in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean though new-builds and conversions. She additionally leads IHG’s transactions and asset-management team.

Smith has more than 17 years' of development experience, serving more than 13 years with Hyatt Hotels Corp., where she most recently held the position of SVP/development and owner relations. In that role, she primarily oversaw the growth of Hyatt’s select-service brands and grew the company’s footprint through franchise and management contracts. Before that she worked with Marriott International.

“During her years in the industry, Julienne has built strong relationships based on establishing trust and delivering successful results,” said Joel Eisemann, chief development officer, Americas at IHG. “We are extremely pleased to welcome her to IHG. Julienne’s demonstrated performance leading a hotel development team will be a tremendous asset to our company.”