Business
Steve Sickel Appointed CEO of the IHG Owners Association
The IHG Owners Association, which represents the interests of IHG Hotels & Resorts franchisees around the world, announced today that Steve Sickel has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and will serve in the role beginning November 24.
About this update from Intercontinental Hotels Group Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"ATLANTA, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The IHG Owners Association, which represents the interests of IHG Hotels & Resorts franchisees around the world, announced today that Steve Sickel has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and will serve in the role beginning November 24.","length":283,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"image","alt":"Steve Sickel","displaySize":"","headline":null,"caption":"Steve Sickel","className":"","disableSlideshowImg":false,"size":{"original":{"width":400,"height":393,"url":"https://media.zenfs.com/en/prnewswire.com/23d34b79d952b1a9ce12a0d5b8f87931"},"resized":{"url":"https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B.c3IUrhSONPp7kbXAcvAg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTY5MztjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/prnewswire.com/23d34b79d952b1a9ce12a0d5b8f87931","width":400,"height":393}},"href":"https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2774772/Steve_Sickel_headshot_for_release_250916.html","hrefExternal":true,"rel":"nofollow"},{"type":"text","content":"As CEO, Sickel will remain steadfast in upholding the Association's mission to strengthen the returns on members' investments in IHG hotels and will lead the Association's advice and counsel to IHG. He succeeds John Muehlbauer, who informed the Association earlier this year of his decision to retire at the end of 2025 following a distinguished 30-year career in hospitality and travel, including the last five years as CEO of the Association. Among his many achievements, Muehlbauer drove tens of millions in value to owners worldwide, including last year's loyalty and IHG Ignite fee reductions. He will remain with the Association through year-end to ensure a smooth leadership transition.","length":709,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The Association launched a CEO search committee comprised of owner volunteers and partnered with Bristol Associates, a leading hospitality talent placement firm. Following a comprehensive process, the committee selected Sickel, an experienced executive with a proven track record of growth, innovation and leadership in multi-function and multi-brand global organizations in the hospitality and travel sectors.","length":410,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"Sickel is fluent in the hospitality sector from his 13 years with IHG, during which he held various senior roles, culminating in the role of Global Head of Revenue Delive...