InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced that Karl Hala will assume two senior positions within the hotel group – Director of Operations for Africa and General Manager for InterContinental Nairobi, Kenya.

Karl Hala, who has over 26 years experience in the hospitality industry, has held several managerial positions throughout his career across a variety of properties and countries, with a special focus on the African market. During this time he has amassed a wealth of knowledge and a profound understanding of the evolving and growing industry.

Joining IHG in 1991, Mr Hala worked across several InterContinental Hotels and Resorts and Crowne Plaza properties in Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Europe. In 2000, he was appointed as General Manager for InterContinental Budapest in Hungary where he managed a major refurbishment project for the hotel. In his last position as the General Manager of InterContinental Warsaw, Poland, the property won several performance and excellence awards under his leadership. During this period, Karl Hala also led the growth strategy for the InterContinental Hotels and Resorts brand in the Polish market.

Commenting on Mr Hala’s recent appointment, John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East and Africa said: “I would like to welcome Karl into his new role. Over the past 16 years with IHG Karl has demonstrated his passion and commitment to the group and the industry, and with his undeniable leadership skills he will continue to position IHG at the forefront. Karl will play a pivotal role in the growth and development of IHG’s presence in Africa, which has become a key destination for business and leisure travellers. IHG is rapidly expanding in this market across all brands and we are pleased to have the right people on board.”

“I am thrilled to be handling two functions at IHG and I look forward to this new and exciting challenge with an extremely reputable hotel group,” added Karl. “The African market is booming and IHG’s presence is vital to drive the hospitality industry in the right direction. With its consistent growth, IHG will offer all travellers to this region high-quality accommodation across a range of segments to ensure they enjoy a unique African experience.”

InterContinental Hotels Group currently operates 76 properties and 18,617 rooms within the Middle East and Africa with a further 43 properties and 11,126 rooms in the development pipeline.