MEXICO | Seasoned industry leader Michael Ho Knudsen has been announced as IHG's next Managing Director for Mexico, Latin America & the Caribbean.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Michael Hoe Knudsen as Managing Director for Mexico, Latin America & the Caribbean (MLAC), following the retirement of long-standing former region leader Jorge Apaez.
Hoe Knudsen brings three decades of global hospitality experience across the Americas, Europe and Greater China, and will lead the region with a strong focus on future growth, operational excellence, and deepening owner and stakeholder relationships.
Hoe Knudsen began his IHG career in 1996 at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel and has since held leadership positions with IHG spanning hotel and corporate roles across the U.S., Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina and Jamaica. Most recently, he was based in the company’s Greater China region, where he oversaw 120 managed hotels and 45 openings across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. Fluent in Spanish, he brings both global expertise and a deep cultural connection to the MLAC region.
“Michael’s appointment comes at an important moment for our MLAC business. With deep roots in the region and brands that have helped shape modern hospitality across these markets for decades, IHG is well-positioned for its next phase of growth,” said Jolyon Bulley, Americas CEO at IHG.
“I’m confident Michael will build on this strong foundation and accelerate momentum across one of our most important regions.”
“Returning to MLAC is an honour as one of IHG’s largest markets, the region holds tremendous opportunity,” said Hoe Knudsen.
“I look forward to leading the next chapter of our success, supported by our talented colleagues, anchored in strong owner relationships and driven by successful brands backed by IHG’s powerful enterprise.”
IHG has a longstanding presence across Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, with brands deeply embedded in the region’s hospitality landscape. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts was founded in South America and launched in Brazil, while Holiday Inn has been a trusted name in Mexico for more than 50 years, reflecting IHG’s enduring commitment to the region. IHG’s current system size in MLAC comprises 295 open hotels and a pipeline of 104 hotels in development.
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