ATLANTA (July 24, 2003) - InterContinental Hotels Group (www.ichotelsgroup.com), the world’s most global hotel company, has named Rick Kowaleski senior vice president of Americas Finance.
Reporting to Steve Porter, president-the Americas for InterContinental Hotels Group, Kowaleski will be responsible for the management of financial operations for all of InterContinental Hotels Group’s properties in North and South America. Kowaleski’s new role represents Porter’s strategy to balance internal promotions with external talent to maximize top-line performance.

Previously, vice president and controller for InterContinental Hotels Group, Kowaleski was responsible for all accounting functions, financial and management reporting and financial planning for the Americas region.

Kowaleski is a twenty-three-year veteran of the finance industry having held positions of increasing responsibility in financial planning, audit and accounting services. Prior to joining InterContinental Hotels Group in 1985, Kowaleski served as regional controller for Canteen Corporation where he was responsible for accounting and finance functions for the mid-south region.

“Rick brings a wealth of experience in finance to his new role,” said Porter. “He has achieved outstanding results during his 18 years with InterContinental Hotels Group and we are delighted to have him as a new member of our operating committee.”
Kowaleski earned his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, more than 3,300 hotels and 515,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world (www.ichotelsgroup.com). The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn, Express by Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites, and also has a controlling interest in Britvic, the second largest soft drinks manufacturer in the UK.

InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and reservations capability on the Internet - www.intercontinental.com for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, www.crowneplaza.com for Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, www.holiday-inn.com for Holiday Inn hotels, www.hiexpress.com for Express by Holiday Inn hotels, www.staybridge.com for Staybridge Suites by Holiday Inn hotels and, for the Group’s rewards programme, www.priorityclub.com

For the latest news from InterContinentalÊHotelsÊGroup, visit our online Press Office at http://www.pressoffice.ihgplc.com/.
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