Lopez, a senior executive at IHG since 2005, will oversee all aspects of sales, marketing, and revenue management for the region’s 75 hotels. He will also serve as the liaison between the International Association of Holiday Inns (IAHI) and the region’s sales and marketing team.

Prior to joining IHG, Lopez served in several capacities within Grupo TACA, where he was a key member of the team responsible for the positive transformation of the company’s revenue performance. During his six years at TACA, he oversaw the company’s revenue strategy and was responsible for substantially improving several key departments.

In his most recent capacity at IHG, Lopez served as Vice President of IHG’s Global Strategy and Corporate Development. He has played a key role in IHG’s strategic decisions, working closely with the organization’s Executive Committee and senior leaders of Global Sales and Marketing, Global Technology, and the Americas region.

He was instrumental in the development and execution of numerous key projects, including expansion strategies for IHG’s global guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards, and most recently the InterContinental Alliance Resorts Program.

“Ricardo brings great expertise, along with a long track record of success in brand development, loyalty programs, technology and strategy,” said Eric Pearson, Chief Marketing Officer, Americas, IHG. “He has worked very closely with IHG’s global sales and marketing organization, and as importantly, is passionate about growing the business in this evolving region.”

“We are delighted to have someone with Ricardo’s pan-regional experience taking on this vital role on the Americas Sales & Marketing team,” adds Alvaro Diago, COO, Latin America & Caribbean, IHG. “I have no doubts he will be a key player in our region’s long-term success.”

“I look forward to working with everyone across IHG’s enterprise in Latin America and the Caribbean,” concludes Lopez. “We have the most powerful hotel brands in the region, complemented with a team of individuals who are among the industry’s top professionals. Together we will be furthering our company’s drive to create Great Hotels Guests Love.”