InterContinental Hotels Group has appointed Douglas Martell to the role of vice president operations, south-west Asia, effective from mid-September 2012.

He succeeds Chris Moloney, who is retiring after 30 years with the company.

As vice president operations, south-west Asia, Martell will be responsible for the overall operations of the company across India, Bangladesh and Nepal, reporting to Pascal Gauvin, chief operating officer, India, Middle East & Africa.

He has been with IHG since 2001, during which time he has held various operational roles across Australia, Japan and Greater China. 

His most recent role has been vice president food & beverage and operations for the company’s Greater China region, based in Shanghai.

Chris Moloney joined IHG in 1983 and has been based in Delhi for nearly two years.

Gauvin said: “Chris has made a lasting impact on the company and we have truly valued his leadership over the years.

“During his 30 years with IHG he has expertly combined being a first class operator, delivering strong performance, with growing and developing the next generation of leaders.

“His contribution over the years has been invaluable and we wish him an enjoyable retirement.

“In Douglas we have a leader with great international experience and a strong focus on opening and operating hotels in fast growing markets.

“We are very pleased Douglas will be coming to the region to lead the team.”

IHG has 13 open hotels across ten cities in South West Asia, operating under the InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn brands. 

The company has a further 47 hotels in the region’s development pipeline, due to open over the next three to five years, including the first Holiday Inn Express in the region, opening later this year in Ahmedabad.