Six Continents Hotels, Inc., a global hospitality leader with more than 3,200 hotels in nearly 100 countries and territories, announced today that Vice Chairman Craig Hunt would retire at year’s end. No successor has been named.

“During his 30 years with Six Continents Hotels, Craig has done a great deal to build our operating capability and has been instrumental in developing key relationships with the franchise community,” said Tom Oliver, chairman and chief executive officer, Six Continents Hotels. “Craig has also played a pivotal role in the rejuvenation of the Holiday Inn brand and the launching of two of our key brands, Holiday Inn Express and Staybridge Suites. He will be missed.”

Craig Hunt joined Holiday Inns, Inc. in 1971 as a management trainee and rose through the ranks to eventually become president of Holiday Inn Hotels, assuming full responsibility for the operations, development and marketing of more than 150 owned and 2,000 franchised hotels worldwide. In 1999, Mr. Hunt was appointed to vice chairman of Six Continents Hotels, the successor of Holiday Inns, Inc.

“It’s been a privilege to help build one of the world’s most well-known brands, Holiday Inn, and contribute to a heritage of innovation and strong financial performance,” said Hunt.

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