Managing Change: Insights from Hotel CEOs

At the recent International Hospitality Investment Forum, Federico Gonzalez Tejera of Radisson Hotel Group and Elie Maalouf of IHG Hotels & Resorts provided profound insights into managing change within their organizations, despite their extensive tenures with their respective companies. Leading significant transformations, Gonzalez Tejera emphasized the paramount importance of clear and honest communication in navigating change successfully. From overseeing the offloading of its U.S.-based business to Choice Hotels International to assuming the chief executive role with Louvre Hotels Group, he stressed the significance of integrity and good intentions in driving positive outcomes.

Reflecting on his leadership journey, Gonzalez Tejera highlighted the recurring theme of honesty, particularly during periods of profound change. He underscored the need for cultural sensitivity when managing teams from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing proactive efforts to address potential misunderstandings.

On the other hand, Maalouf, who recently assumed the CEO role at IHG Hotels & Resorts, shared his perspective on gaining a fresh outlook on the company. Despite his decade-long tenure, Maalouf’s transition to CEO provided an opportunity for hands-on engagement and immersion in IHG’s operations. By personally experiencing the company’s trajectory and engaging with its workforce, Maalouf gained valuable insights into the organization’s growth potential.

Maalouf also emphasized IHG’s strategic positioning for future growth, driven by market diversification and technological innovation. Recognizing the evolving macroeconomic landscape, he highlighted the proactive stance of businesses in leveraging emerging opportunities. Notably, Maalouf pointed to hotels’ growing appeal among real estate investors, signaling a shift in capital allocation towards the hospitality sector.

Despite potential challenges such as higher capital costs, Maalouf highlighted the substantial equity interest in hotels as a performing asset class. This trend underscores the industry’s resilience and growth prospects, positioning hotels as a favored investment option in today’s market landscape.