SVP & Managing Director, Europe – IHG Hotels & Resorts

Karin Sheppard is SVP & Managing Director, Europe, responsible for driving
sustainable long-term growth and the performance of its hotels across the region.
In her previous role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Australasia & Japan based
in Sydney, Australia, Karin led the operations and performance of close to 70 hotels
in the region across IHG’s brands. In her three years as COO, Karin oversaw the
market debut of the Holiday Inn Express® brand and the signing of a portfolio deal to
develop EVEN® Hotels across Australasia. She was also appointed a board member
of both Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) and the Tourism & Transport
Forum (TTF).
Over the course of her more than 15 years with IHG, Karin has held several senior
roles in Europe, Australasia and the Middle East, spanning commercial, operations
and brand development. Previous appointments include Chief Commercial Officer
(CCO) for Asia, Middle East & Africa (AMEA) based in Singapore and Vice
President, Brand Management for the Europe, Middle East & Africa region. During
her time in Europe she also represented IHG on several IHG Owner Association
Boards.
Karin has more 20 years of international experience in commercial functions across
a variety of industries, including technology, telecommunications and hospitality.
Karin is driven by unlocking the potential of her teams, inspiring them to be at their
very best so they can grow together.

Karin holds a Masters Degree in International Business Administration with Modern
Languages, from Aarhus School of Business, Denmark.