Intercontinental Hotels Group appoints Commercial Director Near East

Mattar will be moving from his current role as Director of Marketing IHG MEA based in Dubai to Beirut where he will oversee the commercial function for IHG's hotels in Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Jordan and Syria. In addition, he will assume the role of Area General Manager-Lebanon, leading operations for InterContinental Mzaar Lebanon Resort and Spa, Crowne Plaza Beirut and Holiday Inn Dunes Beirut.

Commenting on Mattar's new role, Tom Rowntree, Vice President Commercial, Middle East and Africa said,

"In his new role as Commercial Director Near East, Haitham's responsibilities will be to develop and implement regional business growth strategies and ensuring alignment with the group's sales, marketing, PR and revenue activities."

Mattar added, "My goal will be to strengthen IHG's presence in the region, by supervising the functions and ensuring strategic alignment in key areas of business. There are great opportunities for growth in the area and I am looking forward to supporting the hotels in realizing this potential going forward."

Mattar started his career in the hotel industry 22 years ago in the USA and his last post in the country was in Orlando, Florida with a well known international hotel brand as Operations Manager. In 2000, he joined the IHG group as Director of Sales and Marketing InterContinental Dubai. During his nine years with IHG, Mattar has received several accolades; "Best Performance" award in 2005 and "EMEA Local Marketing Activity of the Year" award in 2006. He was also nominated for the "Aim Higher" award in 2007.