InterContinental Hotels Group selects General Manager for soon to open Kuwait property

With the property set to open in early 2006, Rigaud is presently responsible for overseeing the development of the property, assisting in staffing requirements and preparing the chosen team for the impending opening.

InterContinental Hotels Group currently operates two hotels in the country - including the recently opened Holiday Inn Kuwait and the ever popular Crowne Plaza Kuwait - however the opening of two further hotels will see the group double its interest in the Gulf state.

Following the opening of the Holiday Inn Downtown Kuwait in early 2006, the group plans to open the InterContinental Kuwait in 2007. Speaking about his appointment to oversee the opening of a brand-new property, Rigaud, said: "It is clear that InterContinental Hotels Group has aspirations to be the most popular hotel brand in the Kuwaiti market, and it is exciting to be part of this tremendous growth."

The French/Australian hotelier, who is married with two children, takes on the senior role in Kuwait following similar postings with the world's most global hotel group. Moving to the position from his previous role as resident manager of the InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Rigaud has also worked at hotels in Lebanon, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Australia, England and France.

With more than 20 years of industry experience, the newly appointed general manager - who has a passion for cooking, history and skiing - has a multitude of diplomas including: C.a.p. d'employe de restaurant, France 1982; B.e.p. d'employe de restaurant, France 1982; and Court of Sommeliers Higher Certificate, Australia 1989.

Having witnessed success with InterContinental Hotels Group's first Holiday Inn brand property in Kuwait, Denis Johnson, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, InterContinental Hotels Group Middle East and Africa, said:

"Just this March we opened our first-ever Holiday Inn property in Kuwait and it has been so popular with visitors to the country. With Laurent as general manager we are confident that this second property - at the heart of the city - will be just as popular."

The opening of the second Holiday Inn property in Kuwait demonstrates that the brand is just as popular in Kuwait as it is in other markets around the world. The brand - which is the most famous and widely recognized hotel brand in the world - is always a top choice for guests because of its consistent service levels.

Keen to oversee a Holiday Inn property, Rigaud said: "More guests have stayed at a Holiday Inn property than at any other hotel brand in the world. From my experience, Holiday Inn is so popular because it provides what is really important to our guests. First is a great night's sleep, second is a hearty breakfast. After this, it is an outstanding rewards program and last - but not least - friendly and helpful staff. It is going to be an exciting challenge ahead to get the hotel open, but we look forward to welcoming guests."