InterContinental’s China chief Kenneth Macpherson on growth trail

Kenneth Macpherson was appointed Greater China chief at InterContinental Hotels Group at the start of last year and became a member of the group's executive committee soon after.

He is mainly responsible for the management, growth and profitability of the global hotel group's fastest-growing region, which comprises the mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Macpherson manages a portfolio of 216 hotels and oversees the development of a further 186.

He joined InterContinental from British beverage giant Diageo, where he had worked for more than 20 years. He has extensive experience in sales, marketing, business development and operations. He also brings to the group substantial expertise in Chinese and international business operations.

At Diageo, Macpherson served as managing director of the China market. Before moving to China in 2005, he led the development of the firm's China strategy. He has also worked in Singapore, Britain and South Africa, and he speaks fluent French and conversational Putonghua.