Karin Sheppard

Bio:

Karin has worked for IHG Hotels & Resorts for 25 years. She is currently Managing Director for Europe, responsible for the performance, sustainable growth and reputation of more than 949 open hotels and 259 in the pipeline across over 40 countries. Karin is also a member of IHG’s Senior Leadership Team for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, and sits on IHG’s Global Inclusion Board, as well as IHG’s UK/Europe Inclusion Council. Karin is also a member of IHG's Regional Senior Leadership Team for Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa, and sits on IHG’s Inclusion Council Board. 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, the signings of the first Hotel Indigo hotels in the region, and the launch of IHG’s Rise programme for aspiring female General Managers, now a global initiative. She was also appointed a board member of both Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) and the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF). Over the course of her 24 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. Karin has more than 25 years of international experience in commercial functions across a variety of industries, including technology, telecommunications and hospitality. Karin is currently Co-Chair of the Visitor Economy Advisory Council, a government-led taskforce aimed at securing growth in the UK’s world-class tourism sector. Karin holds a Master’s Degree in International Business Administration with Modern Languages, from Aarhus University, Denmark. Karin is driven by unlocking the potential of her team, inspiring them to be at their very best so they can grow as individuals and win as a team.