Representatives of The Owners' Association of InterContinental Hotels Group (the IAHI) and InterContinental Hotels Group are so pleased with the outcome of last summer's IAHI Leadership Institute that plans are under way to make the Institute an ongoing program.

The inaugural Leadership Institute — a three-day, invitation-only leadership development program for franchisees and other representatives from IAHI member hotels and for IHG executives — was held last August at GE's John F. Welch Leadership Development Center in Ossining, NY. The IAHI and IHG worked closely with GE Commercial Finance and the center's faculty to create the program's curriculum. The 24 members of the initial class were selected from more than 90 applicants.

“The participants were chosen based on their demonstrated leadership ability and on their potential to effectively guide the future of The Owners' Association, IHG and the hotel industry,” said David Shamoian, executive vice president, Peabody Hotel Group and chairman of the IAHI Leadership Institute Task Force.

Among the curriculum topics were units on leadership styles, leading effective teams, collaborative problem solving and effective leadership of the hotel system.

“We had a very strong group of owners and corporate executives,” notes Shamoian. “Leadership is key as part of the franchise organization and running your own business. We want to partner with our franchisor.”

Adds Kirk Kinsell, senior vice president, IHG: “It's a one-of-a-kind program and I had the privileged opportunity to sit with my clients and coworkers and discuss issues that not only impact our working relationship, but also the initiatives and outcomes we hope to obtain in our work focus.”