IHG's Managing Director Australasia and Japan, Leanne Harwood.
IHG’s Managing Director Australasia and Japan, Leanne Harwood.

InterContinental Hotels Group Managing Director for Australasia and Japan, Leanne Harwood, will add her leadership style to the ranks of the Accommodation Association of Australia by becoming the newest member of its National Board.

As the organisation searches for its new CEO following last week’s resignation of the incumbent, Richard Munro, Harwood joins the board with over 20 years’ experience in hospitality, including over a decade with IHG.

Speaking on her new Board duties, Harwood said the decision to join was a natural fit for IHG in this market as the AAoA has a “laser-like” focus on the growth of the accommodation industry.

“The next big challenge for our industry will be finding enthusiastic staff who are looking for a long-term career. We are pleased to see AAoA developing solutions such as The Academy that will develop real employment paths to real jobs all over Australia.”

AAoA Chairman and Lancemore Group CEO, Julian Clark, welcomed the board’s new addition.

“We warmly welcome Leanne to the AAoA Board at a time that the industry is on a very good trajectory. We look forward to Leanne bringing her leadership capabilities and vast international experience to complement our current board members.”

Prior to her current role overseeing IHG operations in Australasia and Japan, Harwood conducted similar duties for the Southeast Asia and Korea market, based in Bangkok.