InterContinental Hotels Group has sent the following announcement:
It is with much sadness that InterContinental Hotels Group today announces Steve Porter, president of the Americas region and main board director, passed away peacefully at home last evening following a short illness, aged 53.
Steve was an outstanding individual. A man of complete integrity and one of the leading hoteliers of his generation, he was enthusiastic and passionate in everything he did. He was, in every sense, a real ‘people person’ and felt as comfortable in the break room as he did in the boardroom.
A 32-year veteran of the hospitality and related industries, Steve joined IHG in 2001 as COO for the Americas. In 2002 he assumed the role of president. During his time at IHG, Steve led a fantastic team who together have built IHG’s Americas operation into a dominant force in the region. Under his leadership, IHG acquired its sixth brand, Candlewood Suites, and launched its seventh brand, Hotel Indigo, the industry’s first branded boutique.
Prior to joining IHG, Steve served with Hilton Hotels Corporation starting in 1990. He held roles of increasing responsibility including senior and executive vice president of operations where he was responsible for overseeing the management of nearly 350 hotels and more than 40,000 employees. Steve began his career in the hospitality industry in 1976 with Stouffer Hotels.
A big believer in making a difference both professionally and personally, Steve served as an industry expert at various conferences and was very active with many philanthropic organizations. His popularity and innovative thinking meant he was constantly in demand to appear at events across the Americas region.
He was on the board of directors of the IAHI Owner’s Association and was a member and past chairman of the Business Advisory Council for the Richard T. Farmer School of Business at Miami University. He was immediate past chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Association Government Affairs Committee and served as Executive-in-Residence at the University of Tennessee.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Steve was a graduate of Miami University and received his Master of Business Administration from Xavier University.
A devoted family man, Steve was a keen singer and loved music. Steve’s other recreational interests included being, in his words, “a casual jogger, a big swimmer and a miserable golfer.”
He will be deeply missed by everyone that knew him both professionally and personally.
He is survived by his wife Francey and their two sons, Charlie and Steve.
Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or Miami University.
To donate to the American Cancer Society in honor of Steve, click here.
Donations to Miami University, Steve’s alma mater, can be made here.
Alternately, checks made payable to the American Cancer Society or Miami University can be forwarded to Amanda Nicewander, IHG, 3 Ravinia Drive, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30346. IHG will send an acknowledgment of your donation to Steve’s family on your behalf.
No comments:
Post a Comment