Longtime IHG, Hilton Exec Steve Porter Dies

-- Hotels, 8/8/2008 8:37:00 AM

Stevan Porter, 53, formerly president, the Americas, for IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), died in Los Angeles on August 7.

On July 14, IHG announced that Porter was undertaking medical treatment that necessitated his relinquishing his responsibilities as a company executive, and IHG Finance Director, Richard Solomons, was subsequently appointed president of the Americas region on an interim basis.

Porter, who also served as global leader franchise strategy and executive director of InterContinental Hotels Group plc, was previously responsible for the management, growth and profitability of the company's largest operating region, including a portfolio of more than 3,000 hotels and resorts spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Under Porter's leadership, IHG acquired its sixth brand (Candlewood Suites) and launched its seventh brand (Hotel Indigo). A 32-year veteran of hospitality industry, Porter joined IHG in 2001 as chief operating officer, the Americas.

"Steve Porter served as a director of IHG with great distinction," said David Webster, chairman, InterContinental Hotels Group plc. "He was an outstanding executive and a passionate supporter of the company. Steve commanded the fullest respect and affection of everyone in our industry. We are deeply saddened by his death and our sympathies are with his family."

Prior to joining IHG, Porter served with Hilton Hotels Corp. starting in 1990. At Hilton 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.

Porter began his career in the hospitality industry in 1976 with Stouffer Hotels.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Porter was a graduate of Miami University and received his Master of Business Administration from Xavier University. Porter is survived by his wife, Francey, and their two sons, Charlie and Steve.