Porter, who also served as global leader franchise strategy and executive director of InterContinental Hotels Group plc, had relinquished his responsibilities as a company executive some three weeks earlier for medical reasons.

“Steve Porter served as a director of IHG with great distinction,” says 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.”

Jay Fishman, a franchisee who previously served as chairman of the IAHI—the owners' association of what was then Six Continents' (now IHG) hotel brands—and who is currently an IHG franchisee in his role as president of Associated Hotels LLC, Chicago, worked closely with Porter since 2002.

“Steve obviously had a passion for the hotel business, but as I got to know him, I came to realize that his passion was really for his people, his franchisees, and his family,” Fishman says. “He believed that if he got those things right that his success in the hotel business, and in life, would be the ultimate result. His personality was infectious, and you couldn't help but want to do whatever you could to get behind him.”

Fishman says Porter's legacy as a hotel executive may not be fully written yet, with the Holiday Inn brand just beginning its transformation, but points out that “his legacy is already etched in the hearts and minds of the IHG family and franchisees: Never compromise your integrity and treat people with respect.”

Temporarily filling Porter's role as president of the Americas—IHG's largest operating region—is IHG Finance Director Richard Solomons, who was appointed to the position when the company announced Porter's illness, and who will continue to serve in the role (in addition to his existing duties) until a permanent replacement is named.

A 32-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Porter joined IHG in 2001 as chief operating officer for the Americas. He assumed the role of president in 2002. Under his leadership, IHG acquired its sixth brand (Candlewood Suites) and launched its seventh brand (Hotel Indigo).

Porter's colleagues from IHG remember him as a devoted family man, a keen singer and lover of music, a seeker of travel and one of the leading hoteliers of his generation.

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.

Throughout his career, Porter served in leadership roles for a number of organizations, including IAHI, the AH&LA Government Affairs Committee, the Discover America Partnership, the Travel Business Roundtable and others. He also was actively involved with UNICEF and the American Cancer Society.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Porter's first job was selling soft drinks at Ohio State University football games. He later graduated from Miami University and received his Master of Business Administration from Xavier University.

Porter is survived by his wife, Francey, and their two sons, Steve Jr. and Charlie.

As a way to honor him, IHG has created a Web site, CelebratingSteve.com. Visitors to the site can share memories and photos of Porter and learn about the charities his family chose in lieu of flowers.

In addition, a memorial service will take place in Atlanta this month. Details will be available on CelebratingSteve.com.

Direct comments to: derek.gale@reedbusiness.com