IHG has announced two new senior appointments in Europe: Mario Maxeiner has been appointed as Managing Director Northern Europe and Eric Viale will take up the role of Managing Director Southern Europe.

Mario Maxeiner will be responsible for driving the long term growth of IHG and the performance of its franchised hotels in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Scandinavia and Poland.

Currently IHG’s Vice President Commercial in Greater China, he joined the company in 2015, bringing over 20 years of commercial experience in the hospitality industry, including 17 years with Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

Eric Viale will be responsible for driving commercial and operations performance across the Southern Europe franchised hotel estate, including key markets such as France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Turkey.

He was previously the Area General Manager for Portugal. Over the last 15 years, he has worked in a multitude of positions within IHG, spanning commercial and operations leadership roles.

IHG continues to strengthen and grow its existing brand portfolio through design and product development. Recent initiatives include the Holiday Inn Open Lobby concept as well as new room designs for Holiday Inn Express, new Crowne Plaza work-life room designs and the Plaza Workspace.

The operator is also adding new brands to its portfolio, with the expansion of Kimpton in key cities across Europe and the launch of voco.

Also read: voco, IHG's new promise

Both roles report to IHG Managing Director Europe, Karin Sheppard.

Also read: #GLF18 | Interview Karin Sheppard, Managing Director Europe, IHG

Karin Sheppard, Managing Director Europe, commented: "IHG is building momentum across Europe through the development of our existing portfolio as well as the launch of exciting new brands. Mario and Eric have deep experience of the northern and southern Europe hotel markets and their leadership will play a key role in strengthening IHG’s presence and accelerating our growth in the region."