IHG Hotels & Resorts recently announced the promotion of Philipp Economou to the position of IHG – Regional General Manager for Oman, Luxury & Lifestyle – Qatar and Bahrain. He shares insights on his new role, leadership philosophy and proudest career moments.

Firstly, many congratulations on your new position! Based at InterContinental Bahrain, you oversee luxury and lifestyle properties across the region. How do you run your day-to-day operations and what do your new responsibilities entail?
Thank you! I’m thrilled to take on this exciting opportunity, overseeing luxury and lifestyle properties across Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. My day-to-day operations focus on engaging, inspiring and empowering our hotel leaders to drive continuous improvement and consistently deliver exceptional experiences for our guests, owners and colleagues.
A key part of my role is overseeing revenue management strategies, optimising operational efficiency and ensuring that our brand’s luxury standards are upheld. I closely monitor key performance indicators, analyse guest feedback and implement service enhancements that elevate the guest experience. Additionally, I prioritise building trusted relationships with owners, fostering open and transparent conversations to align their priorities with IHG’s strategic vision.
Collaboration is at the heart of what I do – I work closely with hotel general managers to drive initiatives in sustainability, digital transformation and talent development. Cultivating a culture of inclusivity and continuous learning is essential, ensuring that our teams remain motivated, well-trained and aligned with our long-term goals. Ultimately, my mission is to create extraordinary experiences for our guests while positioning our properties as market leaders in the region.

You’re known for your people-oriented leadership approach. What do you believe is the key to building strong, highperforming teams?
I firmly believe that the strength of any successful organisation lies in its people. High-performing teams are built on discipline, persistence and a diverse blend of skills, all coming together to drive collective success. The key to fostering such teams is creating a culture of collaboration, empowerment and mutual respect, where open communication, trust and professional development are at the core. I encourage a mindset where constructive conflict, rooted in good intentions, leads to better ideas and stronger outcomes. As Henry Ford said: “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success.” When individuals align around a shared purpose, they can overcome any challenge and achieve remarkable results. My focus is always on building teams that not only perform but also thrive together.

Your commitment to talent development and diversity earned you the 2022 IMEA Talent Impact Award. What achievements are you most proud of in this regard?
Receiving the IMEA Talent Impact Award was a proud moment, as it reflects my commitment to creating opportunities for talent growth and diversity. One of my key achievements has been increasing workforce diversity at InterContinental Bahrain, where we now represent nearly 30 nationalities – an 8% increase since I am also particularly proud of our partnership with Evolvin’ Women, providing job opportunities to unemployed women from African countries, making us one of the first IHG hotels to do so. Additionally, our collaboration with the Ministry of Labour has led to a 68% increase in Bahraini employees, reinforcing our dedication to localisation and talent development.
This year, we are expanding our inclusivity efforts by partnering with local organisations to create employment opportunities for individuals with special needs, further strengthening our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Additionally, we are collaborating with Bahrain Polytechnic University to offer an apprentice programme for Bahraini students, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in the hospitality industry while continuing their studies. By investing in the next generation of talent, we aim to nurture future hospitality leaders and equip them with the skills needed for long-term success.

One of your initiatives is to promote arts and culture at InterContinental Bahrain, such as the Glow of Nostalgia exhibition for Ramadan. What do you hope guests will take away from this event?
Art and culture play a vital role in creating meaningful connections and immersive experiences for our guests. With the Glow of Nostalgia exhibition, we aim to celebrate heritage and tradition through art, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with cultural expressions in a luxurious setting. Beyond creating a memorable experience, this initiative also serves as a platform to support local artists and businesses, giving them the opportunity to showcase their work to a diverse audience.
We extend our gratitude to artists Mohammed Bu Hasan and Mahdi Al Manai for their invaluable contributions in curating an immersive experience that revives cherished memories. Through a blend of fine art photography and bronze sculpture, they beautifully narrate the story of Bahrain’s timeless traditions.
We want guests to leave with a deeper appreciation for local and regional artistry, while feeling inspired by the storytelling woven into each exhibit. By blending cultural authenticity with worldclass hospitality, we ensure that every guest experience is both enriching and uniquely reflective of Bahrain’s vibrant heritage.

You are passionate about boxing and K9 training. Do these hobbies influence your leadership approach in any way?
Absolutely! Both boxing and K9 training shape my leadership approach in meaningful ways. Boxing instils discipline, strategic thinking and the ability to stay composed under pressure – essential traits for making quick, effective decisions. K9 training, on the other hand, reinforces patience, consistency and trust, which are fundamental to building strong, motivated teams. These hobbies reinforce my leadership philosophy: success comes from continuous learning, adaptability and a strong team dynamic. ✤