IHG Owners Association Names Steve Sickel as New CEO to Drive Member Value
The IHG Owners Association has appointed experienced hospitality executive Steve Sickel as its new CEO, positioning him to strengthen returns for franchisees worldwide through his deep industry expertise and proven track record.
The IHG Owners Association, representing the interests of IHG Hotels & Resorts franchisees globally, has appointed Steve Sickel as Chief Executive Officer effective November 24. This leadership transition comes at a critical time for hotel owners navigating industry challenges, with Sickel bringing substantial hospitality sector experience to advance the Association's mission of strengthening member investment returns.
Sickel succeeds John Muehlbauer, who will retire at the end of 2025 after five years as CEO and a distinguished 30-year hospitality career. Under Muehlbauer's leadership, the Association delivered tens of millions in value to owners worldwide, including significant loyalty and fee reductions through initiatives like IHG Ignite. Muehlbauer will remain through year-end to ensure a smooth transition.
The selection process involved a CEO search committee of owner volunteers partnering with Bristol Associates, a leading hospitality talent placement firm. Sickel emerged as the ideal candidate through a comprehensive search process, bringing 13 years of IHG experience including his role as Global Head of Revenue Delivery where he led strategy and execution across key commercial drivers such as IHG One Rewards, Distribution Marketing, and Revenue Management.
Beyond his IHG tenure, Sickel served as CEO of RoomKey, an online travel distribution company formed as a joint venture among major hospitality companies, where he developed strategies to reduce third-party distribution costs. Most recently, he served as Partner & Chief Marketing Officer at The Mallet Group, a global loyalty marketing consultancy focused on the travel sector. Recognized by HSMAI as one of the Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality, Sickel's background positions him to propel the Association forward.
Sickel emphasized his commitment to building on the foundation established by Muehlbauer, stating his focus will include strengthening relationships with IHG hotel owners and leadership, developing win-win solutions that improve long-term member value, and harnessing the collective voice to drive meaningful industry impact. Mark Zipperer, 2025 Chair of the Association's Global Board of Directors, noted that Sickel's deep IHG knowledge and reputation as a collaborative problem-solver make him ideally suited for this role during an important period for the industry.
The IHG Owners Association, originally established by Holiday Inn founder Kemmons Wilson in 1955, remains the only association of its kind in the hotel industry. The global not-for-profit organization represents more than 5,000 owners of IHG Hotels & Resorts properties worldwide, advocating on standards and initiatives affecting hotel operations and broader hospitality industry issues. For additional information, visit https://www.owners.org.