IHG in brief
- Rank: #53 of 100 in UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026; #3 of 6 in Hospitality & Travel.
- WCRC Power Score: 65.04 out of 100.
- Founded: 2003, by Demerger of Six Continents (formerly Bass) into IHG and Mitchells & Butlers.
- Owner: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, Windsor, England.
- Leadership: Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer.
- Latest revenue: $5.2bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +5.4%), group revenue of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IFRS total revenue), as per company filings.
What makes IHG powerful
IHG is one of the world's largest hotel companies, and its brands, from Holiday Inn Express to InterContinental and Six Senses, cover almost every type of traveller. At the end of 2025 its system reached 1,026,177 rooms in 6,963 hotels, and total revenue rose 5% to US$5.19 billion.
Its strength is an asset-light model. IHG mostly franchises and manages hotels owned by others, earning fees from a global distribution platform and the IHG One Rewards loyalty programme. That lets it grow quickly with little capital: in 2025 it opened a record 443 hotels with 65,100 rooms, signed 102,100 rooms and built a pipeline of 340,000 rooms, equal to a third of its current system. Elie Maalouf has added brands such as Ruby and the new Noted Collection to fill gaps in the premium segment.
IHG had 1,026,177 rooms across 6,963 hotels at the end of 2025.
Why IHG ranks #53
IHG ranks 53rd with a WCRC Power Score of 65.04, just behind Games Workshop and ahead of Premier Inn. Digital and financial strength (72) is its strongest pillar, reflecting an asset-light model and a system of more than one million rooms. Positioning (66), trust (64) and product (64) are steady, while sustainability and governance (62) is its weakest pillar and keeps it mid-table.
The Achilles' heel
IHG's revenue per available room rose only 1.5% in 2025, so its growth now depends on opening hotels faster than demand softens. A slowdown in travel or tighter hotel financing would hit fee income. Competition from larger rivals Marriott and Hilton, and from online travel agents, keeps pressure on its fees.
The 2026 story
IHG reported 2025 results on 17 February 2026. Total revenue rose 5% to US$5.19 billion and revenue from reportable segments rose 7% to US$2.47 billion. It opened a record 443 hotels and signed 694, taking its system past one million rooms and its pipeline to 340,000 rooms. In February 2026 IHG launched the Noted Collection, its 21st brand, while RevPAR growth for the year was a modest 1.5%. Elie Maalouf remains chief executive.
Pillar profile
Provisional desk scores out of 100, for the WCRC Business Intelligence Unit to validate.
Versus its nearest rivals
Questions people ask
What rank is IHG in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful Brands 2026?
IHG ranks #53 of 100 in WCRC's UK's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 65.04 out of 100.
What makes IHG powerful?
An asset-light franchise model across more than a million rooms, with a record 443 hotel openings in 2025 and a pipeline equal to a third of its system.
What is IHG's revenue?
$5.2bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +5.4%), group revenue of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IFRS total revenue), as per company filings.
Who founded and owns IHG?
IHG was founded in 2003 by Demerger of Six Continents (formerly Bass) into IHG and Mitchells & Butlers. It is owned by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC and based in Windsor, England.
Who leads IHG?
Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer.
What is IHG's biggest challenge?
RevPAR grew only 1.5% in 2025, so its growth depends on new hotels rather than higher rates.
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Key facts
| Brand | IHG |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | InterContinental Hotels Group PLC |
| Headquarters | Windsor, England, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder(s) | Demerger of Six Continents (formerly Bass) into IHG and Mitchells & Butlers |
| Leadership | Elie Maalouf, Chief Executive Officer |
| Latest revenue | $5.2bn revenue (FY2025, year to Dec 2025, +5.4%), group revenue of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IFRS total revenue), as per company filings |
| Sector | Hospitality & Travel |
| Website | ihgplc.com |
| Home country | United Kingdom |
Sources
- Revenue figure published by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC
- Company website, official announcements and press releases
- Published interviews and statements by the leadership
- WCRC Business Intelligence Unit research: consumer sentiment, ratings and reviews, search demand, media and social data
