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InterContinental Hotels Group

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FY2012 Annual Report · InterContinental Hotels Group
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Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

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 129 

 Parent Company  
Financial Statements
 130   Parent Company balance sheet
 Notes to the Parent Company  
 131  
Financial Statements
 Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
 Independent Auditor’s Report to  
the members

 133  
 134  

 135  Other information
 136   Glossary
 137   Shareholder profiles
 138  
Investor information
 139   Dividend history
 139   Five year history
 140  Financial calendar
 140  Contacts
 141   Forward-looking statements

  1   Overview
  4   Chairman’s Statement
  6   Chief Executive’s Review
 Message from the  
  7  
IHG Owners Association

  8   Preferred Brands

Industry overview

  9   Business Review
  10  
  11   Our strategy
  16   Measuring our success
  18   Performance
  20   The Americas
  22   Europe
  24   Asia, Middle East and Africa
  26   Greater China
  28   Central
  28  System Fund
  29   Other financial information
  30   Our talented People
  34   Corporate Responsibility
  38   Risk management

  45    Governance
  46   The Board of Directors
  48  
 Executive Committee
  49   Corporate governance
  56   Audit Committee Report
  57  

 Corporate Responsibility  
Committee Report

  58  Nomination Committee Report
  59   Directors’ Remuneration Report
  79   Other statutory information

  81   Group Financial Statements
  82   Statements of Directors’  

  83  

responsibilities
Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the members
  84   Group income statement
  85   Group statement of  

  comprehensive income

  86   Group statement  

  of changes in equity

  88   Group statement  

  of financial position

  89   Group statement of cash flows
  90   Accounting policies
  96   Notes to the Group  

  Financial Statements

This page  
Hotel Indigo Xiamen Harbour, China

Front cover  
Holiday Inn London-Stratford City, UK

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
About us
We are a global hotel business with nine preferred Brands. With over 4,600 hotels 
and nearly 676,000 rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the 
world, we know hospitality. Our Vision is to become one of the great companies 
in the world by creating Great Hotels Guests Love. We will deliver this through 
our portfolio of preferred Brands, our talented People and best-in-class Delivery 
systems. At the heart of our culture is a commitment to act responsibly in 
everything we do.

Brands
We have a high-quality portfolio of nine preferred Brands from luxury hotels in the world’s major cities 
and resorts to family-orientated hotels that offer great service and value and the world’s first and largest 
hotel loyalty programme.
See pages 8, 12 and 13 for more information on our preferred portfolio of Brands

People

Delivery

Our Brands represent a promise to our guests and it is our talented and passionate 
People that bring each brand to life and thereby deliver Great Hotels Guests Love.
See pages 14, 30 to 33 for information on our talented People

Our best-in-class Delivery systems enable us to leverage our scale to build guest 
preference for our Brands and drive reservations and revenue to our hotels.
See pages 14 and 15 for information on our best-in-class Delivery systems

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Responsible Business

IHG is committed to conducting business in a responsible way and this underpins each 
of our strategic priorities. Championing and protecting the trusted reputation of IHG  
and our Brands is not just the right thing to do, but it makes great business sense too.
See page 15 for information on our Responsible Business practices, pages 34 to 37 for Corporate Responsibility 
matters, pages 38 to 44 for our approach to risk management and pages 45 to 80 on our governance processes

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About us 

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Where we compete
We have over 4,600 hotels and nearly 676,000 rooms internationally. When people travel, they 
look for hotel brands they trust. Operating our preferred Brands to global standards increases 
guest demand for the hotels we franchise, manage and own in nearly 100 countries and 
territories around the world.

The Americas

Europe

	 InterContinental	
	 Crowne	Plaza	
	 Holiday	Inn*	
	 Holiday	Inn	Express	
	 Hotel	Indigo	
	 Staybridge	Suites	
	 Candlewood	Suites	
	 Other	
	 Total	for	The	Americas	
	 Total	development	pipeline	

Hotels		
53	
183	
820	
1,931	
37	
183	
299	
49	
3,555	
670	

Rooms
17,756
48,730
146,661
168,398
4,307
19,787
28,675
15,303
449,617
72,573

	 InterContinental	
	 Crowne	Plaza	
	 Holiday	Inn*	
	 Holiday	Inn	Express	
	 Hotel	Indigo	
	 Staybridge	Suites	
	 Total	for	Europe	
	 Total	development	pipeline	

Hotels		
30	
84	
288	
212	
10	
4	
628	
91	

Rooms
9,394
19,566
46,610
24,903
949
605
102,027
15,184

*	 	Includes	3	Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(362	rooms)
	 Find	out	more	on	pages	22	and	23

*	 	Includes	10	Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations	(3,701	rooms)	and	17	Holiday	Inn	Resort	

properties	(4,240	rooms)

	 Find	out	more	on	pages	20	and	21

Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA)

Greater China

	 InterContinental	
	 Crowne	Plaza	
	 Holiday	Inn*	
	 Holiday	Inn	Express	
	 Staybridge	Suites	
	 Other	
	 Total	for	AMEA	
	 Total	development	pipeline	

Hotels		
65	
65	
75	
12	
2	
13	
232	
132	

Rooms
20,791
18,559
17,440
2,877
304
2,766
62,737
30,357

	 InterContinental	
	 Crowne	Plaza	
	 Holiday	Inn*	
	 Holiday	Inn	Express	
	 Hotel	Indigo	
	 Other	
	 Total	for	Greater	China	
	 Total	development	pipeline	

Hotels		
22	
60	
64	
37	
3	
1	
187	
160	

Rooms
9,373
21,452
20,777
9,453
405
141
61,601
50,916

*	 	Includes	14	Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(3,311	rooms)
	 Find	out	more	on	pages	24	and	25

*			Includes	3	Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(893	rooms)
	 Find	out	more	on	pages	26	and	27

	 2 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

	 	
		 	
	 	
	 	
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Crowne	Plaza	Toulouse,	France

InterContinental	Danang	Sun	Peninsula,	Vietnam

InterContinental	The	Palazzo,	Las	Vegas,	US

Our business model
We run hotels in three ways: franchised, managed and owned. Our asset-light business model 
means we own just 10 hotels* (less than one per cent of our portfolio). Most of our hotels operate 
under a franchise agreement or are managed by IHG on behalf of owners. All of our hotels are 
supported by our revenue delivery systems and marketing programmes, which drive business  
to our hotels.
See page 12 for more information on our business model

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Key facts*
4,602
hotels
675,982
rooms

3,934
hotels franchised
658
hotels managed
10
hotels owned and leased

Operating profit before exceptional items

$614m†

Group
$486m†
The Americas
$115m

Europe

$88m
AMEA
$81m

Greater China

*		As	at	31	December	2012.

†		Includes	one	significant	liquidated	damages	receipt	

in	2012	of	$3m	in	The	Americas.

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Where we compete, Our business model and Key facts 

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s Statement

I feel privileged to be the Chairman of IHG, a company with 
an impressive history and successful track record of driving 
superior returns for shareholders. My fellow Board members  
and I look forward to guiding IHG to even greater achievements 
as we focus on brand building and the strategic global 
expansion of the business in the near term and future.

In	my	first	few	months	after	taking	over	
from	David	Webster,	I	am	delighted	to	
share	my	perspective	and	impressions		
of	our	Company.	Since	I	joined	in	January,	
I	have	spent	much	of	my	time	getting	to	
know	the	business	better	–	meeting	with	
employees,	shareholders,	owners	and	
guests	and	visiting	our	operations	around	
the	world.

Several	things	have	struck	me	as	a	
newcomer	to	IHG.	This	is	a	business		
with	a	clear	strategy	and	a	consistent	
track	record	of	implementation	
throughout	its	10-year	history.	There	is		
a	focus	across	the	whole	organisation	on	
creating	Brands	that	are	preferred	by	both	
our	guests	and	owners,	and	at	the	heart	of	
this	is	the	People.	I	have	been	particularly	
impressed	by	the	skills,	commitment	and	
energy	of	all	those	I’ve	met,	who	either	
work	in	IHG’s	corporate	offices	or	in	one		
of	IHG’s	hotels,	and	on	behalf	of	the	Board,		
I	would	like	to	thank	all	our	People	for	
their	focus,	dedication	and	commitment.	
Lastly,	the	integral	role	that	Responsible	
Business	practices	play	in	IHG’s	strategy	
is	underpinned	by	a	strong	set	of	values	
and	unique	culture	seen	across	the	
business.	

Performance

IHG’s	strong	performance	in	2012	
demonstrates	the	effectiveness	of		
our	strategy,	despite	the	challenging	
economic	environment.	We	converted		
4	per	cent	revenue	growth	into	operating	
profit	growth	of	10	per	cent	(before	
exceptional	items)	and	adjusted	earnings	
per	share	growth	of	9	per	cent.	

We	continue	our	long	track	record	of	
dividend	growth	for	shareholders,	with		
the	Board	recommending	a	10	per	cent	
increase	to	the	final	dividend	for	2012,	
taking	it	to	43.0	cents	(27.7	pence).	This	
will	give	a	full-year	dividend	of	64.0	cents	
per	share	up	16	per	cent	on	2011.	This	
converts	to	a	sterling	full-year	dividend		
of	41.2	pence	per	share,	up	19	per	cent	on	
2011.	Subject	to	shareholder	approval,	the	
final	dividend	will	be	paid	on	31	May	2013.

Financial position and  
shareholder returns

We	remain	committed	to	an	efficient	
balance	sheet	while	maintaining	an	
investment	grade	credit	rating		
through	the	cycle.	During	the	year	we	
announced	a	$1	billion	return	of	funds		
to	shareholders,	split	between	a		
$0.5	billion	special	dividend	with	share	
consolidation	and	a	$0.5	billion	share	
buyback	programme.	The	special	dividend	
was	paid	on	22	October	2012	and	$107	
million	of	shares	had	been	bought	back		
by	year	end.	Once	the	share	buyback	
programme	is	complete,	total	funds	
returned	to	shareholders	since	the	2003	
demerger,	excluding	ordinary	dividends,	
will	amount	to	$7.6	billion.	

Year-end	net	debt	of	$1,074	million	was	up	
$536	million	on	2011,	reflecting	this	return	
of	funds	to	shareholders.	Nevertheless,	
the	business	continues	to	be	strongly		
cash	generative,	with	free	cash	flow	of	
$463	million,	up	10	per	cent	on	2011.	In	
November	2012	we	issued	a	£400	million	
10-year	bond,	diversifying	our	sources		
of	funding	and	extending	our	average		
debt	maturity.

	 4 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Board

David	Webster	retired	at	the	end	of	2012,	
having	served	on	IHG’s	Board	since	the	
original	listing	of	the	Company	in	April	
2003	and	as	Chairman	since	January	
2004.	During	this	period	IHG	has	executed	
the	move	to	an	asset-light	business	model,	
grown	net	room	count	by	over	25	per	cent,	
whilst	successfully	completing	the	
relaunch	of	the	Holiday	Inn	brand.	We	
thank	him	for	his	invaluable	contribution	
and	wish	him	a	happy	and	fulfilling	
retirement.	

Graham	Allan	left	the	Board	on	15	June	2012,	
following	his	appointment	as	Chief	Operating	
Officer	of	Dairy	Farm	International	Holdings	
Limited	based	in	Hong	Kong.	I	would	like	
to	thank	Graham	for	his	contributions	as	
an	independent	Non-Executive	Director	
and	as	a	member	of	the	Audit,	Nomination	
and	Corporate	Responsibility	Committees.	
We	are	in	the	process	of	recruiting	a	new	
Non-Executive	Director	to	replace	Graham.

Dale	Morrison,	who	has	been	a	
Non-Executive	Director	since	June	2011,	
was	appointed	to	the	Corporate	
Responsibility	Committee	in	November	
2012.	This	adds	to	his	existing	roles	on		
the	Audit	and	Nomination	Committees.	

+5% 

Total gross revenue 

+6.8% 

Fee revenuez

from hotels in IHG’s system to $21.2bn*  
Revenue up 4%† to $1,835m†

Driven by 5.2% RevPAR growth and  
2.7% net system size growth

$614m† 

Operating profit before exceptional items 

+5.2%

Revenue per available room∞

Group $614m† (2011 $559mt) 
The Americas $486m† (2011 $451mt)
Europe $115m (2011 $104m)
Asia, Middle East and Africa $88m (2011 $84mt) 
Greater China $81m (2011 $67m) 

Total number of rooms operating under  
IHG brands 675,982 (4,602 hotels) 

+16%: 64.0¢

Total full-year dividend 

sterling equivalent of 41.2p

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8.4m

new Priority Club Rewards  
members added 

Total Priority Club Rewards members 71.4m 
69% of rooms revenue delivered through 
IHG’s channels or by Priority Club Rewards 
members direct to hotel 

*	Total	room	revenue	from	franchised	hotels	and	total	hotel	revenue	from	managed,	owned	and	leased	hotels	(not	all	attributable	to	IHG).
† Includes	one	significant	liquidated	damages	receipt	in	2012	of	$3m	in	The	Americas.
t Includes	two	significant	liquidated	damages	receipts	in	2011;	$10m	in	The	Americas	and	$6m	in	Asia,	Middle	East	and	Africa.
zGroup	revenue	excluding	owned	and	leased	hotels,	managed	leases	and	significant	liquidated	damages.	Growth	stated	at	constant	currency.
∞	Total	System	rooms	revenue	divided	by	the	number	of	room	nights	available.

Governance

IHG	is	committed	to	high	standards	of	
corporate	governance;	we	believe	good	
governance	is	a	fundamental	part	of	being	
a	Responsible	Business	and	underpins	
everything	we	do.	This	year,	we	again	
commissioned	a	formal	evaluation	of		
the	performance	of	the	Board	from	an	
independent	consultant,	the	findings	of	
which	are	outlined	on	page	54.	The	2012	
feedback	confirmed	that	the	Board	and	
each	of	its	Committees	continue	to	
operate	effectively	and	that	each		
Director	continues	to	make	an	effective	
contribution	and	retains	a	strong	
commitment	to	the	role.	

Further	information	on	our	governance	
practices	can	be	found	on	pages	45	to	80.	

Outlook

There	is	no	doubt	that	the	global	economy	
will	continue	to	see	challenges	in	the	year	
ahead.	IHG’s	proven	strategy,	resilient	
business	model,	portfolio	of	preferred	
Brands,	talented	People	and	strong	
balance	sheet	give	us	the	confidence	that	
the	business	will	continue	to	perform	well	
into	the	future	and	deliver	long-term	value	
to	all	stakeholders.

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Patrick	Cescau
Chairman

Crowne Plaza London-The City, uK

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Chairman’s Statement 

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
Chief Executive’s Review

2012 was another year of high-quality growth for IHG, with the 
launch of two new brands and a strong pace of hotel openings 
and signings. Driven by a material increase in worldwide 
demand for hotel rooms, we generated an impressive  
6.8 per cent growth in fee revenue, one of our key metrics of 
success. This translated into double digit profit growth, driven 
by our preferred Brands and brought to life in our hotels by 
talented and passionate People. 

How we win

Our	well	established,	asset-light	strategy	
has	enabled	us	to	deliver	good	revenue	
and	profit	growth	again	this	year,	despite	
the	continued	challenges	in	the	wider	
global	economy.	At	the	core	of	this	
strategy	lies	the	third	party	owners	of	IHG	
branded	hotels.	At	IHG	we	have	a	unique	
competitive	advantage,	which	is	the	strong	
and	deep	relationship	that	we	have	with	
our	owners,	primarily	through	the	IHG	
Owners	Association.	This	collaboration	
enables	us	to	work	closely	with	our	
owners,	tap	into	their	combined	expertise	
and	take	action	more	quickly	and	
effectively	than	our	competitors.	

As	we	move	into	our	10th	year	as	a	
stand-alone	listed	company,	we	can	be	
proud	of	our	record	of	delivery	as	we	
continue	to	gain	market	share,	leveraging	
our	scale	to	grow	margins,	profits	and	
cashflow.	This	has	enabled	us	to	continue	
to	reinvest	in	our	business	whilst	
simultaneously	returning	significant	sums	
of	surplus	cash	to	shareholders	and	
generating	superior	shareholder	returns.	
In	August	2012	we	announced	a	$1	billion	
return	of	funds	to	shareholders	continuing	
our	long	track	record	of	returns,	with	total	
funds	returned	to	shareholders	since		
the	2003	demerger,	including	ordinary	
dividends,	of	around	$9	billion,	almost	
twice	the	market	capitalisation	of	the	
Group	when	we	listed.	

We	will	continue	to	drive	the	business	
forward	through	our	preferred	Brands,	
talented	People	and	best-in-class		
Delivery	systems,	all	underpinned	by	our	
commitment	to	Responsible	Business.		
In	2012	we	continued	to	outperform	the	
industry	with	strong	RevPAR	growth,	with	

particular	outperformance	in	our	two	
largest	markets,	the	US	and	Greater	
China.	Importantly,	in	spite	of	the	limited	
availability	of	capital	in	many	markets,	we	
increased	the	number	of	rooms	operating	
in	our	System	by	2.7	per	cent.	This,	
combined	with	healthy	RevPAR	growth		
is	what	has	enabled	us	to	grow	our	fee	
revenue	so	strongly.

Preferred Brands

Our	preferred	Brands	are	at	the	heart	of	
our	business	and	are	key	to	our	continued	
success	in	driving	strong	results.	Our	
brands	are	already	some	of	the	most	
recognised	in	the	industry	but	we	continue	
to	innovate	and	develop	them	to	meet	
changing	guest	needs	and	to	stay	ahead		
in	a	competitive	market	place.	

We	are	delighted	to	have	launched	two	
new	brands	in	2012;	HUALUXE	Hotels	&	
Resorts	in	China	and	EVEN	Hotels	in	the	
US.	HUALUXE	has	had	a	particularly	
strong	start	with	15	signings	in	the	year.	
Each	of	these	brands	has	been	created	
through	a	deep	understanding	of	the	
trends	in	the	lodging	marketplace	
combined	with	genuine	insight	into	guest	
occasions	and	needs.	They	have	been	
designed	to	meet	a	need	which	we	feel		
is	underserved	in	the	market	today	and	
which	can	deliver	significant	revenue		
and	profit	opportunities	over	the	longer	
term,	in	our	two	largest	markets.	IHG’s	
significant	expertise	in	both	these	
markets	and	the	scale	of	our	operations	
enabled	us	to	launch	these	two	new	
brands	simultaneously,	unprecedented		
in	the	industry.	

New	brands	are	exciting	and	have	the	
potential	to	create	value	in	the	future	and	

IHG	has	a	track	record	of	successful	
brand	launches.	But	it	is	our	powerful	
portfolio	of	established	brands	that	create	
value	for	our	owners	and	shareholders	
today	–	and	we	never	lose	sight	of	that	fact	
as	we	continually	evolve	and	refine	them.	
Our	largest	brand,	the	Holiday	Inn	brand	
family,	continues	to	deliver	significant	
value	for	both	IHG	and	our	owners.	This	
year	Holiday	Inn	was	the	official	hotel	
provider	to	the	London	2012	Olympic	and	
Paralympic	Games	and	celebrated	its	60th	
anniversary.	In	2012	Holiday	Inn	continued	
its	post	relaunch	track	record	by	growing	
its	premium	to	the	sector	each	year	since	
2007,	and	was	ranked	‘Highest	Guest	
Satisfaction	Among	Mid-Scale	Full	Service	
Hotel	Chains,	Two	Years	in	a	Row’	by		
J.D.	Power	and	Associates¤	(see	page	141).

Crowne	Plaza	is	our	second	largest	brand	
after	the	Holiday	Inn	brand	family.	It	is	already	
the	world’s	fourth	largest	full-service	hotel	
brand	in	the	upper	segments,	generating	
almost	20	per	cent	of	our	total	gross	
revenue	per	annum.	Crowne	Plaza	has	
been	highly	successful	and	has	a	solid	
foundation	for	future	growth,	however		
we	see	significant	opportunity	to	take	its	
performance	in	The	Americas	up	to	the	
levels	achieved	by	the	brand	globally.		
We	are	currently	undertaking	a	three-phase,	
multi-year	repositioning	programme,		
which	will	look	to	provide	a	more	consistent,	
targeted	experience	around	the	world.

Talented People 

Great	hotel	brands	need	to	deliver	a	
consistent,	branded	experience	to	guests,	
and	talented	and	passionate	People	are	
essential	for	this.	At	IHG	we	are	focussed	
on	ensuring	our	People	deliver	consistent	

	 6 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

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The	IHG	Owners	Association	is	
continuing	to	strengthen	its	alignment	
with	IHG	–	we’ve	been	on	this	journey	for	
nearly	60	years,	and	this	latest	chapter		
is	perhaps	the	most	exciting	yet.

In	autumn	2012,	the	Executive	
Committee	of	the	IHG	Owners	
Association	and	the	IHG	Executive	
Committee	met	in	Oklahoma	City	to	
fashion	a	plan	that	launched	this	latest	
chapter.	Together	we	agreed	to	refine	
the	focus	of	our	work	and	established	
five	key	priorities	around	which	to	
organise	our	work:

1.	deliver	the	strongest	brand	portfolio	

in	the	industry;

2.	deliver	the	strongest	set	of	tools		

in	the	industry;

3.	develop	the	strongest	approach		
to	standards	in	the	industry;

4.	develop	the	strongest	General	

Manager	talent	in	the	industry;	and

5.	maintain	the	strongest	reputation		
for	doing	business	the	right	way.	

As	a	result	of	establishing	these	focussed	
priorities,	the	IHG	Owners	Association		
is	reorganising	its	committee	structure	
to	work	towards	this	shared	vision.		
Our	goal	is	to	work	closely	with	IHG		
to	increase	owner	margins	by	
strengthening	the	IHG	brands.

We	plan	to	begin	by	working	in	three	
specific	areas:	energise	General	
Managers	to	be	our	brand	promise	
keepers;	master	the	IHG	revenue	tools	
in	every	hotel;	and	relentlessly	pursue	
these	brand	standards	that	matter.

IHG	owners	are	proud	of	their	hotels,		
and	the	IHG	Owners	Association	is	proud	
to	work	with	IHG.	Our	mutual	focus	on	
strengthening	the	IHG	brands	gives	us	
the	greatest	opportunity	to	increase	
hotel	value	and	owner	margins.

Mike	Hembree		
2013	Chairman		
IHG	Owners	Association		

Delivering Great Hotels Guests Love

Preferred 
Brands

Talented 
People

Best-in-class 
Delivery

Responsible Business practice

Invest in growth

Grow market share 

Sustainable margin growth

industry-owned	online	hotel	search	
engine.	Revenues	from	mobile	devices	
generated	$330	million	in	2012.	During		
2012,	Holiday	Inn	was	the	first	major		
hotel	brand	to	launch	a	travel	app	on	the	
Windows	8	platform.	In	2012,	69	per	cent	
of	total	rooms	revenue	was	delivered	
through	IHG’s	channels,	including	our	
call	centres	and	websites,	and	our	
award-winning	Priority	Club	Rewards	
programme.	This	is	the	largest	loyalty	and	
rewards	programme	in	the	industry	with	
71.4	million	members	worldwide	and	is	a	
very	important	way	in	which	we	retain	and	
reward	loyal	guests.	In	2012	Priority		
Club	Rewards	members	accounted	for		
41	per	cent	of	the	revenue	generated	in	
our	hotels.	Our	scale	advantage	means	
that	we	can	offer	guests	more	choice,	
which	better	meet	their	needs,	and	this		
is	a	key	driver	of	our	outperformance.

Looking	forward	we	remain	confident.	
Despite	the	uncertain	economy	in	some	
markets,	long-term	travel	trends	are	
positive,	particularly	in	developing	
markets	such	as	China	and	Asia	generally.	
The	drivers	of	demand	in	the	hotel	
industry	remain	positive	and	IHG	is	
well-placed	to	benefit	from	these	as	we	
continue	to	deliver	against	our	clearly	
defined	strategy	with	preferred	Brands	
delivered	by	talented	People	and		
best-in-class	Delivery	systems,	all	
underpinned	by	our	strong	governance	
structure	and	Responsible	Business	
practices.	

service,	irrespective	of	ownership	model.	
This	is	a	complex	task	and	our	success	
has	required	significant	innovation	and	
effort	as	we	have	worked	hand-in-hand	
with	our	owners	to	deliver	on	it.

Our	suite	of	People	Tools	help	our	owners	
and	General	Managers	to	develop	a	
BrandHearted	culture,	make	IHG	and	its	
hotels	a	great	place	to	work	and	deliver	the	
brand	promise	to	our	guests.	To	support	
communities	and	aid	recruitment	we	have	
developed	the	IHG	Academy	programme,	
which	is	a	collaboration	between	IHG	
hotels	or	corporate	offices	and	local	
education	providers	and/or	community	
organisations	around	the	world,	providing	
the	opportunity	to	develop	skills	and	
improve	employment	prospects.	We	
celebrated	the	opening	of	our	150th	IHG	
Academy	in	January	this	year	and	to	date	
over	10,000	participants	have	benefited	
from	the	IHG	Academy	programme.	

We	continue	to	be	rewarded	for	our	efforts	
in	this	area	and	have	been	recognised	in	
The	Sunday	Times	25	Best	Big	Companies	
to	Work	For	in	2012,	as	well	as	winning	a	
number	of	other	awards	globally.	

Best-in-class Delivery 

IHG	provides	our	hotels	with	a	powerful	
combination	of	best-in-class	revenue	
platforms,	programmes	and	tools	with	
which	to	drive	profitable	revenue	to	our	
branded	hotels	–	what	we	call	our	System.	
The	scale	and	power	of	this	System	
enables	us	to	outperform	by	creating,	
converting,	yielding	and	retaining	demand.	

We	continue	to	lead	industry	innovation,	
and	this	can	be	seen	in	our	progress	with	
mobile	and	web	booking	solutions.	We	are	
a	founding	member	of	roomkey.com,	
which	was	launched	in	2012	as	the	first	

Richard	Solomons
Chief	Executive

For	information	on	the		
IHG	Owners	Association		
go	to	www.owners.org

Chief Executive’s Review 

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
Preferred Brands

Delivering nine preferred hotel Brands: a portfolio that covers everything 
from luxury hotels in the world’s major cities and resorts to reliable 
family-orientated hotels that offer great service and value.

EVEN™	Hotels
EVEN	Hotels	uniquely	provides	solutions	for	all	
aspects	of	business	and	leisure	travellers’	holistic	
wellness	needs.	Our	guests	want	to	maintain	their	
balance	and	well-being	on	the	road	and	we’re	
here	to	help	them.

1	hotel	in	development	pipeline

Staybridge®	Suites
We	provide	guests	with	a	warm	and	welcoming	
environment	and	the	modern	comforts	of	
home-like	surroundings.

189	hotels
20,696	rooms
71	hotels	in	development	pipeline

Candlewood®	Suites
Our	guests	turn	to	us	for	all	the	comforts	of	home	
when	home	is	temporarily	left	behind.	Guests	
have	the	space	to	stretch	out	and	relax,	with	
on-site	amenities	and	services	always	available.

299	hotels
28,675	rooms
78	hotels	in	development	pipeline

InterContinental®	Hotels	&	Resorts
We’ve	been	on	the	international	scene	for	over		
60	years,	so	no-one	knows	the	world	like	we	do.	
Located	in	more	than	60	countries,	we	know		
that	well-travelled,	affluent	guests	want	to	be	
connected	to	what’s	special	about	a	destination.

170	hotels
57,314	rooms
48	hotels	in	development	pipeline

Crowne	Plaza®	Hotels	&	Resorts
Our	guests	are	high	achievers	that	strive	to	be	
successful	in	everything	they	do.	We	provide	the	
facilities	and	service	they	need	to	help	them	on	
their	upward	journey.

392	hotels
108,307	rooms
98	hotels	in	development	pipeline

Holiday	Inn®
Our	guests	appreciate	innovation,	but	they	also	
want	to	be	comfortable,	both	emotionally	and	
physically.	The	Holiday	Inn	brand	promise	is	to	
deliver	comfort	in	a	way	that	is	new,	yet	familiar.

1,200	hotels
218,981	rooms
231	hotels	in	development	pipeline

Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations®
We	give	our	guests	all	of	the	benefits	of	a	vacation	
home	with	none	of	the	hassle.	While	staying	with	
us,	they	don’t	have	to	compromise	on	space	or	
daily	routines.

10	hotels
3,701	rooms

Holiday	Inn	Resort®
We	offer	effortless	choice	for	a	relaxing	break	that	
is	safe	and	inviting,	where	everyone	has	activities	
with	indulgent	touches	along	the	way.

37	hotels
8,806	rooms
12	hotels	in	development	pipeline

Holiday	Inn	Express®
Our	guests	want	a	straightforward,	uncomplicated	
experience,	delivered	in	an	engaging	manner.	A	
hotel	that	provides	just	what	they	need	enabling	
them	to	manage	their	money	wisely	and	stay	smart.

2,192	hotels
205,631	rooms
452	hotels	in	development	pipeline

HUALUXE™	Hotels	&	Resorts
HUALUXE	Hotels	&	Resorts	is	the	first	upscale	
international	hotel	brand	designed	specifically	for	
Chinese	guests	focussing	on	unique	aspects	of	
Chinese	etiquette,	the	importance	of	rejuvenation,	
status	recognition	and	enabling	spaces	that	
reflect	local	customs	and	heritage.

15	hotels	in	development	pipeline

Hotel	lndigo®
Our	guests	appreciate	art	and	design,	the	latest	
fashion	and	new	experiences.	They	are	looking		
for	the	individuality	and	style	of	a	boutique	hotel,	
but	with	the	reliability	and	consistency	of	a	big	
brand	company.

50	hotels
5,661	rooms
47	hotels	in	development	pipeline

	 8 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

	
	
Business Review

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This Business Review provides a review of the business environment in which 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (the Company) and its group of companies (together 
the Group or IHG) operate, our strategy for winning, key performance indicators (KPIs) and 
commentaries on the development and performance of the business for the financial year 
ended 31 December 2012. It also covers our approach towards employee and corporate 
responsibility matters, including the environment, risk management throughout the 
Group and a description of the risks and uncertainties impacting the business. 

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 Competing in relevant consumer segments
 Competing in the most attractive markets
 Competing with an appropriate business model
 Winning with a portfolio of preferred Brands

10   Industry overview
11  Our strategy
11 
11 
12 
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14   Winning with our talented People
14   Winning with our best-in-class Delivery
 Winning with our Responsible Business 
15  
practices

16   Measuring our success
16   Where we compete
16 

 How we win – Delivering Great Hotels  
Guests Love 
18   Performance
18   Group performance
20   The Americas
22   Europe 

24   Asia, Middle East and Africa
26  Greater China
28   Central
28   System Fund
29   Other financial information
29   Exceptional operating items
29  Net financial expenses
29   Taxation
29   Earnings per ordinary share
29   Dividends
29   Share price and market capitalisation
29   Capital structure and  
liquidity management
30   Our talented People
34   Corporate Responsibility
38  Risk management

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Hotel Indigo shanghai on the Bund, China

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Business Review

Industry overview 

The	hotel	industry	performed	well	last	year	despite	challenging	economic	conditions.	The	economic	outlook	deteriorated	over	the	course	of	
2012	with	increased	concerns	over	the	Eurozone	and	weaker	performance	in	the	US	and	China.	Global	Domestic	Product	(GDP)	increased	by	
2.3	per	cent	in	2012,	compared	with	2.9	per	cent	in	2011	and	the	year	ended	with	a	continued	uncertain	outlook	across	the	globe.

However,	the	hotel	industry	demonstrated	its	resilience	against	this	challenging	economic	background.	Globally,	industry	revenue	per	
available	room	(RevPAR),	a	key	industry	indicator,	increased	by	4.5	per	cent,	compared	to	a	5.9	per	cent	increase	in	2011.	IHG	performed	well
against	these	market	conditions,	with	global	RevPAR	growth	in	2012	of	5.2	per	cent.	

RevPAR	growth	2011	v	2012

2011

+5.9%

+6.2%

2012

+4.5%

+5.2%

Global industry
RevPAR growth1

Global IHG
RevPAR growth2

Global industry
RevPAR growth1

Global IHG
RevPAR growth2

1	 	Data	sourced	from	Smith	Travel	Research.
2	 	Comparable	hotels.

The	global	hotel	market	is	estimated	to	be	close	to	21.5	million	rooms.	Smith	Travel	Research	calculates	that	there	are	7.3	million	branded	
hotel	rooms,	with	the	remainder	a	combination	of	independent	hotels,	guesthouses	and	other	types	of	lodging.	IHG	holds	the	largest	share		
of	branded	rooms,	currently	approximately	nine	per	cent	of	branded	supply,	distributed	across	nearly	100	countries	and	territories	around		
the	world.	In	2012	we	opened	33,922	new	rooms	worldwide	(226	new	hotels).	This	has	taken	the	number	of	open	IHG	hotel	rooms	to	675,982	
(4,602	hotels)	at	31	December	2012,	up	2.7	per	cent	from	2011,	taking	into	account	the	removal	of	hotels	which	left	the	IHG	System.

The	benefits	of	a	brand,	such	as	the	greater	security	and	performance	of	a	global	reservation	system,	loyalty	programmes	and	international
networks,	are	clear	to	many	owners	and	IHG	is	well-positioned	to	win	the	business	of	owners	seeking	to	grow	with	a	hotel	brand.	Additionally,
IHG	and	other	large	hotel	companies	have	the	competitive	advantage	of	a	global	portfolio	of	brands	that	suit	the	different	real	estate	or	market
opportunities	an	owner	may	have.	

To	ensure	our	strategy	continues	to	be	sustainable	in	the	changing	business	environment	and	suitable	for	the	Group’s	capabilities,	IHG	closely	
monitors	markets	across	the	globe	and	follows	key	industry	and	business	metrics	such	as	RevPAR,	average	daily	rate,	demand,	GDP	and	
guest	satisfaction.	

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Business Review

Our strategy 

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With a portfolio of preferred Brands in the most attractive markets, our talented  
People are focussed on delivering Great Hotels Guests Love and executing a clear set of priorities  
to achieve our Vision of becoming one of the great companies in the world

Where	we	compete

Relevant	consumer	segments

Most	attractive	markets

Appropriate	business	model

How	we	win

Portfolio	of	preferred	Brands

Talented	People

Best-in-class	Delivery

Responsible	Business

A	good	strategy	makes	clear	choices	against	a	range	of	business	
opportunities	in	order	to	achieve	a	set	of	defined	goals.	An	
organisation	needs	to	be	able	to	execute	these	decisions	and	
measure	its	success	using	a	clear	set	of	comprehensively		
aligned	metrics.	

Delivering	the	elements	of	our	strategy

Where	we	compete

IHG’s	strategy	determines	a	set	of	choices	to	balance	the	quality	of	
IHG	branded	hotels	and	the	speed	at	which	we	grow.	We	measure	
this	through	key	performance	indicators	(KPIs)	such	as	growing	
RevPAR,	System	size	and	fee	based	margins.	In	addition,	we	ensure	
we	continue	to	improve	employee	engagement,	guest	and	owner	
satisfaction	and	increase	the	proportion	of	hotel	room	demand	that	
we	generate	for	our	owners	through	our	proprietary	distribution		
and	reservation	systems.

Competing	in	relevant	consumer	segments
The	hotel	industry	is	usually	segmented	according	to	price	point	and	IHG	is	focussed	on	the	three	segments	that	generate	over	90	per	cent
of	branded	hotels	revenue,	namely	midscale	(broadly	three	star),	upscale	(mostly	four	star)	and	luxury	(five	star).	However,	to	build	preferred	
Brands,	we	believe	we	need	to	advance	our	understanding	of	our	guests	and	their	needs	to	ensure	our	brands	remain	contemporary		
and	relevant.

We	have	therefore	completed	a	fundamental	occasion-based	needs	segmentation	analysis	to	understand	why	guests	book	hotels	–	looking	at	
who	they	are,	the	occasion	they	are	travelling	for	and	their	needs	when	travelling.	Many	guests	no	longer	have	a	single	purpose	for	their	hotel
stay	–	for	example,	business	trips	turn	into	family	holidays,	and	we	need	to	meet	these	demands,	focussing	more	on	the	needs	of	our	guests,	to
deliver	loyalty	and	brand	preference.	We	used	this	analysis	to	develop	the	brand	proposition	for	our	two	new	brands,	HUALUXE	Hotels	&	Resorts
and	EVEN	Hotels,	and	we	continue	to	work	on	this	needs-based	segmentation	to	help	inform	our	view	of	the	hotel	market	and	our	brand	
strategies	going	forward.	

Competing	in	the	most	attractive	markets
Our	strategy	is	to	build	preferred	Brands	with	scale	positions	in	the	most	attractive	markets	globally.	Concentrating	growth	in	the	largest	
markets	means	IHG	and	owners	can	operate	more	efficiently	and	benefit	from	enhanced	revenues	and	reduced	costs.	Our	key	markets	include	
large	developed	markets	such	as	the	US,	UK	and	Germany,	as	well	as	emerging	markets	like	China	and	India.

The	US	is	the	largest	market	for	branded	hotels,	with	3.38	million	rooms,	accounting	for	69	per	cent	of	all	US	rooms	available.	The	segment	in	
the	US	with	the	greatest	share	is	midscale,	with	1.38	million	branded	hotel	rooms,	and	IHG’s	Holiday	Inn	brand	family,	comprising	Holiday	Inn,
Holiday	Inn	Express,	Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations	and	Holiday	Inn	Resort,	is	the	largest	brand	in	this	segment.

In	China,	IHG	sees	the	greatest	opportunity	for	growth	of	any	single	country	and	our	strategy	has	been	to	enter	the	market	early,	to	develop	our
relationships	with	key	local	third	party	owners	and	grow	our	presence	rapidly.	In	a	country	with	659,000	branded	hotel	rooms,	IHG	is	the	largest
international	hotel	company	with	over	61,000	rooms	across	our	brands	and	more	than	50,000	in	the	planning	phase	or	under	construction.	This	
rapid	pace	of	openings	for	IHG	has	been	in	anticipation	of	increasing	demand	for	hotels,	driven	by	a	large,	emerging	middle	class	and	growing	
domestic	and	international	travel.

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IHG	is	also	focussed	on	developing	in	other	high	priority	markets.	We	seek	to	develop	our	portfolio	of	brands	in	those	markets	which	will	be		
sources	of	strong	hotel	demand	in	the	future.	We	have	continued	to	build	our	position	in	these	markets	in	the	last	year.	For	example,	we	
increased	the	distribution	of	our	core	brands	in	India,	building	upon	our	leadership	position	of	Holiday	Inn.	In	Russia	and	the	Commonwealth		
of	Independent	States	(CIS),	there	are	opportunities	for	new	construction	and	conversions	as	well	as	strong	demand	for	branded	hotels.	IHG	
continues	to	adapt	its	business	model	by	market,	choosing	partnerships	and	joint	ventures	where	appropriate.	

Outside	the	largest	markets,	we	focus	on	building	presence	in	key	gateway	cities	where	our	brands	can	generate	revenue	premiums	from		
high	business	and	leisure	demand.

During	2012,	we	opened	33,922	rooms	in	26	countries	and	territories,	and	signed	a	further	53,812	rooms	into	our	development	pipeline	(hotels
in	planning	and	under	construction	but	not	yet	opened)	across	33	countries	and	territories.	As	part	of	our	ongoing	commitment	to	maintaining	the
quality	of	our	brands,	we	removed	16,288	rooms	during	the	year.	As	at	31	December	2012,	IHG	had	the	second	largest	pipeline	in	the	industry,	with
169,030	rooms	in	1,053	hotels	across	60	countries	and	territories.	This	represents	a	market	share	of	12	per	cent	of	all	hotels	under	development,
including	those	that	are	independent	or	unaffiliated	with	a	brand.

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Industry overview and Our strategy  

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
		
	
	
	
	
	
	
		
	
		
	
Business Review: Our strategy continued

Competing	with	an	appropriate	business	model	

Brand	
ownership

Marketing	and	
distribution

Staff

Hotel	
ownership

IHG	capital

IHG	income

Franchised
This is the largest part of our 
business: 3,934 hotels operate  
under franchise agreements

IHG

IHG

Third-party

Third-party

None

Managed
We manage 658 hotels 
worldwide

IHG

IHG	usually	
IHG
supplies	
COPY TO COME
General	
Manager	as		
a	minimum

Third-party

Low/none

Owned	and	leased
We own 10 hotels worldwide  
(less than one per cent of  
our portfolio)

IHG

IHG

IHG

IHG

High

Fee	%	of	
rooms	
revenue

Fee	%	of	total	
revenue	plus		
%	of	profit	

All	revenues	
and	profits

As	can	be	seen	in	the	diagrams	above	and	below,	our	business	model	
is	focussed	on	franchising	and	managing	hotels,	rather	than	owning	
them,	enabling	us	to	grow	at	an	accelerated	pace	with	limited	capital	
investment.	This	allows	IHG	to	focus	on	building	strong,	preferred	
Brands	based	on	relevant	consumer	needs,	leaving	asset	management	
and	real	estate	to	our	local	third	party	owners	with	the	necessary	
expertise.	With	this	asset-light	approach,	IHG	also	benefits	from		
the	reduced	volatility	of	fee	based	income	streams,	as	compared	with	
the	ownership	of	assets.	It	allows	IHG	to	focus	on	building	strong	
Delivery	systems	such	as	our	branded	hotel	websites	and	call	
centres,	creating	greater	returns	for	owners.

A	key	characteristic	of	the	franchised	and	managed	business		
model	is	that	it	is	highly	cash	generative,	with	a	high	return	on		
capital	employed.	It	enables	us	to	focus	on	growing	our	fee	revenue	
(Group	revenue	excluding	owned	and	leased	hotels,	managed		
leases	and	significant	liquidated	damages)	and	fee	based	margins	
(operating	profit	as	a	percentage	of	revenue,	excluding	revenue	and	

operating	profit	from	owned	and	leased	hotels,	managed	leases	and	
significant	liquidated	damages).	

Currently	86	per	cent	of	our	Group	operating	profit	(before	regional	and	
central	overheads	and	exceptional	items)	is	derived	from	franchised	
and	managed	operations.	In	some	situations,	IHG	supports	its	brands	
by	using	its	capital	to	build	or	support	the	funding	of	flagship	assets	in	
high-demand	locations	in	order	to	drive	growth.	We	plan	to	recycle	
capital	by	selling	these	assets	when	the	time	is	right	and	to	reinvest	
elsewhere	in	the	business	and	across	our	portfolio.

On	6	November	2012,	we	announced	that	the	InterContinental	London	
Park	Lane	would	be	the	next	hotel	considered	for	sale	and	that	
discussions	regarding	the	disposal	of	the	InterContinental	New	York	
Barclay	were	progressing	and	would	be	opened	to	a	wider	group	of	
prospective	buyers.	

We	continue	to	invest	for	growth,	strengthening	both	our	existing	
brands	and	launching	new	ones.	

IHG	global	hotel	count	by	ownership	type		
at	31	December	2012

IHG	continuing	operating	profit*	by	ownership	type		
for	the	year	ended	31	December	2012

(cid:31) Franchised 
(cid:31) Managed 
(cid:31) Owned and leased 

3,934 hotels 
658 hotels 
10 hotels 

(cid:31) Franchised 
(cid:31) Managed 
(cid:31) Owned and leased 

61%  
25% 
14% 

*Before	regional	and	central	overheads	and	exceptional	items 

How	we	win

Winning	with	a	portfolio	of	preferred	Brands
We	aim	to	build	a	portfolio	of	brands	that	are	bigger,	better,	and	stronger:

•	Bigger	means	we	have	prioritised	our	growth	strategy	to		
build	brand	scale	and	leverage	this	scale	through	greater	
operational	efficiency.	

•	Better	means	a	focus	on	continuous	improvement	in	how	we	

develop	and	deliver	our	brands	to	ensure	guest	needs	are	met	
with	a	consistent,	high-quality	experience.	

•	Stronger	means	a	focus	on	driving	brand	preference	among	

guests,	owners,	investors	and	employees.

As	part	of	our	commitment	to	deliver	against	our	brand	strategy,		
in	2012,	IHG	launched	two	unique	new	brands	to	the	market,	which	
complement	our	overall	portfolio	of	brands.	

	 12 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

As	of	31	December	2012,	IHG’s	portfolio	comprised	the	following	brands:

Our	new	brands
EVEN	Hotels	was	launched	in	February	2012	following	extensive	
customer	research	in	order	to	create	a	brand	that	meets	travellers’	
holistic	wellness	needs.	EVEN	Hotels	is	aimed	at	business	and	leisure	
travellers	who	are	looking	for	a	wellness	experience	in	a	hotel	stay		
at	a	mainstream	price	point.	IHG	is	investing	up	to	$150	million	in	
establishing	the	brand,	owning	and	managing	the	first	hotels	to	ensure	
the	brand	achieves	its	potential	and	market	share	growth	in	the	US.	
During	2012,	IHG	signed	the	first	EVEN	hotel	located	in	the	heart	of	
midtown	Manhattan,	New	York.

	
 
	
	
 
HUALUXE	Hotels	&	Resorts	was	officially	launched	in	March	2012		
and	is	the	first	international	upscale	hotel	brand	designed	specifically	
for	Chinese	guests,	to	take	advantage	of	both	the	supply	and	demand	
side	opportunities	we	see	in	China.	The	brand	is	tailored	to	address	
the	specific	needs	of	domestic	Chinese	guests	focussing	on	the	
unique	aspects	of	Chinese	etiquette,	the	importance	of	rejuvenation,	
status	recognition	and	local	customs	and	heritage.	It	will	enable	us		
to	expand	in	China’s	key	gateway	cities	but	will	also	drive	growth	in		
its	secondary	cities	where	a	specifically	Chinese	offer	is	appealing.	
The	brand	could	open	in	key	global	gateway	cities	in	the	future	as	
outbound	travellers	from	China	are	forecasted	to	reach	100	million	in	
the	next	10-15	years.	During	2012,	we	signed	15	hotels	for	the	brand.	

Our	established	brands
InterContinental	Hotels	&	Resorts	is	IHG’s	luxury	brand	located	in		
key	cities	and	resort	destinations	across	more	than	60	countries	
worldwide.	The	brand’s	ethos	is	to	empower	guests	to	share	their	
knowledge	to	enjoy	great	experiences	that	enrich	their	lives.	Hotels		
under	this	brand	tend	to	be	managed	by	IHG.	In	2012,	we	opened	six	
more	properties	around	the	world,	including	the	InterContinental	
London-Westminster	in	the	UK,	the	InterContinental	Sanctuary	Cove	
Resort,	IHG’s	first	InterContinental	Resort	in	Australia,	and	two	new	
resorts	in	Asia	–	InterContinental	Samui	Baan	Taling	Ngam	Resort		
in	Thailand	and	InterContinental	Danang	Sun	Peninsula	Resort	in	
Vietnam.	We	also	signed	10	hotels	in	2012.	

Crowne	Plaza	Hotels	&	Resorts	is	IHG’s	upscale	brand	and	is	
currently	the	fourth	largest	full-service	hotel	brand	in	the	upper	
segments	with	nearly	400	hotels	and	resorts	in	66	countries.	The	
brand	continues	to	appeal	to	business	travellers,	providing	facilities	
and	services	that	cater	to	these	types	of	travellers.	We	continue	to	
progress	the	three-phase,	multi-year	Crowne	Plaza	repositioning	
programme.	As	part	of	IHG’s	commitment	to	strengthen	the	brand,	
quality	audits	have	been	carried	out	at	almost	all	Crowne	Plaza	
hotels	in	The	Americas	and	Europe	and	we	have	been	actively	
managing	the	estate	in	order	to	drive	brand	consistency.	Crowne	
Plaza	also	saw	significant	growth	in	2012,	particularly	in	China	with	
eight	new	hotel	openings	making	it	the	largest	international	upscale	
brand	in	China.	

Hotel	Indigo	is	our	boutique	brand,	and	the	world’s	first	global	boutique	
hotel	brand	focussed	on	guests	who	appreciate	art	and	design	and	who	
want	to	experience	something	different.	Hotel	Indigo	provides	guests	
with	the	refreshing	design	and	service	experience	synonymous	with	a	
boutique	hotel,	aligned	with	the	local	neighbourhood	story.	During	2012,	
we	opened	13	Hotel	Indigo	properties,	six	in	The	Americas,	two	in	
Greater	China	and	five	in	Europe,	expanding	the	brand’s	footprint.	
In	2012,	the	brand	also	reached	its	50th	hotel	milestone	with	the	
openings	of	Hotel	Indigo	London	Kensington-Earl’s	Court	in	the	UK	
and	Hotel	Indigo	New	Orleans	Garden	District	in	the	US.

The	Holiday	Inn	brand	family,	which	comprises	Holiday	Inn,	Holiday	
Inn	Club	Vacations,	Holiday	Inn	Resort	and	Holiday	Inn	Express,	is		
the	world’s	largest	midscale	hotel	brand	by	number	of	rooms	at	
31	December	2012.	It	is	the	largest	brand	in	IHG’s	portfolio	
predominantly	operating	under	franchise	agreements	in	The	
Americas	and	Europe	and	management	agreements	elsewhere.	

Holiday	Inn	is	for	the	contemporary	traveller	looking	for	innovative	
comfort	in	a	relaxing	hotel	environment.	Holiday	Inn	aims	to	provide	
guests	familiarity,	convenience	and	reliability	while	supporting	and	
meeting	all	guest	needs.	As	official	hotel	provider	to	the	London	2012	
Olympic	and	Paralympic	Games,	we	opened	the	Holiday	Inn	
London-Stratford	City.	In	2012,	the	brand	celebrated	its	60th	
anniversary	and	we	opened	our	largest	Holiday	Inn	to	date	–	the	
stunning	Holiday	Inn	Macao	Cotai	Central	in	China	with	1,224	rooms.

Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations,	our	timeshare	business	in	North	
America,	provides	guests	with	all	the	benefits	of	a	vacation	home	
with	none	of	the	hassle.	It	expanded	its	portfolio	in	2012	with	the	
opening	of	three	new	resorts,	including	a	new	658-room	resort	in		
Las	Vegas,	Nevada.

Holiday	Inn	Resort	is	our	Holiday	Inn	resort	proposition	with	37	
properties	currently	in	the	portfolio,	for	guests	who	work	hard	but		
also	want	to	lead	a	balanced	life.	Seven	new	resorts	opened	in	2012,	
including	the	Holiday	Inn	Resort	Changbaishan	in	China.	

Holiday	Inn	Express	is	a	brand	for	the	traveller	looking	for	efficiency.	
The	brand	offers	a	straightforward,	uncomplicated	guest	experience	
providing	the	things	a	guest	needs,	and	is	delivered	in	a	way	that	is	
stimulating	and	engaging.	As	one	of	the	world’s	fastest	growing	hotel	
brands,	it	is	geared	to	the	smart	business	or	private	traveller	who	
appreciates	value	without	compromising	on	comfort	and	style.	IHG	
continued	to	grow	the	brand	in	all	regions	with	114	new	openings	in	
2012,	including	hotels	in	Thailand	and	India.	

Staybridge	Suites	is	IHG’s	upscale	extended	stay	brand	for	guests		
on	longer	trips,	offering	studios	and	suites	complete	with	full	
kitchens	and	separate	sleeping	and	work	areas	in	a	sociable,	
family-like	atmosphere.	During	2012,	Staybridge	Suites	opened	11	
hotels,	including	the	prominent	Staybridge	Suites	London-Stratford	
City	as	part	of	IHG’s	London	2012	Olympic	and	Paralympic	Games	
legacy,	taking	the	total	number	of	Staybridge	Suites	hotels	to	189.		
In	2012,	17	Staybridge	Suites	hotels	under	IHG’s	management		
were	renovated	as	part	of	a	renovation	programme	with	the	owner,	
Hospitality	Properties	Trust.	Hotels	under	this	brand	tend	to	be		
under	franchised	and	management	contracts.

Candlewood	Suites	is	IHG’s	midscale	extended	stay	brand	in	North	
America	and	is	primarily	franchised	by	IHG.	Candlewood	Suites	aims	
to	provide	guests	with	a	home-like	stay	at	great	value.	A	trust	system	
has	always	prevailed	for	this	brand	–	the	‘Candlewood	Cupboard’	
which	is	a	convenient	place	for	our	guests	to	stock	up	on	essentials	
and	treats	on	an	honour	system	and	our	newly	launched	‘Lending	
Locker’,	which	enables	guests	to	borrow	kitchen	apparatuses,	such		
as	coffee	grinders.	During	2012,	59	Candlewood	Suites	hotels	under	
management	by	IHG	were	renovated	with	the	owner,	Hospitality	
Properties	Trust,	as	part	of	our	commitment	to	deliver	a	great	brand		
for	guests.	We	opened	12	hotels	during	2012,	taking	the	total	number		
of	Candlewood	Suites	hotels	to	299.

External	recognition
We	have	received	a	number	of	awards	for	our	brands	and	hotels	
during	2012,	including	the	following:

•	InterContinental	Hotels	&	Resorts	was	named	2012	World	
Travel	Awards’	World’s	Leading	Hotel	Brand	for	the	fourth		
year	running	and	World’s	Leading	Business	Hotel	Brand	for		
the	second	year	running;	

•	InterContinental	Hotels	&	Resorts	won	Best	Business	Hotel	
Brand	in	the	World	at	the	2012	Business	Traveller	Awards		
Asia-Pacific	Awards	for	the	third	year	running;	

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•	Holiday	Inn	was	ranked	‘Highest	in	Guest	Satisfaction	Among	
Mid-Scale	Full	Service	Hotel	Chains,	Two	Years	in	a	Row’	by		
J.D.	Power	and	Associates¤	(see	page	141);	

•	Hotel	Indigo	Shanghai	on	the	Bund	was	named	Best	Boutique	

Hotel	in	Asia-Pacific	at	the	2012	Business	Traveller	Asia-Pacific	
Awards;	and	

•	Hotel	Indigo	San	Diego	Gaslamp	Quarter	featured	as	one	of	the	
Top	25	Hotels	in	Southern	California	in	the	Condé	Nast	2012	
Readers’	Choice	Awards.

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Our strategy 

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Business Review: Our strategy continued

Winning	with	our	talented	People
IHG	believes	that	our	preferred	Brands	are	brought	to	life	by	our	
talented	and	passionate	People.	Therefore	to	deliver	on	our	brand	
promise,	we	must	attract,	retain	and	develop	the	very	best	talent		
in	the	industry	to	service	our	guests	and	bring	our	Brands	to	life.	

IHG	directly	employed	an	average	of	7,981	people	worldwide	in	the	
year	ended	31	December	2012,	whose	costs	were	borne	by	the	Group.	
When	the	whole	of	IHG’s	estate	is	taken	into	account	(including	staff	
working	in	the	franchised	and	managed	hotels)	over	350,000	people	
worked	globally	across	all	IHG’s	brands	as	at	31	December	2012.

The	four	pillars	of	our	People	strategy	are:

•	Developing	a	BrandHearted	culture:	Our	brands	are	brought	to	
life	by	our	talented	and	passionate	People	and	we	have	focussed		
on	developing	and	improving	our	tools,	to	make	it	easy	for	our	
People	to	deliver	the	brand	promise.	In	2012,	we	launched	a	new	
brand	framework	focussed	on	transforming	our	brand	standards	
and	looked	at	how	we	manage	projects	–	all	part	of	developing		
a	BrandHearted	culture.

•	Making	IHG	a	great	place	to	work:	We	believe	in	treating	people	
as	individuals	and	celebrating	achievements.	In	our	employer	
brand,	we	call	this	‘Room	to	be	yourself’	and	this	commitment		
is	brought	to	life	by	four	key	promises	(as	explained	on	pages	31	
and	32).	IHG	continues	to	be	recognised	around	the	globe	as	an	
employer	of	choice.

•	 Delivering	world-class	People	Tools	to	our	owners:	By	

partnering	with	the	hotel	human	resources	community,	we	have	
developed	a	set	of	award-winning	People	Tools	that	not	only	help	
increase	employee	retention	and	guest	satisfaction	but	also	drive	
efficiencies	and	increase	revenue	for	our	owners.	

•	Building	a	strong	leadership	team:	To	grow	our	business	

sustainably	and	responsibly,	we	need	a	strong	BrandHearted	
leadership	team.	Therefore,	we	have	created	a	Leadership	
Framework,	which	clearly	defines	what	great	leadership	looks	
like	to	help	develop	our	leaders	of	tomorrow.

Being	the	first	hotel	company	to	be	trusted	to	run	the	London	2012	
Olympic	and	Paralympic	Village	was	a	groundbreaking	opportunity	
for	IHG,	giving	our	People	the	opportunity	to	benefit	from	new	skills		
and	experiences.	

See	pages	30	to	33	for	more	information.

Winning	with	our	best-in-class	Delivery	
During	2012,	IHG	remained	focussed	on	driving	guests	(room	nights)	
to	its	hotels	and	its	portfolio	of	brands.	IHG	leverages	its	size	and	
scale	to	drive	demand	to	its	hotels,	executing	a	multi-channel	
strategy	that	enables	guests	to	search	and	book	in	the	most	
appropriate	mode	for	them,	either	over	the	phone,	by	computer	or		
via	an	application	on	a	mobile	device.	We	maximise	the	demand	we	
deliver	through	these	channels	through	advanced	techniques	that	
manage	revenue	per	booking,	drive	customer	loyalty	and	maximise	
owner	returns.	

Our	channels	and	loyalty	programme,	Priority	Club	Rewards,	are	the	
engine	of	our	business,	and	in	2012	delivered	on	average	69	per	cent	
of	total	rooms	revenue	direct	to	hotel.

Our	channels
As	part	of	our	multi-channel	strategy,	we	aim	to	drive	revenue	and	
bookings	using	our	direct	channels.	During	2012,	hotel	revenue	
generated	through	our	websites	increased	to	$3.4	billion	whilst	our	
global	call	centres	answered	more	than	23	million	inbound	contacts	
and	drove	more	than	$1.9	billion	in	revenue	for	our	hotels.

Mobile	communications	are	also	having	profound	effects	on	the	hotel	
industry	and	IHG	has	been	quick	to	adapt	to	these	new	channels	with	
significant	growth	in	revenue	generated	through	our	branded	mobile	
applications,	across	all	major	platforms,	rising	from	$2.4	million	in	
2009	to	more	than	$330	million	in	2012.

We	are	also	a	founding	member	of	roomkey.com,	which	was	
launched	in	2012	as	the	first	industry-owned	hotel	metasearch	
engine,	providing	another	innovative	channel	to	drive	guest	nights		
to	our	brands.

Social	media	has	also	changed	the	way	in	which	we	communicate	
with	guests	and	with	our	stakeholders	in	general.	Our	new	Guest	
Ratings	and	Review	tool	launched	on	our	websites	in	2012	enables	
guests	to	share	their	thoughts	about	their	hotel	experiences	so		
that	other	future	guests	can	take	this	into	account	during	the		
booking	process.	

Priority	Club	Rewards
Priority	Club	Rewards	was	the	hotel	industry’s	first	loyalty	
programme	and	is	the	largest	of	its	kind	in	the	world	with	71.4	million	
members	at	the	end	of	2012,	an	increase	of	13	per	cent	during	the	
year.	In	2012,	it	won	Premier	Traveler	magazine’s	inaugural	award	for	
Best	Hotel	Loyalty	Program	and	Global	Traveler	magazine’s	award	
for	Best	Hotel	Rewards	Program	for	the	eighth	consecutive	year.

We	also	leverage	sales	and	marketing	expertise	in	order	to	support	
our	multi-channel	strategy.	The	System	Fund	is	a	$1.2	billion	fund	of	
cash	assessments	and	contributions,	collected	by	IHG	from	hotels	
within	the	IHG	System,	and	proceeds	from	the	sale	of	Priority	Club	
Rewards	points.	The	System	Fund	is	managed	by	IHG	for	the	benefit	
of	hotels	in	the	IHG	System	with	the	objective	of	driving	revenues	for	
the	hotels.	It	is	therefore	used	to	pay	for	marketing,	the	Priority	Club	
Rewards	loyalty	programme	and	the	global	reservation	system.	

As	a	result	of	the	power	of	our	revenue	delivery	systems,	IHG	has	
built	strong	relationships	with	its	owners.	These	relationships	are	
founded	on	the	ability	to	deliver	high	returns	to	owners	using	
premium	revenue	generating	products.	IHG	meets	with	the	IHG	
Owners	Association	on	a	regular	basis	to	facilitate	the	continued	
development	of	IHG’s	brands	and	systems.	A	message	from	the		
IHG	Owners	Association	can	be	found	on	page	7.	

	 14 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Scale
4,602	hotels	
157	million	room	nights	
annually

Brand	portfolio
Nine	preferred		
hotel	brands

Priority	Club	Rewards
71.4	million	members,	
contributing	over	$7.2	billion	to	
global	system	rooms	revenue

Web/Mobile
13	language	sites	
six	language	apps

Revenue	Management
World-class		
systems

69%
room	revenue	delivery

Reservations	systems
10	call	centres	
12	languages

Market	coverage
In	nearly	100	countries		
and	territories

Sales	force
17,600	sales	professionals	
2,020	accounts

Food	and	beverage
Over	$4.7	billion	of	food		
and	beverage	revenue	and		
over	4,500	outlets	worldwide

System	Fund
Annual	fund	totalling	$1.2	billion	
to	maintain	marketing	and	
systems	that	generate	demand	
for	our	hotels

Winning	with	our	Responsible	Business	practices	
With	over	4,600	hotels	in	nearly	100	countries	and	territories	around	
the	world,	our	commitment	to	being	a	Responsible	Business	is	
central	to	our	Vision	of	becoming	one	of	the	great	companies	in	the	
world.	Our	People	understand	how	important	it	is	to	champion	and	
protect	the	trusted	reputation	of	IHG	and	its	brands	and	this	is	
embedded	in	our	culture.	We	believe	that	being	a	Responsible	
Business	is	necessary	to	enable	us	to	stay	ahead	of	the	competition	
and	grow,	creating	value	for	all	of	our	shareholders	and	stakeholders	
in	the	long	term.	Amongst	other	things,	it	offers	us	a	huge	opportunity	
to	innovate,	create	employment,	empower	people	to	perform	at	their	
best	and	feel	good	about	what	they	do,	and	drive	value	for	our	business.
That’s	why,	for	us,	Responsible	Business	underpins	each	of	our	three	
strategic	corporate	priorities	of	preferred	Brands,	talented	People	
and	best-in-class	Delivery,	which	work	together	to	determine	How	
We	Win	to	create	Great	Hotels	Guests	Love.	

Governance	and	leadership
Our	Chairman	and	the	Board	and	its	Committees	provide	a	strong	
leadership	and	promote	a	responsible	business	culture,	by	
maintaining	high	standards	in	corporate	governance,	corporate	
responsibility	and	internal	controls	and	risk	management.	Information	
on	our	Board	and	governance	processes	can	be	found	on	pages		
45	to	80.	

Brands
Trusted	brands	deliver	a	superior	and	consistent	brand	experience	
and	to	achieve	this,	we	require	a	clear	brand	framework.	Brand	
standards	are	the	foundations	of	a	clear	brand	framework	for	all	our	

hotels	and	our	compliance	teams	ensure	that	our	hotels	deliver	in	
accordance	with	these.	Our	brand	safety	standards	assist	hotels		
in	providing	a	safe	and	secure	environment	for	our	guests	and	
employees.	Our	Corporate	Responsibility	programmes	have	also	
been	designed	so	that	they	can	be	implemented	throughout	our		
hotel	brands	and	corporate	offices	in	any	region.	Information	on		
our	approach	to	Corporate	Responsibility	can	be	found	on	pages		
34	to	37.

People
At	the	core	of	being	a	Responsible	Business	is	ensuring	that	the	
actions	of	all	of	our	employees	working	at	our	corporate	offices	and	
hotels	maintain	our	trusted	reputation.	Operating	an	ethical	business	
is	vital	to	maintaining	and	protecting	this	trusted	reputation	and	
therefore	we	continually	keep	under	review	our	internal	policies		
and	training	to	promote	understanding,	awareness,	accountability	
and	transparency.	

Delivery
Having	in	place	an	effective	system	of	internal	controls	and	risk	
management	is	essential	to	being	a	Responsible	Business.	Our	tools,	
processes	and	procedures	ensure	a	business	based	on	a	solid	
foundation	with	a	commitment	to	doing	the	right	thing	for	the	benefit	
of	all	our	stakeholders.	Information	on	our	risk	management	
processes	can	be	found	on	pages	38	to	44.

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Our strategy 

15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
Business Review

Measuring our success

We	have	a	holistic	set	of	carefully	selected	key	performance	
indicators	(KPIs)	to	monitor	our	success	in	achieving	our	strategy.	
These	are	organised	around	the	elements	of	our	strategy:	

•	‘Where	we	compete’,	focussing	on	relevant	consumer	segments,	

the	most	attractive	markets	and	the	appropriate	business		
model;	and	

•	‘How	we	win’,	focussing	on	our	corporate	priorities	of	preferred	

Brands,	talented	People,	best-in-class	Delivery	and		
Responsible	Business.	

In	particular,	we	use	the	following	measures	to	monitor	our	
performance:

•	fee	revenue	and	fee	based	margins;

•	global	RevPAR;

•	system	contribution	–	the	proportion	of	business	delivered	to	our	

hotels	by	our	dedicated	IHG	booking	channels;

•	employee	engagement;	and

•	Responsible	Business	practices.

These	KPIs	are	used	to	measure	the	progress	of	our	Group	to	deliver	
Great	Hotels	Guests	Love	and	achieve	our	Vision	of	becoming	one	of	
the	great	companies	in	the	world.

Our	performance	against	our	KPIs	over	the	2010-2012	period	is	summarised	below:

Where	we	compete

strategic priorities

KPIs

Current status and  
2012 development

2013 priorities

•	 	Accelerate	growth	strategies	in	
quality	locations	in	agreed	scale	
markets;	and

•	 continue	to	leverage	scale.

Most	attractive	markets	and	
appropriate	business	model	
To	accelerate	profitable	growth		
of	our	core	business	in	our		
most	attractive	markets	where	
presence	and	scale	really	count	
using	the	right	business	model		
to	drive	our	fee	revenue	and	
income	streams.

647,161

658,348

675,982

•	 	System	size	grown	to	675,982	

rooms;

•	 	4,602	hotels	open	globally;	
•	 built	scale	of	Hotel	Indigo	brand	

to	50	hotels	globally;	and

•	 fee	based	margins	of	42.6%,	up	
two	percentage	points	on	2011,		
a	particularly	strong	result.

2010

2011

2012

Net rooms supply

6.8%

5.7%

otN
Not
Not
available
a
ail
ble
avaia
lab
le
2010

2011

2012

Growth in fee revenue1

40.6%2

42.6%

35.7%

2010

2011

2012

Fee based margins

How	we	win	–	Delivering	Great	Hotels	Guests	Love

strategic priorities

KPIs

Preferred	Brands
Operate	a	portfolio	of	preferred,	
locally-relevant	brands	
attractive	to	both	owners	and	
guests	that	have	clear	market	
positions	and	differentiation	in	
the	eyes	of	the	guest.

6.2%

6.2%

5.2%

2011

2010

2012
Global RevPAR growth/(decline)
Comparable hotels, constant $

Current status and  
2012 development

2013 priorities

•	 Clarified	the	brand	propositions	
for	Holiday	Inn	and	Holiday	Inn	
Express	and	celebrated	the	
Holiday	Inn	60th	anniversary;	

•	 continued	the	repositioning		

of	Crowne	Plaza;

•	 	achieved	two	new	brand	launches	

in	two	geographies;	and

•	 achieved	strong	brand	successes	
in	Greater	China,	particularly	
through	the	growth	of	HUALUXE	
Hotels	&	Resorts	with	15	signings	
for	the	brand	and	improved	the	
strength	of	Crowne	Plaza	through	
brand	preference	and	awareness.

•	 Invest	to	build	long-term	brand	
preference	for	the	Holiday	Inn	
brand	family;

•	 continue	the	repositioning	of		

the	Crowne	Plaza	brand;
•	 support	growth	of	our	new	

brands:	EVEN	Hotels	in	the	US	
and	HUALUXE	Hotels	&	Resorts	
in	Greater	China;	and

•	 continue	to	deliver	a	consistent	

brand	experience	and	increased	
guest	satisfaction	through	our	
needs-based	segmentation	
analysis.

1	 At	constant	currency.

2	 One	percentage	point	growth	on	an	underlying	basis.

	 16 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

How	we	win	–	Delivering	Great	Hotels	Guests	Love

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E
W

Current status and  
2012 development

78.6%

•	 New	brand	management	

74.5%

75.8%

strategic priorities

KPIs

Talented	People
Create	hotels	that	are	well	run,
with	brands	brought	to	life	by	
people	who	are	proud	of	the		
work	they	do.

2010

2011

2012
Employee engagement scores
Average of two employee 
engagement surveys per year

2013 priorities

•	 	Empower	our	frontline	teams	
with	the	tools	and	training	to	
consistently	deliver	great	guest	
experiences	that	build	brand	
preference,	advocacy	and	
repeat	business;

•	 continue	to	strengthen	our	

talent	pipeline	and	succession	
planning	to	meet	our	growth	
ambitions;

•	 instil	a	winning	culture	through	

strong	leadership	and	
performance	management;	and

•	 build	on	our	strong	employer	
brand	to	make	IHG	a	magnet		
for	talent.	

training	launched	for	General	
Managers;

•	 all	of	our	corporate	offices		
and	more	than	4,000	IHG		
hotels	participated	in	Celebrate	
Service	week,	our	global	
employee	recognition	event;

•	 created	a	new	Mandarin	

recruitment	site	and	launched	
career	pages	on	social	
networking	platforms	in	China	
to	continue	our	aim	to	be	
employer	of	choice;	and

•	 industry-leading	suite	of	People	

Tools	now	embedded	in	our	
franchised	and	managed		
hotel	estate.

Best-in-class	Delivery
Generate	higher	returns	for	
owners	and	IHG	through	
increased	revenue	share,	
improved	operating	efficiency	
and	growing	margins.

18.7

20.2

21.2

2010

2011
Total gross revenue
Actual $bn

2012

67%

68%

69%

•	 Launched	strategic	industry	
partnership	in	roomkey.com;

•	 71.4	million	Priority	Club	

Rewards	members	–	8.4	million	
new	members	enrolled	in	2012,	
up	13	per	cent	on	2011;	and
•	 global	IHG	sales	force	with	
17,600	sales	professionals.

•	 Continue	to	strengthen	IHG’s	

system	of	delivering	profitable	
demand	to	hotels;	

•	 put	in	place	the	required	

technology	infrastructure		
to	enable	growth;	and

•	 continue	to	increase	business	
from	our	loyalty	programme,	
Priority	Club	Rewards.

2011

2010

2012
System contribution to revenue*
Per cent of rooms revenue
delivered through IHG’s channels
and Priority Club Rewards
programme direct to hotel

Responsible	Business
Take	a	proactive	stance	and		
seek	creative	solutions	on	
environmental	sustainability	and	
sustainable	communities	in	a	
way	that	drives	shared	value		
for	IHG,	owners,	guests	and		
the	communities	in	which	we	
operate.

2,219

1,772

1,122

2010

2011
Hotels signed-up to Green Engage
Hotels, cumulative

2012

6,377

5,608

4,800

20102010

2011
2011

2012
2012

Participants benefiting from 
the IHG Academy 

•	 2,219	of	our	hotels	enrolled	in	
Green	Engage	by	end	of	2012;	
•	 11.7	per	cent	energy	savings	in	
our	owned	and	managed	estate	
by	end	of	2012	(on	a	per	available	
room	night	basis);

•	 industry	standard	for	measuring	
carbon	was	launched	in	2012	
and	included	in	Green	Engage	
via	our	new	carbon	calculator;

•	 over	150	IHG	Academy	

programmes	by	the	end	of		
2012;	and

•	 fan	base	of	the	‘IHG	Planet	CR’	

Facebook	page	expanded	to	over	
20,000	by	the	end	of	2012.

•	 	Work	to	ensure	all	our	hotels	
that	are	enrolled	in	Green	
Engage	effectively	use	the	tool	
for	greatest	impact;

•	 continue	to	drive	awareness	and	
engagement	around	the	IHG	
Shelter	in	a	Storm	Programme;

•	 continue	to	expand	the	IHG	

Academy	programme	
throughout	the	world;	and
•	 focus	on	driving	awareness	of	
IHG’s	approach	to	corporate	
responsibility	across	internal	
and	external	stakeholder	
groups	using	a	variety	of	
channels,	to	maximise	
employee	pride,	and	reinforce	
IHG’s	reputation	as	a	
Responsible	Business.

*		All	historical	numbers	are	stated	on	a	comparable	basis.

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Measuring our success 

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review

Performance

Group	performance

Group	results

12	months	ended	31	December

2012	
$m

2011	
$m

%	
change

Revenue	increased	by	3.8%	to	$1,835m	and	operating	profit	before	
exceptional	items	increased	by	9.8%	to	$614m	during	the	12	months	
ended	31	December	2012.	

Revenue

Americas
Europe
AMEA
Greater	China
Central

Operating	profit

Americas
Europe
AMEA
Greater	China
Central

Operating	profit	before	
exceptional	items
Exceptional	operating	items

Net	financial	expenses	
Profit	before	tax

Earnings	per	ordinary	share
Basic
Adjusted

Average	US	dollar	to	sterling	
exchange	rate

837
436
218
230
114
1,835

486
115
88
81
(156)

614
(4)
610
(54)
556

830
405
216
205
112
1,768

451
104
84
67
(147)

559
35
594
(62)
532

0.8
7.7
0.9
12.2
1.8
3.8

7.8
10.6
4.8
20.9
(6.1)

9.8
(111.4)
2.7
12.9
4.5

189.5¢
141.5¢

159.2¢
130.4¢

19.0
8.5

$1:£0.63

$1:£0.62

1.6

Total	gross	revenue

InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn
Holiday	Inn	Express
Staybridge	Suites
Candlewood	Suites
Hotel	Indigo
Other	
Total

2012	
$bn

4.5
4.0
6.3
4.8
0.6
0.5
0.2
0.3
21.2

2011	
$bn

%	
change

4.4
3.9
6.0
4.4
0.6
0.5
0.1
0.3
20.2

2.3
2.6
5.0
9.1
–
–
100.0
–
5.0

	 18 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Fee	revenue,	being	Group	revenue	excluding	revenue	from	owned	
and	leased	hotels,	significant	liquidated	damages	received		
in	2012	and	2011	and	properties	that	are	structured	for	legal		
reasons	as	operating	leases,	but	with	the	same	characteristics		
as	management	contracts,	increased	by	6.8%	when	translated		
at	constant	currency	and	applying	2011	exchange	rates.

The	2012	results	reflect	continued	RevPAR	growth	in	each	of	the	
regions,	with	an	overall	RevPAR	increase	of	5.2%,	including	a	3.2%	
increase	in	average	daily	rate.	The	results	also	benefited	from	
System	size	growth	of	2.7%	year-on-year	to	675,982	rooms.	Group	
RevPAR	growth	remained	robust	for	the	year,	reflecting	favourable	
supply	and	demand	dynamics	in	the	US	over	2012,	although	trading	
was	also	affected	by	the	impact	of	Eurozone	uncertainty	as	well	as	
industry-wide	challenges	in	Greater	China	in	the	latter	part	of	the	
year	related	to	the	political	leadership	change.	

Operating	profit	improved	in	each	of	the	regions.	RevPAR	growth		
of	6.1%	in	The	Americas	helped	drive	an	operating	profit	increase	of	
$42m	(9.5%),	after	excluding	the	benefit	of	a	$3m	liquidated	damages	
receipt	in	2012	and	a	$10m	liquidated	damages	receipt	in	2011.	
Operating	profit	in	Europe	increased	by	$11m	(10.6%),	with	RevPAR	
growth	of	1.7%.	Operating	profit	in	AMEA	increased	by	$13m	(17.3%)	
after	adjusting	for	a	$6m	liquidated	damages	receipt	in	2011	and	the	
disposal	of	a	hotel	asset	and	partnership	interest	that	contributed	
$3m	in	profits	in	2011,	reflecting	RevPAR	growth	of	4.9%.	Strong	
operating	profit	growth	of	$14m	in	Greater	China	reflected	an	11.6%	
increase	in	System	size	as	well	as	5.4%	RevPAR	growth.

At	constant	currency,	central	overheads	increased	from	$147m	to	
$158m	in	2012	($156m	at	actual	currency),	reflecting	investment	in	
infrastructure	and	capabilities	to	support	the	growth	of	the	business.

Operating	profit	margin	was	42.6%,	up	2.0	percentage	points	on	2011,	
after	adjusting	for	owned	and	leased	hotels.	The	Americas	and	
Europe	managed	leases	and	significant	liquidated	damages	received	
in	2012	and	2011.

Profit	before	tax	increased	by	$24m	to	$556m.	Adjusted	earnings	per	
ordinary	share	increased	by	8.5%	to	141.5¢.

One	measure	of	IHG	System	performance	is	the	growth	in	total	gross	
revenue,	defined	as	total	room	revenue	from	franchised	hotels	and	
total	hotel	revenue	from	managed,	owned	and	leased	hotels.	Total	
gross	revenue	is	not	revenue	attributable	to	IHG,	as	it	is	derived	
mainly	from	hotels	owned	by	third	parties.	

Total	gross	revenue	increased	by	5.0%	from	$20.2bn	in	2011	to	
$21.2bn	in	2012,	including	a	5.0%	increase	in	Holiday	Inn	and	a	9.1%	
increase	in	Holiday	Inn	Express.

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Global	hotel	and	room	count

O
V
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W

Hotels

Rooms

Change	over	
2011

2012

Change	over	
2011	

2012

During	2012,	the	IHG	global	System	(the	number	of	hotels	and	rooms	
which	are	franchised,	managed,	owned	or	leased	by	the	Group)	
increased	by	122	hotels	(17,634	rooms).	

At	31	December

Analysed	by	brand
InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn*
Holiday	Inn	Express
Staybridge	Suites
Candlewood	Suites
Hotel	Indigo
Other

170
392
1,247
2,192
189
299
50
63
4,602

Total
Analysed	by	ownership	type

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Total

3,934
658
10
4,602

Openings	of	226	hotels	(33,922	rooms)	were	driven	by	continued	
expansion	in	the	US,	particularly	within	the	Holiday	Inn	brand	family	
which	opened	more	than	11,000	rooms	during	2012,	and	Greater	
China.	The	level	of	hotel	removals	fell	from	198	hotels	(33,078	rooms)	
in	2011	to	104	hotels	(16,288	rooms)	in	2012,	as	anticipated	following	
the	completion	of	the	Holiday	Inn	relaunch.	

1
5
7
78
10
14
11
(4)
122

102
21
(1)
122

57,314
108,307
231,488
205,631
20,696
28,675
5,661
18,210
675,982

500,792
170,998
4,192
675,982

(284)
3,203
3,232
8,965
1,129
1,175
1,097
(883)
17,634

11,721
6,005
(92)
17,634

*		Includes	10	Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations	(3,701	rooms)	and	37	Holiday	Inn	Resort	
properties	(8,806	rooms)	(2011:	7	Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations	(2,928	rooms)	and		
32	Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(7,809	rooms)).

Global	pipeline

At	31	December

Analysed	by	brand
InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn*
Holiday	Inn	Express
Staybridge	Suites
Candlewood	Suites
Hotel	Indigo
EVEN
HUALUXE
Other

Hotels

Rooms

Change	over	
2011

2012

Change	over	
2011	

2012

48
98
243
452
71
78
47
1
15
–
1,053

(3)
(10)
(24)
(18)
(24)
(16)
(12)
1
15
–
(91)

15,713
31,183
44,988
51,760
7,544
6,742
5,869
230
4,904
97
169,030

(1,910)
(3,460)
(5,762)
(441)
(2,482)
(1,320)
(1,310)
230
4,904
97
(11,454)

(13,612)
2,158
(11,454)

Total
Analysed	by	ownership	type

Franchised	
Managed

Total

744
309
1,053

(109)
18
(91)

82,901
86,129
169,030

*		Includes	nil	Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations	(nil	rooms)	and	12	Holiday	Inn	Resort	
properties	(2,390	rooms)	(2011:	1	Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations	(658	rooms)	and		
15	Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(3,037	rooms)).

Global	pipeline	signings

At	31	December

Total

Hotels

Change	over	
2011

Rooms

Change	over	
2011	

2012

–

53,812

(1,612)

2012

356

At	the	end	of	2012,	the	pipeline	totalled	1,053	hotels	(169,030	rooms).	
The	IHG	pipeline	represents	hotels	and	rooms	where	a	contract	has	
been	signed	and	the	appropriate	fees	paid.	The	continued	global	
demand	for	IHG	brands	is	demonstrated	by	over	50%	of	pipeline	
rooms	being	outside	of	The	Americas	region,	including	30%	in	
Greater	China.	

Excluding	25	hotels	(4,796	rooms)	signed	as	part	of	the	US	
government’s	Privatization	of	Army	Lodgings	initiative	in	2011,	
signings	increased	from	331	hotels	(50,628	rooms)	to	356	hotels	
(53,812	rooms).	Signings	during	2012	included	15	hotels	for	the		
HUALUXE	Hotels	&	Resorts	brand,	as	well	as	the	first	signing	for		
the	EVEN	Hotels	brand.

During	2012,	the	opening	of	33,922	rooms	contributed	to	a	net	
pipeline	decline	of	11,454	rooms.	Active	management	out	of	the	
pipeline	of	deals	that	have	become	dormant	or	no	longer	viable	
reduced	the	pipeline	by	31,344	rooms,	representing	a	decrease		
of	11.8%	over	2011.

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Performance 

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review: Performance continued

The	Americas

Maximise the performance and growth of our portfolio of preferred 
Brands, focussing on our core midscale and upscale segments, mostly 
through franchise agreements over the next three years.

2013	priorities

•  Build upon the success of the Holiday Inn relaunch by continuing to improve the guest 

experience, investing to drive guest consideration and differentiation between the Holiday 
Inn brand family, particularly Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, improving hotel 
performance and unit growth;

•  execute the multi-year programme to reposition Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts;

•  activate growth in our newest brands by successfully launching EVEn Hotels and continuing 

to accelerate growth from Hotel Indigo; and

•  further deploy IHG tools throughout the franchised estate, across revenue management, 

brand standards, channel management, Responsible Business practices and People Tools.

Revenue	and	operating	profit	before	exceptional	items	increased		
by	$7m	(0.8%)	to	$837m	and	by	$35m	(7.8%)	to	$486m	respectively.	
RevPAR	increased	6.1%,	with	4.1%	growth	in	average	daily	rate.		
US	RevPAR	was	up	6.3%	in	2012	despite	uncertainty	regarding	the	
presidential	election	and	the	‘fiscal	cliff’	in	the	latter	part	of	the	year.

Franchised	revenue	increased	by	$39m	(7.8%)	to	$541m.	Royalties	
growth	of	8.7%	was	driven	by	RevPAR	growth	of	6.0%,	including	6.1%	
for	Holiday	Inn	Express,	together	with	System	size	growth	of	2.3%.	
Operating	profit	increased	by	$35m	(8.1%)	to	$466m.	

Managed	revenue	decreased	by	$27m	(21.8%)	to	$97m	and	operating	
profit	decreased	by	$4m	(7.7%)	to	$48m.	Revenue	and	operating	
profit	included	$34m	(2011	$59m)	and	$nil	(2011	$1m)	respectively	
from	managed	leases.	Excluding	properties	operated	under	this	
arrangement,	as	well	as	the	benefit	of	a	$3m	liquidated	damages	
receipt	in	2012	and	a	$10m	liquidated	damages	receipt	in	2011,	
revenue	and	operating	profit	grew	by	$5m	(9.1%)	and	$4m	(9.8%)	
respectively.	Growth	was	driven	by	a	RevPAR	increase	of	7.3%,	
including	9.6%	for	Holiday	Inn.

Owned	and	leased	revenue	declined	by	$5m	(2.5%)	to	$199m	and	
operating	profit	grew	by	$7m	(41.2%)	to	$24m.	Excluding	the	impact	
of	disposals,	revenue	increased	by	$4m	(2.1%)	and	operating	profit	
increased	by	$8m	(50.0%).	The	increase	in	revenue	was	driven	by	
RevPAR	growth	of	6.3%,	offset	by	the	impact	of	the	partial	closure		
of	an	owned	hotel	in	the	Caribbean.	The	operating	profit	increase		
of	$7m	included	a	$1m	year-on-year	benefit	from	lower	depreciation	
recorded	for	the	InterContinental	New	York	Barclay	since	the	hotel	
was	categorised	as	held	for	sale	in	the	first	quarter	of	2011,	after	
which	no	depreciation	was	charged,	and	a	$3m	year-on-year	benefit	
relating	to	one-off	reorganisation	costs	at	one	hotel	in	2011.

Americas	results

Revenue

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Total

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Operating	profit	before	exceptional	items
466
48
24
538
(52)
486

Regional	overheads
Total	

2012	
$m

541
97
199
837

12	months	ended	31	December

2011	
$m

%	
change

502
124
204
830

431
52
17
500
(49)
451

7.8
(21.8)
(2.5)
0.8

8.1
(7.7)
41.2
7.6
(6.1)
7.8

Americas	comparable	RevPAR	movement	on	previous	year

12	months	ended	
31	December	2012

Franchised

Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn
Holiday	Inn	Express
All	brands

Managed

InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn
Staybridge	Suites
Candlewood	Suites
All	brands

Owned	and	leased

All	brands

5.4%
5.9%
6.1%
6.0%

10.5%
3.8%
9.6%
(1.7)%
(0.8)%
7.3%

6.3%

	 20 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Americas	hotel	and	room	count

O
V
E
R
V
I

E
W

Hotels

Rooms

Change	over	
2011

2012

Change	over	
2011	

2012

At	31	December

Analysed	by	brand
InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn*
Holiday	Inn	
Express
Staybridge	Suites
Candlewood	Suites
Hotel	Indigo
Other

53
183
820
1,931

183
299
37
49
3,555

Total
Analysed	by	ownership	type

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Total

3,354
196
5
3,555

1
(5)
4
57

9	
14
4
(2)
82

88
(5)
(1)
82

17,756
48,730
146,661
168,398

19,787
28,675
4,307
15,303
449,617

407,849
39,583
2,185
449,617

158
(1,272)
840
5,463

967
1,175
334
(246)
7,419

9,169
(1,639)
(111)
7,419

*		Includes	10	Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations	(3,701	rooms)	and	17	Holiday	Inn	Resort	
properties	(4,240	rooms)	(2011:	7	Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations	(2,928	rooms)	and		
14	Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(3,658	rooms)).

Americas	pipeline

At	31	December

Analysed	by	brand
InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn*
Holiday	Inn	
Express
Staybridge	Suites
Candlewood	Suites
Hotel	Indigo
EVEN

Total
Analysed	by	ownership	type

Franchised	
Managed

Total

659
11
670

Hotels

Rooms

Change	over	
2011

2012

Change	over	
2011	

2012

4
16
139
345

64
78
23
1
670

(1)
(6)
(19)
(27)

(22)
(16)
(15)
1
(105)

(106)
1
(105)

925
3,737
18,827
32,388

6,648
6,742
3,076
230
72,573

70,290
2,283
72,573

(415)
(1,512)
(3,224)
(1,972)

(2,247)
(1,320)
(1,417)
230
(11,877)

(11,997)
120
(11,877)

*		Includes	nil	Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations	(nil	rooms)	and	5	Holiday	Inn	Resort	

properties	(640	rooms)	(2011:	1	Holiday	Inn	Club	Vacations	(658	rooms)	and	6	
Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(669	rooms)).

The	Americas	hotel	and	room	count	in	the	year	increased	by	82	
hotels	(7,419	rooms)	to	3,555	hotels	(449,617	rooms).	Openings	of		
148	hotels	(16,618	rooms)	included	113	Holiday	Inn	brand	family	
hotels	(12,566	rooms),	representing	more	than	70%	of	openings	for	
the	region.	Six	Hotel	Indigo	openings	(639	rooms)	helped	the	brand	
reach	the	50	property	milestone	globally	by	the	end	of	2012.	22	hotels	
(1,927	rooms)	opened	as	Staybridge	Suites	hotels	and	Candlewood	
Suites	hotels,	IHG’s	extended	stay	brands.	66	hotels	(9,199	rooms)	
were	removed	from	the	System	in	2012,	compared	to	153	hotels	
(24,284	rooms)	in	2011.	

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The	Americas	pipeline	totalled	670	hotels	(72,573	rooms)	as	at		
31	December	2012.	Signings	of	226	hotels	(25,536	rooms)	included	
173	hotels	(18,866	rooms)	in	the	Holiday	Inn	brand	family	as	well		
as	the	first	signing	for	the	EVEN	Hotels	brand,	a	flagship	property		
in	the	heart	of	midtown	Manhattan,	New	York	City.	The	pipeline	
decreased	by	105	hotels	(11,877	rooms)	compared	to	2011.

G
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Performance 

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review: Performance continued

Europe

Continue to grow in priority markets and across key cities, and 
improve underlying margin through operational excellence over the 
next three years.

2013	priorities

•  Accelerate growth in our priority markets and in key cities across the region; 

•  continue to expand Hotel Indigo across the region in key gateway cities and localise the 

Holiday Inn Express brand; and

•  continue to deliver operational excellence to improve guest satisfaction and deliver market 
outperformance by embedding our revenue tools, system delivery platforms, Responsible 
Business practices and People Tools.

Revenue	and	operating	profit	before	exceptional	items	increased		
by	$31m	(7.7%)	to	$436m	and	by	$11m	(10.6%)	to	$115m	respectively.	
RevPAR	increased	1.7%,	with	1.2%	growth	in	average	daily	rate	
despite	challenging	economic	conditions	across	Europe.	

Franchised	revenue	increased	by	$5m	(5.8%)	to	$91m,	whilst	
operating	profit	was	flat	at	$65m.	At	constant	currency,	revenue	
increased	by	$8m	(9.3%)	and	operating	profit	increased	by	$3m	
(4.6%).	Growth	was	mainly	driven	by	an	increase	in	royalties	of	2.7%	
(7.5%	at	constant	currency)	reflecting	RevPAR	growth	of	1.8%,	
together	with	System	size	growth	of	4.0%.

Managed	revenue	increased	by	$29m	to	$147m	(24.6%)	and	operating	
profit	increased	by	$6m	(23.1%)	to	$32m.	Revenue	and	operating	
profit	included	$80m	(2011	$46m)	and	$2m	(2011	$nil)	respectively	
from	managed	leases.	Excluding	properties	operated	under	this	
arrangement	and	on	a	constant	currency	basis,	revenue	decreased	
by	$1m	(1.4%)	reflecting	a	4.3%	decrease	in	System	size	partially	
offset	by	RevPAR	growth	of	1.0%.	On	the	same	basis,	operating		
profit	grew	by	$5m	(19.2%).

In	the	owned	and	leased	estate,	revenue	decreased	by	$3m	(1.5%)		
to	$198m	and	operating	profit	increased	by	$1m	(2.0%)	to	$50m.		
At	constant	currency	and	excluding	the	impact	of	disposals,		
revenue	increased	by	$10m	(5.1%)	and	operating	profit	increased		
by	$4m	(8.3%).	The	InterContinental	London	Park	Lane	and	the	
InterContinental	Paris	Le	Grand	delivered	year-on-year	RevPAR	
growth	of	8.0%	and	2.5%	respectively.

Europe	results

Revenue

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Total

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Operating	profit	before	exceptional	items
65
32
50
147
(32)
115

Regional	overheads
Total	

2012	
$m

91
147
198
436

12	months	ended	31	December

2011	
$m

%	
change

86
118
201
405

65
26
49
140
(36)
104

5.8
24.6
(1.5)
7.7

–
23.1
2.0
5.0
11.1
10.6

Europe	comparable	RevPAR	movement	on	previous	year

Franchised
All	brands

Managed

All	brands

Owned	and	leased
InterContinental

12	months	ended	
31	December	2012

1.8%

1.0%

5.2%

	 22 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Europe	hotel	and	room	count

At	31	December

Analysed	by	brand
InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn*
Holiday	Inn	Express
Staybridge	Suites
Hotel	Indigo

30
84
288
212
4
10
628

Total
Analysed	by	ownership	type

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Total

528
98
2
628

Hotels

Rooms

Change	over	
2011

2012

Change	over	
2011	

2012

–
(2)
(2)
14
1
5
16

19
(3)
–
16

9,394
19,566
46,610
24,903
605
949
102,027

79,899
21,211
917
102,027

(270)
(159)
145
1,722
162
542
2,142

3,088
(946)
–
2,142

*		Includes	3	Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(362	rooms)	(2011:	3	Holiday	Inn	Resort	

properties	(362	rooms)).

Europe	pipeline

At	31	December

Analysed	by	brand
InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn
Holiday	Inn	Express
Staybridge	Suites
Hotel	Indigo

Total
Analysed	by	ownership	type

Franchised	
Managed

Total

Hotels

Rooms

Change	over	
2011

2012

Change	over	
2011	

2012

2
12
20
43
1
13
91

83
8
91

(3)
–
(5)
–
(1)
2
(7)

1
(8)
(7)

404
2,769
4,267
6,284
168
1,292
15,184

12,186
2,998
15,184

(906)
(184)
(672)
342
(115)
37
(1,498)

187
(1,685)
(1,498)

O
V
E
R
V
I

E
W

During	2012,	Europe	System	size	increased	by	16	hotels	(2,142	rooms)	
to	628	hotels	(102,027	rooms).	Openings	of	39	hotels	(5,477	rooms)	
included	31	hotels	in	the	Holiday	Inn	brand	family	(4,233	rooms).	
Hotel	Indigo	continued	to	build	momentum	in	the	region	with	five	
hotel	openings,	doubling	the	System	size	in	Europe	for	the	brand.		
23	hotels	(3,335	rooms)	were	removed	from	the	System	in	2012.

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The	Europe	pipeline	totalled	91	hotels	(15,184	rooms)	as	at	
31	December	2012.	Signings	of	48	hotels	(7,023	rooms)	increased	
from	2011	levels	and	included	35	hotels	(5,489	rooms)	in	the	Holiday	
Inn	brand	family,	including	the	first	two	Holiday	Inn	Express	hotels	in	
Russia.	Seven	Hotel	Indigo	hotels	(572	rooms)	were	signed,	including	
three	more	hotels	in	the	UK	and	firsts	for	the	brand	in	France,	Spain	
and	Israel.	16	hotels	(3,044	rooms)	were	removed	from	the	pipeline		
in	2012.	The	pipeline	decreased	by	seven	hotels	(1,498	rooms)	
compared	to	2011.

G
O
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Performance 

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review: Performance continued

Asia	Middle	East	and	Africa	(AMEA)

Execute our strategic plans to strengthen our Brands and increase our 
revenue share through operational excellence and outperformance 
over the next three years.

2013	priorities

•  Grow distribution of our core brands across the region, building upon the leadership  

position of Holiday Inn; 

•  build preferred Brands and strengthen our position in key strategic markets; and

•  deliver operational excellence and outperformance at our hotels by embedding revenue 
driving tools and, where appropriate, localising brands, channels, Responsible Business 
practices and People Tools.

Revenue	and	operating	profit	before	exceptional	items	increased		
by	$2m	(0.9%)	to	$218m	and	by	$4m	(4.8%)	to	$88m	respectively.	
RevPAR	increased	4.9%,	with	1.2%	growth	in	average	daily	rate,		
with	robust	trading	in	Southeast	Asia	and	Japan,	partly	offset	by	
continuing	uncertainty	impacting	some	markets	in	the	Middle	East.

On	both	a	constant	and	actual	currency	basis,	franchised	revenue	
decreased	by	$1m	(5.3%)	to	$18m	and	operating	profit	was	flat		
at	$12m.

Managed	revenue	and	operating	profit	increased	by	$1m	(0.7%)	to	
$152m	and	by	$3m	(3.4%)	to	$90m	respectively.	At	constant	currency,	
excluding	the	benefit	of	a	$6m	liquidated	damages	receipt	in	2011		
and	after	adjusting	for	the	disposal	of	a	hotel	asset	and	partnership	
interest	in	Australia,	which	contributed	$3m	to	operating	profit	in	
2011,	revenue	and	operating	profit	increased	by	$7m	(4.8%)	and		
$11m	(14.1%)	respectively.	RevPAR	growth	was	4.6%	and	although	
year-end	System	size	was	7.1%	higher	than	at	the	end	of	2011,	due	to	
the	phasing	of	openings	towards	the	end	of	the	year,	rooms	available	
during	the	year	grew	by	only	2.2%.	Operating	profit	in	2012	benefited	
from	a	$1m	increase	in	profit	from	an	associate	and	$2m	lower	
year-on-year	bad	debt	expense.

In	the	owned	and	leased	estate,	revenue	and	operating	profit	
increased	by	$2m	(4.3%)	to	$48m	and	by	$1m	(20.0%)	to		
$6m	respectively.

AMEA	results

Revenue

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Total

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Operating	profit	before	exceptional	items
12
90
6
108
(20)
88

Regional	overheads
Total	

2012	
$m

18
152
48
218

12	months	ended	31	December

2011	
$m

%	
change

19
151
46
216

12
87
5
104
(20)
84

(5.3)
0.7
4.3
0.9

–
3.4
20.0
3.8
–
4.8

AMEA	comparable	RevPAR	movement	on	previous	year

Franchised
All	brands

Managed

All	brands

12	months	ended	
31	December	2012

7.2%

4.6%

	 24 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

AMEA	hotel	and	room	count

O
V
E
R
V
I

E
W

*		Includes	14	Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(3,311	rooms)	(2011:	13	Holiday	Inn	Resort	

properties	(3,121	rooms)).

At	31	December

Analysed	by	brand
InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn*
Holiday	Inn	Express
Staybridge	Suites
Other

Total
Analysed	by	ownership	type

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Total

48
182
2
232

AMEA	pipeline

At	31	December

Analysed	by	brand
InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn*
Holiday	Inn	Express
Staybridge	Suites
Hotel	Indigo

Total
Analysed	by	ownership	type

Franchised	
Managed

Total

2
130
132

65
65
75
12
2
13
232

20
18
47
35
6
6
132

Hotels

Rooms

Change	over	
2011

2012

Change	over	
2011	

2012

1
4
(2)
4
–
(3)
4

(6)
10
–
4

20,791
18,559
17,440
2,877
304
2,766
62,737

10,860
51,290
587
62,737

366
1,638
(592)
1,020
–
(778)
1,654

(1,757)
3,400
11
1,654

Hotels

Rooms

Change	over	
2011

2012

Change	over	
2011	

2012

1
(3)
4
8
(1)
1
10

(2)
12
10

5,366
5,345
10,895
7,091
728
932
30,357

425
29,932
30,357

272
(1,384)
515
1,410
(120)
80
773

(427)
1,200
773

*		Includes	4	Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(900	rooms)	(2011:	4	Holiday	Inn	Resort	

properties	(900	rooms)).

The	AMEA	hotel	and	room	count	in	the	year	increased	by	four	hotels	
(1,654	rooms)	to	232	hotels	(62,737	rooms).	The	level	of	openings	
increased	from	10	hotels	(2,907	rooms)	in	2011	to	16	hotels		
(4,243	rooms)	in	2012.	These	included	four	hotels	for	the	
InterContinental	brand,	including	the	197-room	InterContinental	
Danang	Sun	Peninsula	Resort	in	Vietnam,	as	well	as	the	first	Holiday	
Inn	Express	hotels	in	Bahrain,	India	and	Thailand.	Six	Crowne	Plaza	
hotels	(1,777	rooms)	were	opened	in	2012,	including	resort	locations	
in	Thailand	and	Jordan.	12	hotels	(2,589	rooms)	were	removed	from		
the	System	in	2012.

I

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The	AMEA	pipeline	totalled	132	hotels	(30,357	rooms)	as	at		
31	December	2012.	Signings	of	36	hotels	(7,866	rooms)	included		
24	hotels	(4,657	rooms)	in	the	Holiday	Inn	brand	family.	In	addition,	
six	InterContinental	hotels	(1,728	rooms)	were	signed,	including	
resort	locations	in	Thailand	and	Australia.	10	hotels	(2,850	rooms)	
were	removed	from	the	pipeline	in	2012,	compared	to	32	hotels	
(8,243	rooms)	in	2011.	The	pipeline	increased	by	10	hotels		
(773	rooms)	compared	to	2011.

G
O
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Performance 

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review: Performance continued

Greater	China

Maximise scale and strength and establish multi-segment local 
operating expertise to drive margin and expand our strong portfolio  
of Brands over the next three years.

2013	priorities

•  Grow distribution and expand our portfolio of Brands with a particular focus on Crowne Plaza 

Hotels & Resorts and HuALuXE Hotels & Resorts;

•  build upon the success of the Holiday Inn relaunch to continue to grow the Holiday Inn  

brand family; 

•  extend IHG’s leading presence in the market with strategic distribution of brands in 

established and emerging cities in Greater China; and

•  localise IHG channels, systems, processes, brands, Responsible Business practices  

and People Tools to increase efficiency and margin performance.

Revenue	and	operating	profit	before	exceptional	items	increased	by	
$25m	(12.2%)	to	$230m	and	by	$14m	(20.9%)	to	$81m	respectively.	
RevPAR	increased	5.4%	with	3.1%	growth	in	average	daily	rate.

Franchised	revenue	increased	by	$1m	(50.0%)	to	$3m	and	operating	
profit	by	$1m	(33.3%)	to	$4m,	boosted	by	the	opening	of	the		
1,224-room	Holiday	Inn	Macao	Cotai	Central.

Managed	revenue	increased	by	$12m	(15.6%)	to	$89m	and	operating	
profit	increased	by	$8m	(18.6%)	to	$51m.	RevPAR	growth	of	5.6%	
reflected	continued	economic	growth	in	the	region,	although	the	
whole	industry	was	affected	in	the	latter	part	of	the	year	by	the	once	
in	a	decade	political	leadership	change	and	the	Diaoyu/Senkaku	
islands	territorial	dispute.	There	was	also	continued	significant	
System	size	growth	for	the	managed	estate	in	the	region	(9.7%	rooms	
growth	in	2012	following	14.2%	rooms	growth	in	2011).	

Owned	and	leased	revenue	increased	by	$12m	(9.5%)	to	$138m	and	
operating	profit	increased	by	$8m	(21.6%)	to	$45m,	with	RevPAR	
growth	of	6.7%	at	the	InterContinental	Hong	Kong.	

Regional	costs	increased	by	$3m	(18.8%)	to	$19m	reflecting	
increased	investment	in	operations	and	infrastructure	in	the	region.

Greater	China	results

12	months	ended	31	December

Revenue

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Total

2012	
$m

3
89
138
230

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Operating	profit	before	exceptional	items
4
51
45
100
(19)
81

Regional	overheads
Total	

2011	
$m

%	
change

2
77
126
205

3
43
37
83
(16)
67

50.0
15.6
9.5
12.2

33.3
18.6
21.6
20.5
(18.8)
20.9

Greater	China	comparable	RevPAR	movement	on	previous	year

Managed

All	brands

Owned	and	leased
InterContinental

12	months	ended	
31	December	2012

5.6%

6.7%

	 26 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Greater	China	hotel	and	room	count

Hotels

Rooms

Change	over	
2011

2012

Change	over	
2011	

2012

At	31	December

Analysed	by	brand
InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn*
Holiday	Inn	Express
Hotel	Indigo
Other

Total
Analysed	by	ownership	type

Franchised	
Managed
Owned	and	leased

Total

4
182
1
187

Greater	China	pipeline

At	31	December

Analysed	by	brand
InterContinental
Crowne	Plaza
Holiday	Inn*
Holiday	Inn	Express
Hotel	Indigo
HUALUXE
Other

Total
Analysed	by	ownership	type

Franchised	
Managed

Total

–
160
160

22
60
64
37
3
1
187

22
52
37
29
5
15
–
160

(1)
8
7
3
2
1
20

1
19
–
20

9,373
21,452
20,777
9,453
405
141
61,601

2,184
58,914
503
61,601

(538)
2,996
2,839
760
221
141
6,419

1,221
5,190
8
6,419

–
(1)
(4)
1
–
15
–
11

(2)
13
11

9,018
19,332
10,999
5,997
569
4,904
97
50,916

–
50,916
50,916

(861)
(380)
(2,381)
(221)
(10)
4,904
97
1,148

(1,375)
2,523
1,148

*		Includes	3	Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(893	rooms)	(2011:	2	Holiday	Inn	Resort	

properties	(668	rooms)).

Hotels

Rooms

Change	over	
2011

2012

Change	over	
2011	

2012

*		Includes	3	Holiday	Inn	Resort	properties	(850	rooms)	(2011:	5	Holiday	Inn	Resort	

properties	(1,468	rooms)).

O
V
E
R
V
I

E
W

The	Greater	China	hotel	and	room	count	in	the	year	increased	by		
20	hotels	(6,419	rooms)	to	187	hotels	(61,601	rooms).	Openings	of		
23	hotels	(7,584	rooms)	included	the	Holiday	Inn	Macao	Cotai		
Central	(1,224	rooms),	the	largest	Holiday	Inn	in	the	world.	Eight	
Crowne	Plaza	hotels	(2,996	rooms)	and	two	Hotel	Indigo	hotels		
(224	rooms)	were	opened	in	2012.	

I

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The	Greater	China	pipeline	totalled	160	hotels	(50,916	rooms)	as		
at	31	December	2012.	Signings	of	46	hotels	(13,387	rooms)	increased	
from	38	hotels	(12,112	rooms)	in	2011	and	included	15	hotels	for	the	
newly	launched	HUALUXE	Hotels	&	Resorts	brand,	together	with		
12	Crowne	Plaza	hotels	(4,527	rooms).	12	hotels	(4,655	rooms)		
were	removed	from	the	pipeline	in	2012.	The	pipeline	increased		
by	11	hotels	(1,148	rooms)	compared	to	2011.

G
O
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Performance 

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Review: Performance continued

Central
Central	results

Revenue
Gross	central	costs
Net	central	costs

12	months	ended	31	December

2012	
$m

114
(270)
(156)

2011	
$m

112
(259)
(147)

%	
change

1.8
(4.2)
(6.1)

Net	central	costs	increased	by	$9m	(6.1%)	from	$147m	in	2011	to	
$156m	in	2012.	At	constant	currency,	net	central	costs	increased		
by	$11m	(7.5%).	The	movement	was	driven	by	investment	in	
infrastructure	and	capabilities	to	support	the	growth	of	the	business.	
Central	revenue	mainly	comprised	technology	fee	income.	

System	Fund
System	Fund	results

Assessment	fees	and	
contributions	received		
from	hotels
Proceeds	from	sale	of		
Priority	Club	Rewards	points

12	months	ended	31	December

2012	
$m

2011	
$m

%	
change

1,106

1,025

144
1,250

128
1,153

7.9

12.5
8.4

In	the	year	to	31	December	2012,	System	Fund	(the	Fund)	income	
increased	by	8.4%	to	$1,250m	primarily	as	a	result	of	growth	in	hotel	
room	revenues.	The	increase	in	proceeds	from	the	sale	of	Priority	
Club	Rewards	points	mainly	reflects	the	strong	performance	of	
co-brand	credit	card	schemes.

In	addition	to	management	or	franchise	fees,	hotels	within	the	IHG	
System	pay	assessments	and	contributions	which	are	collected	by	
IHG	for	specific	use	within	the	Fund.	The	Fund	also	receives	proceeds	
from	the	sale	of	Priority	Club	Rewards	points.	The	Fund	is	managed	
for	the	benefit	of	hotels	in	the	System	with	the	objective	of	driving	
revenues	for	the	hotels.

The	Fund	is	used	to	pay	for	marketing,	the	Priority	Club	Rewards	
loyalty	programme	and	the	global	reservation	system.	The	operation	
of	the	Fund	does	not	result	in	a	profit	or	loss	for	the	Group	and	
consequently	the	revenues	and	expenses	of	the	Fund	are	not	
included	in	the	Group	Income	Statement.

	 28 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Other financial information
Exceptional operating items
Exceptional operating items totalled a net loss of $4m. Exceptional 
gains included a $23m impairment reversal and the release of a $9m 
liability no longer required relating to the 2003 demerger of the Group 
from Six Continents PLC. Exceptional charges included $16m from  
the reorganisation of the Group’s support functions together with a 
restructuring in the AMEA region, $2m loss on disposal of an interest 
in a hotel and $18m write-off of software.

Exceptional operating items are treated as exceptional by reason of 
their size or nature and are excluded from the calculation of adjusted 
earnings per ordinary share in order to provide a more meaningful 
comparison of performance.

Net financial expenses
Net financial expenses decreased by $8m to $54m primarily due to 
lower average debt levels.

Financing costs included $2m (2011 $1m) of interest costs associated 
with Priority Club Rewards where interest is charged on the 
accumulated balance of cash received in advance of the redemption 
points awarded. Financing costs in 2012 also included $19m (2011 
$18m) in respect of the InterContinental Boston finance lease. 

Taxation
The effective rate of tax on operating profit excluding the impact of 
exceptional items, was 27% (2011 24%). Excluding the impact of prior 
year items, the equivalent tax rate would be 30% (2011 36%). This rate 
is higher than the average UK statutory rate of 24.5% due mainly to 
certain overseas profits (particularly in the US) being subject to 
statutory rates higher than the UK statutory rate, unrelieved foreign 
taxes and disallowable expenses. 

Taxation within exceptional items totalled a credit of $142m  
(2011 $48m). This represented, primarily, the recognition of $104m  
of deferred tax assets whose value has become more certain as  
a result of a change in law and the resolution of prior period tax 
matters, together with the associated release of $37m of provisions. 
In 2011 the credit mainly related to a revision of the estimated tax 
impacts of an internal reorganisation completed in 2010.

Net tax paid in 2012 totalled $122m (2011 $90m) including $3m paid 
(2011 $1m) in respect of disposals. Tax paid represents an effective 
rate of 22% (2011 17%) on total profits and is lower than the effective 
income statement tax rate of 27% primarily due to the impact of 
deferred taxes (including the realisation of assets such as tax losses), 
the receipt of refunds in respect of prior years and provisions for  
tax for which no payment of tax has currently been made.

IHG pursues a tax strategy that is consistent with its business 
strategy and its overall business conduct principles. This strategy 
seeks to ensure full compliance with all tax filing, payment and 
reporting obligations on the basis of communicative and transparent 
relationships with tax authorities. Policies and procedures related  
to tax risk management are subject to regular review and update,  
and are approved by the Board. 

Tax liabilities or refunds may differ from those anticipated,  
in particular as a result of changes in tax law, changes in the 
interpretation of tax law, or clarification of uncertainties in the 
application of tax law. Procedures to minimise risk include the 
preparation of thorough tax risk assessments for all transactions 
carrying tax risk and, where appropriate, material tax uncertainties 
are discussed and resolved with tax authorities in advance. 

IHG’s contribution to the jurisdictions in which it operates includes  
a significant contribution in the form of taxes borne and collected, 
including taxes on its revenues and profits and in respect of the 
employment its business generates.

IHG earns approximately 60% of its revenues in the form of franchise, 
management or similar fees, with almost 90% of IHG branded hotels 
being franchised. In jurisdictions in which IHG does franchise business, 

the prevailing tax law will generally provide for IHG to be taxed in the 
form of local withholding taxes based on a percentage of fees rather 
than based on profits. Costs to support the franchise business are 
normally incurred regionally or globally and therefore profits for an 
individual franchise jurisdiction cannot be separately determined.

Earnings per ordinary share
Basic earnings per ordinary share in 2012 was 189.5¢, compared  
with 159.2¢ in 2011. Adjusted earnings per ordinary share was 141.5¢, 
against 130.4¢ in 2011. 

Dividends
The Board has proposed a final dividend per ordinary share of  
43.0¢ (27.7p). With the interim dividend per ordinary share of 21.0¢ 
(13.5p), the full-year dividend per ordinary share for 2012 will total 
64.0¢ (41.2p), an increase of 16% over 2011. On 22 October 2012 a 
special dividend of $1.72 (108.4p) per ordinary share was paid to 
shareholders.

Share price and market capitalisation
The IHG share price closed at £17.07 on 31 December 2012, up from 
£11.57 on 31 December 2011. The market capitalisation of the Group 
at the year end was £4.6bn.

Capital structure and liquidity management

Net debt* at 31 December

Borrowings:
Sterling 
US dollar 
Other 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Net debt
Average debt levels

*  Including the impact of currency derivatives.

Facilities at 31 December

Committed 
Uncommitted 
Total 

Interest risk profile of gross debt for 
major currencies at 31 December

At fixed rates 

2012 
$m

638
626
5
(195)
1,074
651

2012 
$m

1,075
96
1,171

2012 
%

100

2011 
$m

–
715
5
(182)
538
721

2011 
$m

1,075
79
1,154

2011 
%

100

During the year, $472m of cash was generated from operating 
activities of which $133m was invested in capital expenditure.  
After shareholder returns of $786m, including a $505m special 
dividend and $107m of share buybacks, net debt at 31 December 
2012 was $1,074m, an increase over the year of $536m. Net debt 
included $212m in respect of the finance lease obligations for the 
InterContinental Boston and $11m in respect of currency swaps 
related to the £250m sterling bond. 

O
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V
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E
W

I

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s
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G
O
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n
A
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E

s
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I

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s
T
A
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M
E
n
T
s

In November 2012, the Group issued a 10-year £400m public bond 
under its Medium Term Notes programme. The bond has a coupon  
of 3.875% and extends the maturity profile and diversifies the 
sources of the Group’s debt. The Group issued its first bond under  
the programme in December 2009 which was a £250m seven-year 
public bond at a coupon of 6%, which was immediately swapped into 
US dollar debt using currency swaps. 

The Group refinanced its bank debt in November 2011, putting in 
place a five-year $1.07bn syndicated bank facility which matures  
in November 2016. This facility was undrawn at the year end.

O
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I

n
F
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A
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Additional funding is provided by a finance lease on the 
InterContinental Boston.

Performance	

29

	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Business Review

Our talented People

We believe that the success of IHG doesn’t just depend on the brilliance of one brand 
or one person, but a whole family of preferred Brands, brought to life by talented and 
passionate People who deliver Great Hotels Guests Love. 

IHG employed 7,981 people worldwide during the year ended 31 December 2012 whose costs were borne by the Group. When the Group’s entire 
estate is taken into account (including employees working in the franchised and managed hotels) over 350,000 people worked globally across 
all IHG’s brands as at 31 December 2012. Unless otherwise stated, any data in this section relates to the people directly employed by IHG and 
those who work in managed hotels or part of our joint venture with All Nippon Airways in Japan – in total 120,000 people. Our People strategy  
is focussed on engaging all those who work in IHG hotels and corporate offices to deliver great performance and Great Hotels Guest Love 
across all our Brands regardless of the business model.

In this section we explain each of the pillars of our People strategy and how this enables us to meet the fresh challenges of a changing 
workforce and increased competition, as well as describing our approach to diversity and how we provide a safe and secure environment  
for our guests and employees. 

Our employer brand 

We want…

We are...

We share  
a purpose...

We live our 
winning ways...

We offer...

To be treated as 
individuals and 
recognised for the 
great work we do

• Proud

• Passionate

• Collaborative

•  Room to have  
a great start 

• Room to grow

• Room to be involved

• Room for you

Do the  
right thing

Aim 
higher

Work better 
together

Show 
we care

Celebrate 
difference

We give our best performance and delight our guests

The four pillars of our People strategy are: 
• developing a BrandHearted culture;

• making IHG a great place to work;

• delivering world-class People Tools to our owners and hotels; and

• building a strong leadership team.

Developing a BrandHearted culture 
Being BrandHearted means changing the way we think, act and 
behave when it comes to our Brands – it means putting them at the 
centre of every conversation, every idea and every decision we make. 
Our Brands offer a distinct promise to our guests, so it is vital that we 
make it easy for our owners and General Managers and their teams 
to keep those brand promises. In 2012 we launched a new Brand 
Framework to better define what a great branded guest experience 
looks like. We are also transforming the way we deliver our brand 
standards to hotels, making it easier than ever before for all of our 
hotels to create a consistent brand experiences. This work forms 
part of our ongoing commitment to provide our hotel estate with 
simple, easy-to-use tools that generate better business performance 
and brand preference. Our Programme Office has been leading this  
work internally. 

  30	

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Ways of working 
The Programme Office has been instrumental in driving a more 
disciplined approach to the way we develop, design and deliver 
projects to hotels. This year we refreshed our Ways of Working  
to promote a more coordinated approach to project design and 
developed the new IHG Way of Project Management – a bespoke  
set of tools to improve the way we deliver projects to hotels. This 
gives us a consistent and more effective approach to projects, and 
project risk management.

Heart of house
Our Heart of house initiative has been a key project in 2012. When our 
colleagues feel engaged, they deliver better service to our guests. 
This is why Heart of house continues to be so influential in helping us 
embed a BrandHearted culture. Heart of house is an integral part of 
our People Tools. It is unique in the hotel industry – transforming the 
traditional ‘back of house’ into the heart of our hotels – an inspiring, 
inviting, place for employees to learn more about what’s happening 
at IHG, their hotel brand, their hotel and in their teams. Heart of 
house provides both a shared space for colleagues to communicate 
and an improved working environment and supports our General 

Making IHG a great place to work
Our People play a key role in delivering our brand promises day in, 
day out. To achieve our Vision, we need to attract the very best 
people, harness their passion and equip them with the right skills to 
give our guests a truly great experience. Research shows that people 
want to be treated as individuals and recognised for the great work 
they do. In our employer brand we call this Room to be yourself and 
this commitment is brought to life by four key promises: 

Room to have a great start
Over the next few years, to meet our growth targets, we need to find 
an additional 90,000 BrandHearted colleagues. People that really love 
our Brands, can bring them to life though great service delivery. By 
defining the specific behaviours needed to bring our Brands to life 
and incorporating them in all our People Tools, we are able to recruit 
people with the right attitude for the brand as well as the right 
technical skills for the role. All new recruits attend an orientation 
programme and have access to a new onboarding portal to ensure 
they understand our Winning Ways, Room to be yourself and what 
being BrandHearted really means, from the moment they join IHG.

To support our recruitment efforts and build upon our high levels  
of employee engagement, we launched the Recommend a friend 
scheme in 2012 to all franchised, managed and owned and leased 
hotels and central reservations offices. This followed the success of 
the launch of a similar scheme at our corporate offices, which saw  
21 per cent of corporate hires coming through employee 
recommendations – a 15 per cent increase from 2011. 

One of the biggest recruitment challenges we face is how we 
leverage the strength of our global brand, while being sensitive to  
the local markets in which our hotels operate. In Greater China,  
for example, we have created a new recruitment site in Mandarin and 
have launched career pages on social networking platforms such as 
Weibo and Renren (the number 1 social media platform amongst 
college students in Greater China).

As further explained on page 35 as part of our Responsible Business 
practices, the IHG Academy provides local people with the opportunity 
to build and develop their skills and improve their employment 
prospects. An IHG Academy is a collaboration between IHG hotels  
or our corporate offices and local education providers and/or 
community organisations and helps us create a pipeline of potential 
recruits and future talent. We currently have over 150 IHG Academy 
programmes in 37 countries around the world. 

Managers in involving, inspiring and engaging their teams as brand 
ambassadors. Nearly 1,000 of our hotels have now installed Heart  
of house. 

Celebrating service 
Being BrandHearted is also about celebrating employees, and 
recognising achievement is very important to us. That’s why every 
year, through Celebrate Service week, we recognise our colleagues 
for the great work they do to give our guests an enjoyable stay. 
Celebrate Service week, which was instigated by, and run in 
partnership with, the IHG Owners Association, saw more than 4,000 
hotels participating in 2012. This has now become an important 
driver of employee engagement – following this year’s event we found  
99 per cent of employees at our corporate offices, central 
reservations offices and managed and owned hotels and 98 per cent 
of those working at participating franchised hotels said they felt 
proud to work for a company that recognises its people in this way. 

Room to be involved
We ask our employees and those colleagues working in our managed 
hotels to participate in an employee engagement survey twice a year.  
96 per cent of employees took part in our 2012 employee engagement 
survey. The results were impressive with 94 per cent of respondents 
saying they are proud to work for IHG – which is an all time high and  
20 per cent higher than industry benchmarks. Better still, our 
engagement scores continue to improve year-on-year and we have seen 
an 18 percentage point increase across the Group in the last five years. 

Highlights of our 2012 employee engagement survey results  
(taking the average of the two annual surveys) include: 

• our employees are more engaged than ever before with  

78.6 per cent engagement for 2012 – 2.8 per cent higher than  
the 2011 engagement average; 

• 85 per cent say we are ‘living’ our Winning Ways; and 

• we continue to beat external benchmarks – according to our 

survey administrator, engagement scores for high-performing 
companies have remained flat and service companies have had  
a decrease of 1.5 per cent per year since 2010.

This year, for the first time we launched the employee engagement 
survey to our franchise estate with 15 per cent of hotels pioneering  
its use and a 4.7 percentage point increase in engagement in those 
hotels between April and October.

By listening to our People and responding to their needs we can 
drive better business results. This was shown in a study we 
commissioned to examine the link between employee 
engagement and hotel performance. This study found that the 
difference in gross operating profit margin between hotels  
with highly engaged people compared with those with lower 
engagement can be as much as seven percentage points.

When we compared hotels where engagement had increased, 
against those where it had not, we found that for every 5 percentage 
point increase in engagement, there was, on average, 70 cents of 
increased RevPAR. That means that for a 200-bed hotel this 
RevPAR increase could generate an additional $50,000 of revenue 
per annum.

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Business Review: Our talented People continued

Room to grow
Providing all our colleagues with Room to grow is an essential part  
of our culture and is at the heart of how we continue to develop our 
business. Our approach ensures that we provide learning and 
development opportunities to all colleagues, whilst investing  
strongly behind our critical roles and core capabilities. To support 
this, every employee creates a personal development plan with their 
manager, which supports their development and, in turn, drives our 
business success.

One of the most important roles for driving the success of our 
business is our hotel General Managers. This is why we are 
launching our new General Manager training programme, which is a 
breakthrough programme designed to shift our mindset away from 
simply creating great hotel managers to developing great Brand 
managers. To have preferred Brands, we need the best General 
Managers in the industry and therefore we have invested heavily in 
our approach to hiring, training and developing them. This has been 
the focus of our shared agenda with the IHG Owners Association and 
we are proud to have worked with them to develop this programme, 
which will be rolled-out initially to new Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn 
Express General Managers from the first quarter of 2013.

Mid-management and above continue to be supported through  
IHG’s Leaders Lounge, our award-winning online community and 
leadership development forum. The usage of IHG’s Leaders Lounge 
continues to rise, with more than 7,000 visits per month to access 
short learning sessions, providing practical tips and insights 
designed to be completed in just a few minutes.

Room for you
We pride ourselves on our ability to recognise great BrandHearted 
behaviour internally and in 2012 we launched Bravo!, an online 
peer-to-peer recognition tool that gives our colleagues the means  
to publicly recognise each other’s work and efforts. To date more 
than 25,000 Bravos! have been sent, proving our People really  
value the opportunity to be able to give and receive recognition  
from their peers. 

We are also strengthening Group performance culture in our 
corporate offices. Our annual incentive plan for our senior executives 
now aligns with our strategic priorities of Brands, People and Delivery, 
as explained in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 59 to 78, 
ensuring alignment with shareholder interests.

Delivering world-class People Tools for our owners
It’s never easy to find people who can live and breathe our Brands, 
but it’s an important job, perhaps the most important job, because 
guests don’t differentiate between a hotel being franchised,  
managed or owned, they just want a fantastic and consistent brand 
experience. By working with the hotel human resources community 
we developed a set of award-winning People Tools that not only help 
increase employee retention, performance and guest satisfaction but 
also drive efficiencies and increase revenue for our owners.  
Our People Tools are a suite of best practice tools which help our 
hotels hire, train, involve and recognise the best people for each  
of our brands. In 2012, 96 per cent of General Managers using our 
People Tools regularly said they would recommend them to  
others. We believe this is a point of differentiation compared  
to our competitors. 

As well as continuing to drive awareness around our People Tools  
we have also worked to make it easier for hotels to access them.  
In 2012 we launched Hotel Solutions which is the ultimate toolbox, 
providing hotels with a single gateway to access the full suite of People 
Tools, as well as other training and guidance tools. These tools cover 
across a broad range of hotel operations, housekeeping and hotel 
safety, as well as Responsible Business practices. Hotel Solutions also 
encourages collaboration across all of our hotels around the world, 
another example of us leveraging our System size for the benefit of our 
hotels. Since its launch, 71 per cent of hotels have been using it, with 
General Managers saving an estimated three to four hours each month 
on administrative tasks. Further, hotels using Hotel Solutions have 
seen improvements in guest satisfaction, which shows that the right 
tools, in the right hands, can deliver the right results.

Building a strong leadership team
Growing our business sustainably and responsibly requires leaders 
who deliver great results, do the right thing, inspire their people  
and put our Brands at the heart of everything they do. In 2012 we 
introduced a more disciplined approach to leadership assessment 
and created our Leadership Framework to make it easier for our 
People to understand what great leadership looks like, including  
the skills and experiences they need in order to be able to move to the 
next level in their careers. Together, these approaches are ensuring 
that we are best placed to select and develop the best leaders for our 
business and for our Brands.

Our global suite of leadership programmes helps us develop our 
leaders and attract some of the world’s best talent to our team. 
These programmes combine skills, development, education, 

experiences and access to great managers, mentors and coaches  
in order to develop the leadership competencies we need to meet  
our business goals. Support to our leaders also continues to be 
provided through IHG’s Leaders Lounge.

By developing internal talent together with the strategic hiring of key 
individuals who bring additional skills, perspectives and experiences, 
we are building a strong leadership team, capable of driving a high 
performance culture and delivering on our strategic agenda. 

Our Board and Executive Committee leadership and governance 
processes are set out on pages 46 to 80.

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IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Giving our People a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

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Being the first hotel company to be trusted to help run the 
Athletes’ Village was a groundbreaking opportunity for IHG. It 
gave us the chance to show thousands of athletes and a team of 
8,000 volunteers, employees, contractors and secondees what 
world-class service is all about. The London 2012 Olympic and 
Paralympic Games were great for our colleagues too. Our 
Olympic secondees learnt many new skills to take back to their 
hotels and offices, and the first intake of talent from the IHG 
Academy at Newham were able to benefit from local work 
experience and hospitality training. The Olympics has enabled us 
to inspire our next generation of talent to achieve great things. 

Before the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games began,  
we were embracing the Olympic spirit across the whole business. 
Not everybody got to carry the torch or work in the Athletes’ Village, 
but we tried to provide opportunities for all our People to have the 
chance to feel part of the experience.

Celebrating diversity
Being a global organisation operating in nearly 100 countries and 
territories around the world, we recognise the importance and 
benefit of ensuring our workforce fully represents the communities 
in which we operate and the guests who stay in our hotels. We value 
our employees as unique individuals, with the different ideas, 
perspectives and energy they bring. We have created an inclusive 
culture where people are encouraged to be themselves. This is seen 
in our Room to be yourself employer brand and drives higher levels 
of employee engagement and, as a result, improves business 
performance.

Currently, 35 per cent of our middle to senior leadership population at 
our corporate offices are female and we continue to explore ways to 
increase the diversity of our management team. In 2012, we launched 
a review of diversity and inclusion that will ensure we have the right 
combination of policy and practices to further improve our 
recruitment, retention, development and career progression of 
minority groups, including a focus on increasing the representation 
of women at all levels of our business. The Group is also committed 
to providing equality of opportunity to all employees without 
discrimination and continues to be supportive of the employment  
of disabled persons. 

External recognition
We are incredibly proud of the external recognition we receive 
across the globe as an employer of choice. In 2012 we: 

• featured in The Sunday Times 25 Best Big Companies to  

Work For; 

• received recognition for our employer brand at the Personnel 
Today Awards 2012 winning the Award for Employer Branding; 

Examples of our People being part of the Olympic and Paralympic 
experience include:

• we organised a charity fundraising campaign, ‘Race Around  
the World,’ which got more than 60,000 colleagues running, 
swimming and cycling and helped raise $300,000 for the IHG 
Shelter in a Storm Programme;

• we gave more than 1,400 people the chance to take part in an 

Olympics Masterclass, run by some of the world’s top athletes, from 
cycling with Victoria Pendleton to swimming with Ellie Simmonds;

• we received more than 550 entries in our Design a Keycard 

competition for our hotels at the Athletes’ Village;

• 72 IHG employees were given the opportunity to become Olympic 
Torchbearers. They were nominated by colleagues for showing 
remarkable feats in the environment and community or for having 
an extraordinary personal story; 

• on 24 July 2012 the Olympic Torch Relay reached our UK Denham 
corporate office and 800 colleagues, friends and family were able 
to see the torch first-hand and cheer four IHG colleagues as they 
became official Olympic Torchbearers; and

• we were proud that 47 of our hotels across the country were given  
the important task of looking after the Olympic Torch Relay crew 
– helping to make the Relay such a success.

Our Board’s commitment to supporting diversity is set out on  
pages 50 and 58. Currently our Board comprises three women  
(27 per cent). 

Ensuring health and safety
Providing and supporting a safe and secure environment for our 
guests, employees and visitors is paramount, and IHG applies high 
standards of health and safety across the Group. Our Global Risk 
Management team evaluates policies and procedures, operating a 
range of health and safety and security measures and we require 
everyone to comply with relevant health and safety legislation.

The Group ensures that we protect the health of our employees 
through suitable work-based strategies; minimising the risk of injury 
from work activity; ensuring that sufficient resources, information 
and systems are in place to address health and safety; and involving 
employees in continuous improvement, reporting and the review of 
health and safety matters.

Further information on our approach towards health and safety and 
security can be found on pages 38 to 44 and on our online Corporate 
Responsibility Report viewable at www.ihgplc.com/responsibility

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• were named in the top 10 of the World’s Learning Elite – 

recognising the effectiveness of our use of formal training 
together with coaching and on-the-job learning; 

• were recognised as one of India’s Best Companies to Work For 

in 2012; 

• were recognised as being one of the 100 Best Human Resource 

Management Companies in China; and 

• were listed in The Job Crowd’s The Top Companies For  

Graduates To Work For in 2012/13.

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Business Review 

Corporate Responsibility 

Corporate Responsibility (CR) is a key part of our Responsible Business practices. 
We treat it as a strategic business issue and therefore believe CR only makes 
sense if it aligns to our Vision of becoming one of the great companies in the 
world by creating Great Hotels Guests Love. 

We believe that incorporating societal and environmental factors  
into our business strategy and operations will play a vital role in the 
long-term viability of our business and the travel and tourism sector. 
Whilst tourism plays a large role in the world economy and is an 
important source of wealth for many countries, our industry faces 
increasing pressure to balance its economic performance with its 
social and environmental impacts.

As a leading global hotel company, we are in a particularly strong 
position to help make tourism increasingly responsible. That’s why, 
for IHG, Responsible Business underpins all of our strategic 
priorities. We aim to harness the role hotels play in society in order  
to create shared value for our business, our guests, the environment 
and the communities where we operate, whether that’s conserving 
and protecting resources, helping local people build skills and 
improve their employability or providing refuge when disaster 
strikes. CR is an essential element of doing business responsibly.

Our CR ambition is to transform hospitality for more sustainable 
communities and better lives. We work to find innovative ways to 
build and run hotels that can fulfil our brand promises, tackle the 
environmental and social challenges we face and create shared 
value for IHG and our stakeholders. 

We focus our CR activities in two areas that make sense to our 
business and where we believe we can make the most difference – 
the environment and the local community: 

• Environmental sustainability – we drive environmental 

sustainability through our online environmental management 
platform Green Engage; and

• Sustainable communities – we create local economic 

opportunity, particularly through the IHG Academy, and  
we provide shelter when disaster strikes through the IHG  
Shelter in a Storm Programme.

All activities are underpinned by the robust policy and management 
foundations we have worked to build and strengthen since we set up 
our CR function in 2006. 

Our CR governance
Our Corporate Responsibility Committee, a committee of the  
Board, was established in 2009 and is chaired by Jennifer Laing,  
a Non-Executive Director. Our Corporate Responsibility Committee 
Report is set out on page 57 and the Committee’s membership,  
role, responsibilities and activities in 2012 are set out therein.  
The Committee oversees that we have the right policies, 
management and measurement systems in place to deliver against 
our strategy. It met three times in 2012, focussing on the global 
expansion of the IHG Academy programme, the activation of the IHG 
Shelter in a Storm Programme, the ongoing roll-out of Green Engage 
and our CR stakeholder engagement channels such as our online 
Corporate Responsibility Report. 

We have established further governance committees run  
by members of the CR team to oversee globally-aligned  
decisions. These include our Global Sustainability Council  
and our IHG Community Strategy Committee, both of which  
met during 2012 to discuss improvements to, and expansions  
of, our key CR programmes.

Environmental sustainability
We are committed to designing, building and operating more 
environmentally sustainable hotels, something we believe  
is essential to being a Responsible Business and delivering  
Great Hotels Guests Love. Through Green Engage, our online 
environmental management platform, we provide our hotel owners 
with a roadmap to develop and operate more sustainable hotels. 

In 2012:
• in our managed and owned estate our three-year target  

(2010-2012) was to reduce energy per available room by between  
6 and 10 per cent; we exceeded our target with a reduction of  
11.7 per cent; and

• our latest carbon footprint assessment revealed that we achieved 

an absolute reduction in IHG’s global carbon footprint in our 
hotels and corporate offices of 76,000 metric tonnes in a year. 

Our online Innovation Hotel website helps us to envision what future 
hotels could look like and how they might operate. The site allows 
online visitors to tell us what they think of the latest sustainable  
hotel concepts: www.ihgplc.com/innovation 

Green Engage
The environmental impact of our hotels is managed through every 
stage of the hotel lifecycle by Green Engage. Green Engage tracks 
the use of energy, carbon and water and the management of waste in 
our properties along with the associated costs. An important feature 
in Green Engage is Green Solutions – over 200 actions a property can 
implement to reduce its environmental impact. The programme 
provides owners with advice on everything from picking a suitable 
site and selecting the correct lighting for the hotel through to 
choosing responsible cleaning materials and providing staff training 
on environmental sustainability. Green Engage also provides the 
ability for our properties to answer our corporate client sustainability 
questions through its robust reporting feature.

Green Engage helps us fulfil our important commitment to doing 
business responsibly and, in turn, this stops hotels losing money on 
energy costs. Energy is the second biggest cost to our business – the 
average IHG hotel spends over $500,000 on energy usage each year. 
Green Engage can help hotels become up to 25 per cent more energy 
efficient, so it makes both environmental and financial sense.

  34	

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

In 2012 we continued to invest in Green Engage, adding new features, 
such as the carbon calculator, energy and water benchmarks and 
multi-unit reporting. As at 31 December 2012, 2,219 of our hotels 
were enrolled in Green Engage. Our user base has since grown to 
over 2,260 hotels. Our aim is to have our entire estate tracking, 
managing and reporting its environmental impact over time.

Green Engage is driving revenue for IHG as well. Our research  
shows that many frequent travellers prefer hotels which are 
meaningfully engaged in managing their environmental impact.  
We have made it easier for this growing band of customers to book  
a Green Engage hotel by introducing an online booking capability  
for guests who want to stay at Green Engage hotels.

We think it is important for us to lead by example so we extended  
our environmental sustainability principles to our corporate office  
in Denham, UK, which incorporates a range of sustainable design 
features and uses Green Engage on an ongoing basis.

In addition to internal programme improvements, we have 
demonstrated leadership through our role in the International 
Tourism Partnership (ITP)/World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) 
Working Group seeking to agree a common carbon metric for the 
industry. The common methodology was agreed in 2012, a big  
step forward for our industry. We were able to quickly build it into 
Green Engage with our hotels able to start applying it immediately. 

Sustainable communities
Our scale gives us a real opportunity to improve and transform  
the lives of local people in the communities where we operate.  
Our community strategy, which sets out how we seek to create  
local economic opportunity, is critical to achieving economic success 
and delivering Great Hotels Guests Love. In 2012 we continued to 
increase our focus on the community, successfully expanding  
both the IHG Academy programme and the IHG Shelter in a Storm 
Programme. To support the expansion of these programmes we 
work in collaboration with expert partners.

IHG Academy 
The IHG Academy is a collaboration between individual IHG hotels  
or corporate offices and local education providers and/or community 
organisations providing local people with the opportunity to develop 
skills and improve their employment prospects in one of the world’s 
largest hotel companies. 

Within a consistent framework, each IHG Academy is tailored to meet 
the needs of local communities as well as hotels around the world. 
All IHG Academy programmes have three things in common:

• they operate together with local community organisations and/or 

education providers;

• they include a work experience placement, giving participants 

skills and real experience of working in a hotel; and

• they include performance feedback and a recruitment discussion, 
giving participants an opportunity to gain real experience of the 
job interview process, thereby improving their chances of finding 
a job in the hotel sector and in many cases, secure a job in one of  
IHG’s hotels.

Participants of an IHG Academy come from all walks of life and  
range from university graduates through to disadvantaged young 
people, reflecting the range of careers, as well as opportunity for 
progression, available at IHG. In February 2012, we launched an  
IHG Academy in Newham East London, UK. This award-winning 

collaboration provides a hospitality certification and work experience 
in IHG hotels and, as part of our contribution to the London 2012 
Olympics and Paralympics Games legacy, it supports the 
regeneration of East London. 

We currently have over 150 IHG Academy programmes in 37 
countries around the world and our vision is to have as many IHG 
hotels as possible participating in an IHG Academy. Our ability to 
build skills and raise aspirations across hundreds of communities 
continues to drive our commitment to this programme.

For more information on the IHG Academy visit 
www.ihgacademy.com

Celebrating the 150th IHG Academy opening, Beijing, China

IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme
Through the IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme, our hotels receive 
guidance on when and how best to respond when natural or man-made 
disasters occur. Our global partnership with CARE allows us to draw 
on expertise in humanitarian assistance and helps us find appropriate 
partners in the area when disaster strikes, directing help to where it is 
needed. When a disaster occurs, funds from the IHG Shelter Fund can 
be allocated to enable our hotels to respond quickly and effectively to 
support our guests, employees and the local community with financial 
support, vital supplies and accommodation.

The IHG Shelter Fund, a pool of funds from the fundraising efforts of 
IHG hotels and corporate offices, is a key element of the IHG Shelter 
in a Storm Programme, enabling us to respond quickly when disaster 
strikes, instead of waiting to raise funds after the event.

In 2012, $545,000 was raised for the IHG Shelter in a Storm 
Programme and the fund was put into action to support 10 disasters 
across six countries, including responding to severe flooding and a 
cyclone in Fiji, Superstorm Sandy on the US East Coast, flooding in 
Manila and the UK, wildfires in Colorado and Hurricane Isaac on the 
US Gulf Coast. On each occasion we assessed the damage to IHG 
hotels and the impact on their employees and communities, and 
allocated funds from the IHG Shelter Fund to help with essential 
supplies and accommodation. 

For more information on the IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme  
or to donate visit www.ihgshelterinastorm.com

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Business Review: Corporate Responsibility continued

data privacy and intellectual property. We work in a coordinated 
fashion with industry and business advocacy organisations in all 
regions where we have hotels. 

Our systems and CR programmes help us keep ahead of legislative 
and regulatory requirements. For example, Green Engage is core  
to helping hotel owners manage current regulatory performance  
and prepare for anticipated regulations. In 2012 we used the 
programme to comply with the requirements of the UK’s Carbon 
Reduction Commitment, a mandatory carbon emissions reporting 
and pricing scheme.

These and other complex regulatory matters are overseen by our 
Global Sustainability Council. Our carbon strategy for managing our 
footprint is through Green Engage and we discuss our approach and 
actions with the IHG Owners Association to ensure our franchisees 
understand and support our initiatives.

To further drive engagement of our owners, General Managers and 
their teams, we introduced a suite of web-based tools to help them 
engage with their elected officials on policy issues of critical 
importance to the business. 

Policies and Code of Ethics
Responsible Business is at the heart of everything we do. We 
encourage all our employees to ‘do the right thing’ and ‘show we 
care’ through living our Winning Ways as shown in the diagram on 
page 30. The Group’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 
consolidates and clarifies expected standards of behaviour and 
communicates the ethical values of the Group globally. It states 
clearly that IHG’s reputation is built upon the trust and confidence of 
our stakeholders and is fundamental to our operations worldwide.  
A confidential disclosure channel also provides employees with a 
means to report any ethical concerns they may have. The Code of 
Ethics and Business Conduct is applicable to all employees and is 
available on the Company’s website at www.ihgplc.com/investors 
under corporate governance. We also have detailed policies on the 
environment, supporting our community, competition, anti-bribery 
and data privacy, which are regularly communicated via eLearning 
and face-to-face training modules promoting accountability and 
transparency.

We participate in the ITP working group on human trafficking. We 
also have our own human rights policy and in 2010, we signed up to 
the UN Global Compact aligning our operations and strategies with 
the 10 universal principles that include commitments to human 
rights and labour standards.

External recognition
In 2012, we were: 

• awarded the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)  

Gold Medal Award for Sustainability;

• awarded the Hotel Owners’ and Franchisees’ Transatlantic  
and European League (HOFTEL) Owner Friendly Innovation 
Award for Green Engage, an important recognition that  
Green Engage is of value to our hotel owners; and

• shortlisted for the World Environment Centre Award  
for Sustainability, making it to the final round with  
Green Engage commended.

IHG employees take part in the Shelter Sprint to raise funds for the IHG 
Shelter in a Storm Programme

Stakeholder engagement 
Our stakeholders play a key role in helping us identify and tackle  
our priorities. They include guests, corporate clients, our hotel 
owners, local communities, employees, shareholders, suppliers, 
academic institutions, non-government organisations, governments 
and industry-specific institutions. 

As a member of the International Tourism Partnership (ITP) and  
the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), we work with our 
industry peers to share knowledge and resources, and together  
we address issues that affect the industry as a whole. 

We engage with our stakeholders through a number of channels, 
including forums, meetings, individual interviews, surveys and 
through our websites:

•  our award-winning online Corporate Responsibility Report, 

updated regularly, is available at www.ihgplc.com/responsibility;

•  our ‘IHG Planet CR’ Facebook page is available at  

www.facebook.com/IHGCorporateResponsibility and at the end  
of 2012 had been liked by over 20,000 fans; and

•  our internal intranet site is a one-stop-shop resource centre, which 

keeps all of our colleagues up-to-date on our key programmes.

We also continue to build on our series of animated videos to help 
raise awareness and understanding of our key programmes in a  
fun and engaging way. Recently we created a new video about our 
economic impacts – this reached almost one million people through 
Facebook. The videos are also available on YouTube and through our 
online Corporate Responsibility Report.

To make sure our hotel General Managers and their teams have the 
latest information on our programmes, we launched standalone 
websites for the IHG Academy and the IHG Shelter in a Storm 
Programme. These provide ‘how to’ guides and other materials  
for hotels to download and share with their teams. 

Our engagement with shareholders is set out on page 55.

Public policy, regulation and legislation
The travel sector is one of the largest employers in the world and 
being a Responsible Business means engaging with decision-makers 
on policies that affect our guests, hotel owners and our other 
stakeholders. 

We constantly engage with policymakers in executive and legislative 
branches around the world in order to advocate issues important to 
IHG, our owners and our guests. We particularly concentrate on 
issues relating to the operating environment for small businesses, 

  36	

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

CR priorities, performance and targets
The following table outlines IHG’s overall CR developments and achievements during 2012 and priorities for 2013.

CR priorities

2012 developments and achievements

2013 priorities

Environmental  
sustainability

• In our managed and owned estate our three-year target 
(2010-2012) was to reduce energy per available room by 
between 6 and 10 per cent, we exceeded our target with  
a reduction of 11.7 per cent;

• reduced our carbon footprint in our owned and managed 

• Work to ensure all our hotels that are enrolled in Green 
Engage use the tool for greatest impact to help them 
reduce their environmental impacts and operating costs;

• continue to work with the IHG Owners Association to further 
expand the Green Engage programme across our hotels; 

hotels by 19 per cent per occupied room in a year;

• continue our active engagement with the Hotel Carbon 

Sustainable  
communities

• achieved an absolute reduction in our global carbon 

footprint in our hotels and corporate offices of  
76,000 metric tonnes in a year; 

• reached our target to have 50 per cent of our hotels 
(based on January 2012 hotel figures) using Green  
Engage on 14 January 2013, we now have over  
2,260 hotels enrolled; and

• launched a global carbon standard for hotels and added 
a new carbon calculator in Green Engage with our hotels 
able to start applying it immediately.

Measurement Initiative (HCMI) to further drive the carbon 
methodology in the industry; and

• expand the ability for our guests to locate and book 

Green Engage hotels.

• Expanded our IHG Academy to 157 programmes – an 

• Continue to expand the IHG Academy throughout our 

estate making sure these programmes deliver positive 
and transformational results for their participants  
and IHG; 

• continue to drive awareness and engagement around the 
IHG Shelter in Storm Programme ensuring our hotels 
are prepared for disaster and able to respond quickly and 
effectively to help the local community and employees 
when needed; and

• continue to provide ways for our employees in all IHG 
hotels and corporate offices to engage with the IHG 
Shelter in a Storm Programme by raising awareness  
and funds for the IHG Shelter Fund.

increase of over 100 during the 2012 year; 

• created an IHG Academy online toolkit to help hotels  
and corporate offices on their journey to become an  
IHG Academy;

• offered a life skills workshop in conjunction with  

our IHG Academy with Newham College as part of our 
London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy 
commitment; 

• held 198 fundraising events including a global ‘Race 

Around the World’ event for the IHG Shelter in a Storm 
Programme; 

• raised $545,000 compared to our target of $150,000 for 
our IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme enabling us to 
respond quickly to disasters;

• the IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme supported 10 

disasters across six countries;

• created an IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme online 

toolkit to share guidance on when and how to respond  
to a disaster and facilitate fundraising events; and

• participated in the International Tourism Partnership 
working group on human trafficking and continued to 
raise awareness of our human rights policy internally.

Stakeholder 
engagement and 
public affairs 

• Continued to engage with our stakeholders through our 
refined stakeholder engagement process and channels;

• exceeded our ‘IHG Planet CR’ Facebook page fans target 
of 6,000-10,000, with over 20,000 fans by the end of 2012;

• launched a video to communicate the results of IHG’s 

economic impact study;

• launched a new ePlatform for government relations  
for US-based owners and General Managers; and

• successfully joined with industry partners to lobby the 
US Government to reconsider a change to the per diem 
calculation methodology.

• Launch a set of externally facing targets across our three 
core programmes: IHG Academy, Green Engage and the 
IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme;

• focus on driving awareness of IHG’s approach to CR 

across internal and external stakeholder groups, and 
continue to share updates of each of our programmes; 

• drive higher engagement in our ‘IHG Planet CR’ Facebook 
page particularly around our three core programmes;

• review our Corporate Responsibility Report in light of the 

new Global Reporting Initiative G4 guidelines;

• roll out new CR eLearning training and integrate with the 

new General Managers training module; and

• engage with a broader cross-section of our owners in 

public policy.

For more information please visit our Corporate Responsibility Report at www.ihgplc.com/responsibility or join us on our ‘IHG Planet CR’ 
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IHGCorporateResponsibility

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Business Review

Risk management
IHG recognises the importance of having in place an effective system of internal controls  
and risk management to achieve our Vision of becoming one of the great companies in the  
world. Our Board and Committees work together with senior management to identify, assess,  
prioritise and mitigate risks. This is an essential part of being a Responsible Business. 

Risk	management	system
Our internal controls and risk management system aims to support 
the delivery of our strategy by managing the risk of failing to achieve 
business objectives and protecting our business, in particular: 
• our brands and market position; 
• our financial strength and performance;
• our business capability and systems including our People,  

IT systems and ways of working; and 

• our business reputation and relationships with stakeholders. 

We are continually evolving our risk management system to  
respond to our ever-changing competitive environment, business 
relationships and guest preferences and believe that for this to be 
effective, we must: 
• have a proactive risk management culture;
• embed risk management activity across our business; 
• have comprehensive and accurate risk content; and
• have a robust risk management process and framework.

Proactive	risk	management	culture
Having in place an effective system of internal controls and risk 
management is essential to being a Responsible Business. 
Therefore, the Board aims to embed proactive risk management 
capability and culture throughout the business. In achieving this, the 
Board is supported by the General Counsel and Company Secretary 
and the Heads of Global Risk Management and Global Internal Audit. 

IHG’s ambition for risk management is to foster a culture that  
is well-informed, curious, alert, responsive, consistent and 
accountable so that risk management becomes instinctive.  
We consider risks in a wide number of business activities, these 
include, but are not limited to,:
• key strategic planning and budget allocation processes;
• the Programme Office’s processes on project planning, 

management and delivery (see page 31); and 

• the design of policies, procedures, internal controls, and  

our approach to corporate governance (see pages 46 to 58).

Our risk management capability is continually developing and 
growing through ongoing risk assessment, post-project reviews  
and post-incident and crisis reviews.

Embedded	Risk	Management	Activity
We seek to integrate risk-based solutions, programmes and 
activities into our day-to-day business processes. The Group 
continues to invest in risk management systems, training and 
controls to improve the performance and resilience of the  
business to protect IHG, our business, our brands, our guests  
and our other stakeholders.

By way of example, we have shown the application of the Risk 
Management Framework with respect to how we manage safety  
and security risk in our hotels in the Hotel Safety Framework on  
page 41. Additional risk activity applied to some of the dynamic risks 
the Group faces are described in the control and mitigation activities 
described on pages 40 and 41.

Comprehensive	and	accurate	risk	content
Risk management is about managing uncertainty and IHG seeks  
to develop comprehensive and accurate risk content through  
risk assessments. This enables us to have better informed  
decision-making, which when implemented in the right cultural 
context, greatly improve performance at the strategic, tactical and 
operational levels of the business. We therefore categorise our risks 
in this way to ensure that we consider the relevant risks and have  
in place appropriate oversight roles: 

• Strategic	and	market	risks: these typically arise from changes  

in the external environment and can impact on our Vision, 
ambitions and strategy over the long-term (often five to ten years 
or more). Risk assessments are integrated into Board level 
strategy setting and in the strategic planning process, which 
includes reporting to the Chief Executive during strategic reviews. 
Strategic risks are managed by senior leadership teams across 
the regions and corporate functions, with oversight by the 
Executive Committee.

• Tactical	and	project	risks: these are risks that impact the 

delivery of IHG’s key initiatives and projects. They often arise  
from project delivery challenges such as complexity, inaccurate 
assumptions or interdependencies. Project risks are managed  
as part of the management and delivery of projects, with central 
oversight on all priority projects provided by the Programme 
Office and the Executive Committee. As explained on page 31,  
the Programme Office has been integral in driving a consistent 
approach to our internal projects. Project risk management 
awareness, identification and mitigation is included as part  
of our project planning, management and delivery processes  
and training tools.

• Operational	risks: these include a wide spectrum of risks that 
can affect the resilience, continuity or performance of IHG’s 
internal operating systems or hotels. They are managed by 
corporate functions and regional teams working collaboratively 
with General Managers and hotel management teams to set 
policies and standards, and provide systems and tools,  
suitable for hotels to implement. Our senior leadership teams, 
regional operating committees, Global Operations Council  
and the Executive Committee work together to provide  
appropriate oversight.

IHG

Regions
and functions

Strategic

Projects

Tactical

IHG operating system

Hotels

Owned
Managed
Franchised

Operational

	 38	

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Robust	risk	management	process	and	framework

The Major Risk Review process enables the business to identify, monitor and manage the most significant risks to the Group (the Major Risks) 
and report these to the senior leadership teams across the regions and corporate functions. The Risk Management Framework provides a 
systematic consistent approach to managing identified risks. 

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Major	Risk	Review	process
Having in place a robust major risk review process is essential to 
maintaining an effective risk management system. IHG’s Major Risk 
Review process continuously identifies, monitors and manages risks 
owned by a wide range of stakeholders across each region, major 
projects and the corporate functions.

The Board is ultimately responsible for the Group’s strategy and 
system of internal controls and risk management, as explained  
on pages 54 and 55. In addition, the Audit Committee annually 
reviews the effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls and risk 
management system. 

Risks identified in the regions, functions and projects are consolidated, 
refined and calibrated against a strategic view of risks by the  
Risk Working Group (RWG). The RWG is chaired by the General 
Counsel and Company Secretary and comprises the Heads of Global 
Strategy, Programme Office, Global Risk Management and Global 
Internal Audit and takes an active role in overseeing the Major Risks. 
The RWG meets on a quarterly basis, to ensure the Major Risks are 
appropriately managed and emerging risks are identified. The Major 
Risks are then discussed with the Executive Committee to gain 
agreement on the risk descriptions and ownership of actions, before 
final presentation to the Audit Committee and the Board. 

Audit Committee

Board

Executive Committee

IHG Risk Profile

Risk Working Group (RWG)

Risk Profiles in Regions, Functions and Projects

Risk	Management	Framework
The Risk Management Framework is depicted in the ‘Manage Risk’ cog of the Hotel Safety Framework shown on page 41. This is a pragmatic 
risk framework which starts with a risk profile and moves through the necessary considerations for effective management or mitigation of 
risks. The framework reflects the cyclical nature of risks and allows for continuous assessment, particularly as the operating environment 
and competitive landscape is in a constant state of change. The segments of the ‘Manage Risk’ cog are as follows:

Risk	profile: the identification and prioritisation of risks against 
consistently applied assessment definitions. This includes an 
assessment of gross risk (the level of risk before controls or actions 
are taken) and net risk (the level of risk after existing management 
actions are applied). Where these management actions are not 
sufficient, a further target risk level is set. The risk profile is captured 
in ‘heatmaps’ as shown in the diagram below:

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G

G

Gross Risk 
(Risk level with ineffective 
or no controls in place)

N

Net Risk 
(Current risk level with 
existing controls in place)

N

T

T

Target Risk 
(Desired risk level to optimise 
investment, as required)

Impact

Policy	and	standards: the formal articulation of the approach, 
controls and actions for IHG employees when dealing with specific 
risks. These set out accountability for risks, relevant roles and 
responsibilities and actions that are measurable or auditable;

Ways	of	working: the practical aspects of risk management, such  
as roles, tools, templates, systems, forums and behaviours, which 
help management bring the policies and standards to life;

Training	and	communication: the face-to-face and online learning 
programmes to provide appropriate skills and knowledge and 
regular communication to raise awareness;

Operate	and	control: the ongoing operational activities and the  
use of tools, systems, checks and control measures to support 
compliance with policies and standards and to manage risk;

Risk	financing:	the consideration of the financial impact of risks if 
they were to happen and ensuring, where possible, that appropriate 
coverage is in place, which is usually through insurance; and

Review	and	report:	the collection and analysis of management 
information to evaluate the effectiveness of controls and risk 
management, changes in the risk environment and delivery  
of action plans.

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Risk management	

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Business Review: Risk management continued

Managing	risks	in	a	changing	environment
We continue to experience a dynamic external risk environment seeing changes or disruptions in political, economic, social, technological, 
legal and environmental risks. These external factors are expected to remain unsettled for 2013 and the foreseeable future. The Group’s wide 
geographic spread and fee based model means that in general, events affecting specific hotels or in all but the most significant countries are 
not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s results. 

The following sets out our control and risk mitigation activities for those risks which are perceived as most dynamic and thus continuously 
monitored by senior management. These complement the wider comprehensive risk factors listed on pages 42 to 44.

Risk	description

Macroeconomic	outlook

The current outlook for 2013 may worsen due to 
escalating impacts of the US ‘fiscal cliff’, change  
in leadership in China, uncertainty in the Eurozone 
and ongoing unrest in the Middle East. In addition 
to trading conditions, the economic outlook also 
affects the availability of capital to current and 
potential owners which may have an impact on 
existing operations and the health of the pipeline. 

Control	and	mitigation	activities

•  IHG’s scale, diverse portfolio of brands, segments, countries of operation and mix 
in business model, positions it well against short-term macroeconomic impacts;

•  IHG continues to monitor macroeconomic conditions and make necessary 

adjustments, including cost optimisation programmes where appropriate; and

•  IHG has developed revenue management tools and guidelines to assist hotels to 
monitor local developments in supply and demand and to inform decisions on 
pricing, promotions, channels and room inventory.

Increasing	dependence	on	online	travel		
agents	(OTAs)

Travellers now have access to far more information 
through comparison websites, search engines and 
online travel agents. Sales through these channels 
typically have high commission rates and are taking 
an increasing share of bookings across the travel 
and hospitality sector, which may have an impact 
upon our brands and profitability.

•  IHG devotes a significant proportion of its marketing budget to non-traditional 

tools such as online search engines, its loyalty programmes and web and mobile 
applications, to encourage guests to book through its direct channels;

•  the Group continues to invest in developing its own internet presence and aims to 

make scale benefits when working with online business partners; and

• IHG has implemented a book direct strategy, which has several initiatives including 
IHG’s Best Price Guarantee for bookings made through IHG branded websites and 
roomkey.com, a hotel metasearch engine founded by IHG in partnership with 
several other hotel companies.

IT	performance,	resilience	and	technology	
change

IHG is dependent on the stability of its IT 
infrastructure and must stay abreast of industry 
shifts towards mobile applications and cloud 
computing. Failure to maintain IT performance, 
resilience and technology change could impact 
guest experience and revenue channels.

•  Network stability is a priority for IHG’s Global Technology team, which includes 

deploying back-up systems, developing robust business continuity practices and 
working collaboratively with external service providers;

•  IHG’s strategic partnerships with leading technology companies enables us to 

innovate, develop and deliver cost-effective solutions that differentiate its brands 
and enhance the guest experience; and

•  our Programme Office has developed a consistent approach to project management 

to ensure successful delivery of projects, including major technology ones.

Information	security	and	payment	card	
protection

The threats against information remain an 
increasing concern with high-profile losses in many 
big businesses. The risk ranges from payment card 
information to other personal or sensitive 
information which can be held in IT systems, in 
paper format on desks and filing cabinets, in voice 
and video recordings and in other media.

•  IHG takes information security very seriously and has applied risk-based methods 
to build capability and resilience into our systems and processes for a number  
of years;

•  IHG continues to aim to be fully compliant with Payment Card Industry – Data 

Security Standards (PCI-DSS) using tools and services from a leading specialist 
third party provider with respect to payment card processing; and

•  the Group manages data security incidents through internal committees and 

councils, which work together to contain this risk and reduce the Group’s exposure. 
Sensitive data is tightly controlled through limited and monitored access.

Reputation	and	brand	protection

•  Responsible Business underpins each of our corporate priorities and we 

IHG’s reputation and brands are important assets 
for the business. Protecting them is reliant upon 
the performance, behaviours and reputation of 
those working in all hotels and corporate offices 
and our owners. Failure to safeguard the reputation 
of IHG and its brands could have severe impacts on 
the Group’s future performance.

continually keep under review our internal policies and communicate these to 
employees throughout our business, thereby working to ensure our employees 
work ethically to maintain our trusted reputation; 

•  led by the General Counsel and Company Secretary, a team of lawyers, compliance 

specialists, chartered secretaries, internal auditors and risk managers work 
together to champion and protect the trusted reputation of IHG and its brands; 

•  we continue to ensure that global registered trademark protections for all of our 
new and existing brands, loyalty programmes and other relevant intellectual 
property are in place; and

•  we have established an effective internal controls and risk management system.

	 40	

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Risk	description

Control	and	mitigation	activities

Safety,	security	and	crisis	management

•  IHG’s proactive, risk-based approach to hotel safety and security is summarised  

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below in the ‘Managing risks in hotels’ section;

•  IHG’s hotel-level safety solutions combine measures to protect the physical 

building and processes and procedures to ensure guest and employee safety; and

•  IHG has strengthened the Group’s crisis management capability in 2012, including 

the upgrading of the crisis call centre, refreshing our internal toolkit and eLearning 
course and strengthening the network of crisis coordinators.

There is a constant need to protect the safety  
and security of our guests, employees and assets 
against natural disasters and man-made threats. 
These include, but are not limited to, exceptional 
events such as natural catastrophes, civil or 
political unrest, violence and terrorism, fire and 
day-to-day accidents and incidents which impact 
the guest experience. The external risk 
environment over the last few years appears  
to be increasing – we have seen an increase in 
extreme weather and civil and political unrest. 
Furthermore, IHG’s growth in emerging markets 
may increase the Group’s exposure to the risk of 
civil and political unrest. 

Managing	risks	in	hotels
IHG’s commitment to risk management safety, security and crisis management in hotels remains fundamental to it being a Responsible 
Business. We recognise the difference between a safe hotel and one which is poorly designed or operated. Therefore we require all hotels  
to become compliant with a set of global Brand Safety Standards. 

IHG’s approach has been to enable and support our hotel owners, General Managers and hotel employees to manage risk effectively. This is 
accomplished by giving them a systematic approach and framework to follow and by providing them with user-friendly tools to do this. In 2012, 
over 50,000 employees used our web-based risk management tools, which include a comprehensive suite of risk management, safety and 
security training aligned to different roles and competency levels and have reached over 17,000 enrolments. 

Hotel	Safety	Framework

The Hotel Safety Framework enables a consistent approach to 
managing safety and security risk in IHG hotels. The framework  
is illustrated by showing two mechanical cogs meshed together 
showing different types of safety and security risks in the ‘Safe  
Hotel’ cog, against the actions described in the ‘Manage Risk’  
cog. This framework is actively managed by IHG’s risk managers 
around the world, working with hotels and their management  
teams in order to keep IHG hotels safe and secure. Safety and 
security is an essential element of being a Responsible Business 
and our Hotel Safety Framework underpins our hotel operations.

A hotel risk profile is also developed through various methods, 
including self-assessment, guest satisfaction surveys, design and 
engineering plans, incidents, intelligence gathering, quality audits 
and risk management reviews. Hotel management teams discuss 
issues at monthly safety meetings and action plans are developed.  
Risks are prioritised, responsibility is assigned and improvement 
actions are identified, progressed and monitored. Action plans are 
reviewed at appropriate levels throughout the organisation for 
issues that need to be escalated, either to drive action or to  
develop common solutions.

Security

Crisis &
Incident

Fire 
Safety

  Hote

l

Saf e

Leisure
Safety

Guest 
Safety

Food 
Safety

Staff 
Safety

Risk
Profile

Policy &
Standards

Review 
& Report

a ge Ris

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a n
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Ways of
Working

Risk
Financing

Training & 
Comms

Operate 
& Control

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External	recognition
•  IHG’s risk management training programme was awarded the 
Best Risk Training Programme in 2012 by the StrategicRISK 
European Risk Management Awards; 

•  we were awarded the Bronze award for the Best Use of 

Technology in Learning in the 2012 Training Journal Awards; and

•  IHG remains a corporate member of the Chartered Institute of 

Environmental Health (CIEH), reflecting the Group’s commitment 
to high standards of environmental health and it offers some 
safety training programmes which are accredited by the CIEH.

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Business Review: Risk management continued

2013	risk	factors
Whilst the Major Risk Review focussed on a number of changing or emerging risks which represent the priorities for today, the Group is subject 
to a variety of inherent risks which may have an adverse impact on the business operations, financial condition, turnover, profits, brands and 
reputation. The following section describes the main risks that could materially affect the Group’s business. The risks below are not the only 
ones that the Group faces. Some risks are not yet known to IHG and some that IHG does not currently believe to be material could later turn  
out to be material. 

The risk factors below should be considered in connection with any financial and forward-looking information in this Annual Report and the 
cautionary statements regarding forward-looking statements contained on page 141.

Strategic	risks	

The	Group	is	exposed	
to	the	risks	of	political	
and	economic	
developments

The Group is exposed to political, economic and financial market developments such as recession, inflation, 
availability of credit and currency fluctuations that could lower revenues and reduce income. The current 
outlook for 2013 may worsen due to escalating impacts of the US ‘fiscal cliff’, change in leadership in China, 
uncertainty in Eurozone and ongoing unrest in the Middle East. In addition to trading conditions, the economic 
outlook also affects the availability of capital to current and potential owners, which could impact existing 
operations and health of the pipeline. A recession reduces leisure and business travel to and from affected 
countries and adversely affects room rates and/or occupancy levels and other income-generating activities. 
This may result in deterioration of results of operations and potentially reduce the value of properties in affected 
economies. The owners or potential owners of hotels franchised or managed by the Group face similar risks 
which could adversely impact the Group’s ability to retain and secure franchise or management agreements. 
More specifically, the Group is highly exposed to the US market and, accordingly, is particularly susceptible to 
adverse changes in the US economy as well as the US dollar.

The	Group	is	exposed	
to	the	risk	of	events	
that	adversely	impact	
domestic	or	
international	travel

The room rates and occupancy levels of the Group could be adversely impacted by events that reduce domestic 
or international travel, such as actual or threatened acts of terrorism or war, political or civil unrest, epidemics, 
travel-related accidents, travel-related industrial action, increased transportation and fuel costs and natural 
disasters, resulting in reduced worldwide travel or other local factors impacting individual hotels. A decrease  
in the demand for hotel rooms as a result of such events may have an adverse impact on the Group’s operations 
and financial results. In addition, inadequate preparation, contingency planning or recovery capability in relation 
to a major incident or crisis may prevent operational continuity and consequently impact the value of our brands 
and/or the reputation of the Group.

The	Group	is	exposed	
to	the	risks	of	the	hotel	
industry	supply	and	
demand	cycle

The future operating results of the Group could be adversely affected by industry overcapacity (by number of 
rooms) and weak demand due, in part, to the cyclical nature of the hotel industry, or other differences between 
planning assumptions and actual operating conditions. Reductions in room rates and occupancy levels would 
adversely impact the results of Group operations.

The	Group	is	
dependent	upon	a		
wide	range	of	external	
stakeholders	and	
business	partners

The Group is dependent upon the performance, behaviours and reputation of a wide range of business partners 
and external stakeholders including, but not limited to, owners, contractors, lenders, suppliers, vendors, joint 
venture partners, agents, third party intermediaries and other business partners. Further, the number and 
complexity of interdependencies with stakeholders is evolving. Breakdown in relationships, poor vendor 
performance, stakeholder behaviours or adverse reputations could impact on the Group’s performance  
and competitiveness, guest experiences or the reputation of the Group or its brands.

Tactical	risks	

The	Group	is	exposed	
to	a	variety	of	risks	
related	to	identifying,	
securing	and	retaining	
franchise	and	
management	
agreements

The Group’s growth strategy depends on its success in identifying, securing and retaining franchise and 
management agreements. This is an inherent risk for the hotel industry and franchise business model. 
Competition with other hotel companies may generally reduce the number of suitable franchise, 
management and investment opportunities offered to the Group and increase the bargaining position of 
property owners seeking to become a franchisee or engage a manager. The terms of new franchise or 
management agreements may not be as favourable as current arrangements; the Group may not be able  
to renew existing arrangements on similarly favourable terms or at all.

There can also be no assurance that the Group will be able to identify, retain or add franchisees to the IHG 
System or to secure management contracts. For example, the availability of suitable sites, market saturation, 
planning and other local regulations or the availability and affordability of finance may all restrict the supply 
of suitable hotel development opportunities under franchise or management agreements. In connection with 
entering into franchise or management agreements, the Group may be required to make investments in, or 
guarantee the obligations of, third parties or guarantee minimum income to third parties. There are also 
risks that significant franchisees or groups of franchisees may have interests that conflict, or are not  
aligned, with those of the Group including, for example, the unwillingness of franchisees to support brand 
improvement initiatives. This could result in franchisees prematurely terminating contracts which would 
adversely impact overall System size and the Group’s financial performance.

	 42	

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

The	Group	is	exposed	
to	inherent	risks	in	
relation	to	changing	
technology	and	
systems

The Group is reliant upon certain technologies, systems and platforms for the running of its business, 
particularly those which are highly integrated with business operational processes. Some of these are 
dependent upon the products and services of third party technology providers. The failure of any such third party 
provider to provide products and/or perform services could materially adversely impact the Group’s business. 
The Group may also have to make substantial additional investments in new technologies or systems to remain 
competitive. Failing to keep pace with developments in technologies or systems may put the Group at a 
competitive disadvantage. The technologies or systems that the Group chooses may not be commercially 
successful or the technology or system strategy employed may not be sufficiently aligned with the needs of the 
business or responsive to changes in business strategy. As a result, the Group could adversely affect guest 
experiences, lose customers, fail to attract new customers, incur substantial costs or face other losses.

Operational	risks	

The	Group	is	reliant		
on	the	reputation		
of	its	brands	and		
the	protection	of		
its	intellectual	
property	rights

The	Group	is	reliant	
upon	its	proprietary	
reservations	system	
and	is	exposed	to		
the	risk	of	failures		
in	the	system	and	
increased	competition	
in	reservations	
infrastructure

The	Group	is	exposed	
to	the	risks	related		
to	information	security	
and	data	privacy

Any event that materially damages the reputation of one or more of the Group’s existing or new brands and/or 
fails to sustain the appeal of the Group’s existing or new brands to its customers may have an adverse impact 
on the value of that brand and subsequent revenues from that brand or business. 

In particular, where the Group is unable to enforce adherence to its safety or operating and quality standards,  
or the significant regulations applicable to hotel operations, pursuant to its franchise and management 
contracts, there may be further adverse impact upon brand reputation or customer perception and therefore 
the value of the Group’s brands.

In addition, the value of the Group’s brands is influenced by a number of other factors, some of which may be 
outside the Group’s control, including commoditisation (whereby price and/or quality becomes relatively more 
important than brand identifications due, in part, to the increased prevalence of travel comparison websites  
and online travel agents), consumer preference and perception, or other factors affecting consumers’ 
willingness to purchase goods and services provided by the Group.

Given the importance of brand recognition to the Group’s business, the protection of its intellectual property poses 
a risk due to the variability and change of controls, laws and effectiveness of enforcement globally. Any widespread 
infringement, misappropriation or weakening of the control environment could materially harm the value of the 
Group’s brands and its ability to develop the business.

The value of the Group’s brands is partly derived from the ability to drive reservations through its proprietary 
HolidexPlus reservations system, a central repository of the Group’s hotel room inventories linked 
electronically to multiple sales channels including IHG’s own websites, call centres and hotels, third party 
intermediaries and travel agents.

Lack of resilience and operational availability and/or the failure of a third party technology provider could lead  
to prolonged service disruption and may result in significant business interruption, impact the guest booking 
experience and subsequently impact on revenues. Lack of investment in these systems may also result in 
reduced capability, stability and ability to compete. Additionally, failure to maintain an appropriate technology 
strategy and select the right technology partners could erode the Group’s long-term competitiveness.

The Group is increasingly dependent upon the availability, integrity and confidentiality of information including 
but not limited to, guest and employee credit card, financial and personal data, business performance, financial 
reporting and commercial development. The information is sometimes held in different formats such as digital, 
paper, voice and video and could be stored in many places including facilities managed by third party service 
providers.

The threats towards the Group’s information are dynamic including cyber attacks, fraudulent use, loss or 
misuse by employees and breaches of our vendors’ security arrangements amongst others. The legal and 
regulatory environment and requirements set out by the payment card industry surrounding information 
security and data privacy across the many jurisdictions in which the Group operates are constantly evolving.  
If the Group fails to appropriately protect information and ensure relevant controls are in place to enable the 
release of information through the appropriate channels in a timely and accurate manner, System performance, 
guest experience and the reputation of the Group may be adversely affected. This can lead to revenue losses, 
fines, penalties and other additional costs, including legal fees.

The	Group	is	exposed	
to	a	variety	of	risks	
associated	with	safety,	
security	and	crisis	
management.

There is a constant need to protect the safety and security of our guests, employees and assets against natural 
and man-made threats. These include but are not limited to exceptional events such as extreme weather, civil 
or political unrest, violence and terrorism, serious and organised crime, fraud, employee dishonesty, cyber 
crime, fire and day-to-day accidents, incidents and petty crime which impact the guest or employee experience, 
could cause loss of life, sickness or injury and result in compensation claims, fines from regulatory bodies, 
litigation and impact reputation. Serious incidents or a combination of events could escalate into a crisis which  
if managed poorly could further expose the Group and its brands to significant adverse reputational damage.

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Risk management	

43

	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Business Review: Risk management continued

Operational	risks	continued

The	Group	requires	the	
right	people,	skills	and	
capability	to	manage	
growth	and	change

In order to remain competitive, the Group must employ the right people. This includes hiring and retaining 
highly skilled employees with particular expertise or leadership capability. The implementation of the Group’s 
strategic business plans could be undermined by failure to build resilient corporate culture, failure to recruit  
or retain key personnel, unexpected loss of key senior employees, failures in the Group’s succession planning 
and incentive plans, or a failure to invest in the development of key skills. 

Some of the markets in which the Group operates are experiencing economic growth and the Group must 
compete against other companies inside and outside the hospitality industry for suitably qualified or 
experienced employees. Some emerging markets may not have the required local expertise to operate a  
hotel and may not be able to attract the right talent. Failure to attract and retain employees may threaten the 
success of the Group’s operations in these markets. Additionally, unless skills are supported by a sufficient 
infrastructure to enable knowledge and skills to be passed on, the Group risks losing accumulated knowledge  
if key employees leave the Group.

The	Group	is	required	
to	comply	with		
existing	and	changing	
regulations	across	
numerous	countries,	
territories	and	
jurisdictions

Governmental regulations affect countless aspects of the Group’s business ranging from corporate 
governance, health and safety, environmental, bribery and corruption, employment law and diversity,  
disability access, relationships, data privacy and information protection, financial, accounting and tax. 
Regulatory changes may require significant changes in the way the business operates and may inhibit the 
strategy including the markets the Group operates in, brand protection, and use or transmittal of customer 
data. If the Group fails to comply with existing or changing regulations, the Group may be subject to fines, 
prosecution, loss of licence to operate or reputation damage.

The	Group	is	exposed	
to	the	risk	of	litigation

Certain companies in the Group are the subject of various claims and proceedings. The ultimate outcome of 
these matters is subject to many uncertainties, including future events and uncertainties inherent in litigation.  
In addition, the Group could be at risk of litigation from many parties, including but not limited to, guests, 
customers, joint venture partners, suppliers, employees, regulatory authorities, franchisees and/or the owners 
of hotels it manages. Claims filed in the US may include requests for punitive damages as well as compensatory 
damages. Unfavourable outcomes of claims or proceedings could have a material impact on the Group’s results 
of operations, cash flow and/or financial position. Exposure to significant litigation or fines may also affect the 
reputation of the Group and its brands.

The	Group	is	exposed	
to	risks	related	to	
corporate	
responsibility

The reputation of the Group and the value of its brands are influenced by a wide variety of factors, including  
the perception of stakeholder groups such as the communities in which the Group operates. The social and 
environmental impacts of business are under increasing scrutiny, and the Group is exposed to the risk of 
damage to its reputation if it fails to demonstrate sufficiently responsible practices, ethical behaviour, or fails  
to comply with relevant regulatory requirements.

The	Group	is	exposed	
to	a	variety	of	risks	
associated	with	its	
financial	stability	and	
ability	to	borrow	and	
satisfy	debt	covenants

While the strategy of the Group is to extend the hotel network through activities that do not involve significant 
amounts of its own capital, the Group does require capital to fund some development opportunities and to 
maintain and improve owned hotels. The Group is reliant upon having financial strength and access to 
borrowing facilities to meet these expected capital requirements. The majority of the Group’s borrowing 
facilities are only available if the financial covenants in the facilities are complied with. Non-compliance with 
covenants could result in the lenders demanding repayment of the funds advanced. If the Group’s financial 
performance does not meet market expectations, it may not be able to refinance existing facilities on terms 
considered favourable.

The	Group	is	exposed	
to	funding	risks	in	
relation	to	the	defined	
benefits	under	its	
pension	plans

The	Group	may	face	
difficulties	insuring		
its	business

The Group is required by law to maintain a minimum funding level in relation to its ongoing obligation to provide 
current and future pensions for members of its UK pension plans who are entitled to defined benefits. The 
contributions payable by the Group must be set with a view to making prudent provision for the benefits accruing 
under the plans of the Group.

In particular, the trustees of IHG’s UK defined benefit plan may demand increases to the contribution rates  
relating to the funding of this plan, which would oblige relevant employers of the Group to contribute extra 
amounts. The trustees must consult the plan’s actuary and principal employer before exercising this power.  
In practice, contribution rates are agreed between the Group and the trustees on actuarial advice, and are  
set for three-year terms. The funding implications of the last actuarial review are disclosed in the notes  
to the Group Financial Statements on pages 118 to 121.

Historically, the Group has maintained insurance at levels determined to be appropriate in light of the cost  
of cover and the risk profiles of the business in which it operates. However, forces beyond the Group’s control, 
including market forces, may limit the scope of coverage the Group can obtain and the Group’s ability to 
obtain coverage at reasonable rates. Other forces beyond the Group’s control, such as terrorist attacks or 
natural disasters may be uninsurable or simply too expensive to insure. Inadequate or insufficient insurance 
could expose the Group to large claims or could result in the loss of capital invested in properties, as well  
as the anticipated future revenue from properties, and could leave the Group responsible for guarantees, 
debt or other financial obligations related to such properties.

	 44	

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Governance

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In this section we present our Board and Executive Committee, our corporate 
governance processes and details of Directors’ remuneration and the structure 
of senior executives’ pay for 2012.

46  The Board of Directors
 Executive Committee
48 
Corporate governance
49 
56  Audit Committee Report
57 
58  Nomination Committee Report
59  Directors’ Remuneration Report
79  Other statutory information

Corporate Responsibility Committee Report

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interContinental Danang sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam

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Governance

The Board of Directors

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7 

10 

11

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1 Patrick Cescau, Non-Executive Chairman 

2 Richard Solomons, Chief Executive 

Appointed to the Board: 1 January 2013
Skills and Experience: From 2005 to 2008, Patrick was Group Chief 
Executive of Unilever Group, having previously been Chairman of 
Unilever PLC, Vice-Chairman of Unilever NV and Foods Director, following 
a progressive career with the Company, which began in France in 1973. 
Prior to being appointed to the Board of Unilever NV in 1999, as Finance 
Director, he was Chairman of a number of the Company’s major operating 
companies and divisions, including in the USA, Indonesia and Portugal.

Board Contribution: Patrick has held Board positions for more  
than 12 years in leading global businesses and brings extensive 
international experience in brands, consumer products, as well as 
finance. As Chairman, Patrick is responsible for leading the Board and 
ensuring it operates in an effective manner and promoting constructive 
relations with shareholders. 

Other Appointments: Currently a Non-Executive Director of International 
Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. and the Senior Independent Director 
and Non-Executive Director of Tesco PLC. Patrick is also a trustee of the 
Leverhulme Trust and Chairman of the St Jude India Children’s Charity. 
He was formerly a Senior Independent Director and Non-Executive 
Director of Pearson PLC and a Director at INSEAD.

Appointed to the Board: 10 February 2003 
Skills and Experience: A chartered accountant and a member of  
the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council. From 
2003 to 2011 Richard was Chief Financial Officer and Head of Commercial 
Development. Since joining the Group in 1992 he has held a variety of 
senior financial and operational roles, including Chief Operating Officer  
of The Americas Hotels division and Finance Director of the Hotels 
business prior to the separation of Six Continents PLC in April 2003.  
He became Chief Executive in July 2011.

Board Contribution: Richard has extensive experience in finance  
and is responsible for the executive management of the Group and 
ensuring the implementation of Board strategy and policy.

3 Tom Singer, Chief Financial Officer

Appointed to the Board: 26 September 2011 
Skills and Experience: Prior to joining the Group, Tom was Group 
Finance Director and a main board member of Bupa, a global healthcare 
provider. Previously Group Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer 
at William Hill PLC and Finance Director at Moss Bros Group PLC.

Board Contribution: Tom has extensive financial experience obtained 
from UK and international finance roles. He is responsible, together with 
the Board, for overseeing the financial operations of the Group and 
setting its financial strategy. 

  46 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

4 Kirk Kinsell, President, The Americas

8 Jonathan Linen, Independent Non-Executive Director 

Appointed to the Board: 1 August 2010 
Skills and Experience: Kirk has 30 years’ experience in the hospitality 
industry, including senior franchise positions with Holiday Inn 
Corporation and ITT Sheraton. He joined the Group in 2002 as Senior  
Vice President, Chief Development Officer for The Americas region.  
He became an Executive Committee member in September 2007 and 
was previously President, Europe, Middle East and Africa until June 2011. 

Board Contribution: Kirk has vast experience in the hospitality industry 
and is responsible for the business development and performance of all 
the hotel brands and properties in The Americas region.

Appointed to the Board: 1 December 2005
Skills and Experience: Jonathan was formerly Vice Chairman of the 
American Express Company, having held a range of senior positions 
throughout his career of over 35 years with American Express.

Board Contribution: Jonathan has over 25 years’ experience working  
in the financial and branded sectors and is a member of the 
Remuneration Committee.

Other Appointments: Currently a Non-Executive Director of Yum! 
Brands, Inc. and Modern Bank, N.A., a US private banking company. 
Jonathan also serves on a number of US councils and advisory boards.

5 Tracy Robbins, Executive Vice President, Human Resources  
and Group Operations Support

Appointed to the Board: 9 August 2011 
Skills and Experience: Tracy has over 27 years’ experience in human 
resources roles in service industries. She joined the Group in  
December 2005 from Compass Group PLC, a world-leading food  
service company, where she was Group Human Resources Leadership  
& Development Director. Previously Group HR Director for Forte Hotels 
Group. She also spent seven years at Tesco PLC as a Retail Human 
Resources Manager where she implemented a culture change and 
restructuring strategy across 150 stores. 

Board Contribution: Tracy has many years of experience in human 
resources and is responsible for global talent management, leadership 
development, employee reward strategy and implementation, 
organisational capability and operations support.

6 David Kappler, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director 

Appointed to the Board: 21 June 2004
Skills and Experience: David is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of 
Management Accountants. Formerly Chief Financial Officer of Cadbury 
Schweppes plc and Non-Executive Chairman of Premier Foods plc.  
He also served as a Non-Executive Director of Camelot Group plc and 
HMV Group plc. 

Board Contribution: David brings over 35 years’ knowledge and 
experience in financial reporting, risk management and internal financial 
controls. As Chairman of the Audit Committee he is responsible for 
leading the Committee to ensure effective internal controls and risk 
management systems are in place. 

Other Appointments: David is a Non-Executive Director of Shire plc,  
a member of the Europe Advisory Council of Trilantic Capital Partners 
and Chairman of ADS2 Brands Limited.

7 Jennifer Laing, Independent Non-Executive Director 

Appointed to the Board: 25 August 2005 
Skills and Experience: Jennifer was Associate Dean, External Relations 
at London Business School, until 2007. A fellow of the Marketing Society 
and of the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, she has over 30 years’ 
experience in advertising including 16 years with Saatchi & Saatchi. 

Board Contribution: Jennifer has over 30 years’ experience in marketing 
and advertising and is Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility 
Committee, responsible for the Corporate Responsibility objectives  
and strategy.

Other Appointments: Currently a Non-Executive Director of Hudson 
Global, Inc., a US human resources company and Premier Foods plc,  
a branded food producer.

9 Luke Mayhew, Independent Non-Executive Director 

Appointed to the Board: 1 July 2011 
Skills and Experience: Luke is currently a Non-Executive Director of 
Brambles Limited, a global provider of supply chain and information 
management solutions. Previously he served for 12 years on the Board  
of John Lewis Partnership, including as Managing Director of the 
Department Store Division. Luke also spent five years at British Airways 
PLC and seven years at Thomas Cook Group PLC in senior positions.  
He was also a Non-Executive Director of WH Smith PLC and Chairman  
of Pets at Home Group Limited. 

Board Contribution: Luke has over 30 years’ experience in senior  
roles in the branded sector and is Remuneration Committee chairman  
at Brambles Limited and has been since 2006. As Chairman of  
the IHG Remuneration Committee he is responsible for setting the  
remuneration policy.

Other Appointments: Currently a Non-Executive Director of  
Brambles Limited.

10 Dale Morrison, Independent Non-Executive Director 

Appointed to the Board: 1 June 2011
Skills and Experience: A founding partner of TriPointe Capital Partners,  
a private equity firm. Dale was previously President and Chief Executive 
Officer of McCain Foods Limited and President and Chief Executive Officer 
of Campbell Soup Company. 

Board Contribution: Dale has over 10 years’ experience in sales  
and marketing positions, and over 25 years’ experience in general 
management, having held senior positions in the branded foods sector. 

Other Appointments: Currently a Non-Executive Director of International 
Flavors & Fragrances Inc., a producer of flavours and fragrances, and 
Chairman of Findus Group Limited, a frozen food company.

11 Ying Yeh, Independent Non-Executive Director 

Appointed to the Board: 1 December 2007 
Skills and Experience: Ying was formerly Vice President and Chairman, 
Greater China Region, Nalco Company and Chairman and President, 
North Asia Region, President, Business Development, Asia Pacific Region 
and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. She was, for 15 years, a 
diplomat with the US Foreign Service in Hong Kong and Beijing until 1997.

Board Contribution: Ying has over 20 years’ experience gained from 
working in senior positions in global organisations across a broad range 
of sectors. 

Other Appointments: Currently a Non-Executive Director of AB Volvo,  
a transportation related products and services company, ABB Ltd,  
a global leader in power and automation technologies, and Samsonite 
International S.A., a travel luggage company. 

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 Audit Committee member

 Corporate Responsibility Committee member

 Nomination Committee member

 Remuneration Committee member

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Governance

Executive Committee

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2 

6 

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7

4

In addition to the Executive Directors on the Board, the Executive Committee comprises:

1 Keith Barr, Chief Executive, Greater China

5 Jan Smits, Chief Executive, Asia, Middle East and Africa

Joined the Group: 2000
Skills and Experience: Keith has over 20 years’ experience in the 
hospitality industry. He has held senior appointments including Vice 
President of Sales and Revenue Management, Vice President of 
Operations and Chief Operating Officer, Australia, New Zealand and 
South Pacific. He was appointed Managing Director, Greater China in 
June 2009 and became Chief Executive, Greater China in April 2011. 

Key Responsibilities: These include business development and 
performance of all the hotel brands and properties in the Greater  
China region.

2 Angela Brav, Chief Executive, Europe

Joined the Group: 2002
Skills and Experience: Jan has 31 years’ experience in the hospitality 
industry. He held various senior positions in the Asia and Australasia 
region. He became Managing Director, Asia Australasia in June 2009. 
Following the amalgamation of our Middle East and Africa region  
with our Asia Australasia region, he became Chief Executive, Asia,  
Middle East and Africa in August 2011. 

Key Responsibilities: These include business development and performance 
of all the hotel brands and properties in Asia, Middle East and Africa.

6 George Turner, Executive Vice President, General Counsel  
and Company Secretary

Joined the Group: 1988
Skills and Experience: Angela has over 24 years’ experience in the 
hospitality industry, including hotel operations, franchise relations and 
technology solutions. She has held various senior roles in the Group’s  
US and European businesses prior to becoming Chief Operating Officer, 
North America. She was appointed Chief Executive, Europe in August 2011. 

Joined the Group: 2008
Skills and Experience: George is a solicitor and qualified to private 
practice in 1995. Prior to joining the Group, George spent 12 years with 
Imperial Chemical Industries PLC where he held a number of key positions 
including Deputy Company Secretary. He was appointed Executive Vice 
President, General Counsel and Company Secretary in January 2009. 

Key Responsibilities: These include business development and 
performance of all the hotel brands and properties in Europe. 

3 Larry Light, Chief Brands Officer

Joined the Group: 2012 
Skills and Experience: Larry is one of the world’s leading brand 
consultants and was formerly Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald’s. 
Larry has held previous executive roles in media, marketing and advertising 
for BBDO Worldwide and Ted Bates Advertising and has made many 
academic contributions on branding principles and methods.

Key Responsibilities: These include building on the Group’s strategy  
of developing and nurturing a powerful portfolio of preferred Brands.

4 Eric Pearson, Executive Vice President and  
Chief Information Officer

Joined the Group: 1997
Skills and Experience: Eric has a background in engineering and 
technology and started his career at IHG over 15 years ago. Since  
then he has held various senior positions in the field of emerging 
technologies and global e-commerce. Eric most recently held the 
position of Chief Marketing Officer for The Americas region.

Key Responsibilities: These include global technology, including IT 
systems and information management, throughout the Group.

Key Responsibilities: These include corporate governance, risk 
management, insurance, regulatory, internal audit, legal, corporate 
responsibility and public affairs. 

7 Steven Sickel, Interim Global Head of Sales and Distribution*

Joined the Group: 2000
Skills and Experience: Steven has over 20 years’ experience in sales and 
marketing. Prior to joining the Group over 12 years ago, he was Managing 
Director, Loyalty Marketing at Continental Airlines for eight years.

Key Responsibilities: Has interim responsibility for revenue 
management, revenue systems and worldwide sales, in addition to his 
existing responsibilities as Senior Vice President, Distribution Relationship 
Marketing, where he is responsible for e-commerce, reservations and 
loyalty programmes. 

In April 2013 Kenneth MacPherson will join the Group as Chief Executive, Greater 
China having previously been General Manager and Board Director of Sichuan 
Shuijingfang Company Ltd, a Diageo joint venture in China. With effect from 1 June 
2013 Keith Barr will be appointed to the newly created position of Chief Commercial 
Officer, responsible for brands, sales, marketing and distribution, and will remain a 
member of the Executive Committee. During the transition Larry Light will continue 
in his role as Chief Brands Officer and as a member of the Executive Committee. 
Following the transition Larry will stay on as a senior IHG advisor.

*  Steven Sickel, who has been an interim member of the Executive Committee, will 

return to his full-time role leading Distribution Relationship Marketing in June 2013.

  48 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Governance

Corporate governance

Chairman’s overview
Since becoming Chairman at the beginning of January, I have sought 
to understand and assess the effectiveness of governance at IHG.  
I have considered the following areas in particular:

• the Board’s ability to (i) achieve its objectives and effectively 

monitor progress against our strategy and (ii) to deliver strong 
performance and create long-term shareholder value;

• the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management;

• the composition of the Board, including the balance of skills and 

experience, its size and effectiveness; and

• the Board’s calendar of meetings, the meeting agendas and the 
quality and level of information received by Directors and the 
Board’s management of time. 

I have sought the views of shareholders, the Directors and senior 
management and I have also reviewed current and previous 
evaluations of the Board’s performance and investor reports.

IHG is committed to conducting its business with high standards  
of corporate governance and believes that good governance, with 
robust practices and processes, is a fundamental part of being  
a Responsible Business. 

We have seen a couple of Board changes during 2012, with the 
retirement of David Webster as Non-Executive Chairman on 
31 December 2012 and the retirement of Graham Allan as a  
Non-Executive Director on 15 June 2012. Dale Morrison was 
appointed to the Corporate Responsibility Committee, in addition  
to his membership of the Audit and Nomination Committees, in 
November 2012. The progressive refreshing of the Board ensures 
that we have appropriate continuation and a multi-skilled and  
diverse Board. 

Our dual listed status requires that the Corporate Governance Report 
give details on our compliance against the UK Corporate Governance 
Code (the Code) and also the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) rules, 
US securities laws and the rules of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission (SEC). As required by the SEC, a statement outlining the 
differences between the Company’s corporate governance practices 
and those followed by US companies may be found on the Company’s 
website at www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate governance/
NYSE differences.

I am pleased to report in this section of the Annual Report on our 
compliance against the principles and provisions of the Code, 
available at www.frc.org.uk, and I can confirm that during 2012 we 
complied with all aspects of the Code.

Patrick Cescau
Chairman
18 February 2013

Leadership
Board and Committee structure 
The Board and Committee structure are pivotal in maintaining 
compliance with best practice. IHG has a number of Board  
and management committees which provide a sound  
governance framework. 

The Board 
Board composition
The Board’s current composition of a Non-Executive Chairman, four 
Executive and six Non-Executive Directors meets the requirement  
of the Code for at least half the Board, excluding the Chairman, to be 
independent Non-Executive Directors. In the Board’s view, all of the 
current Non-Executive Directors are independent. The Chairman 
was independent on appointment to the Board. 

Current Directors’ biographical details, including their main external 
commitments, are set out on pages 46 and 47. 

Non-Executive/Executive Director split

■ Chairman 
9% (1)
■ Non-Executive Directors  55% (6)
■ Executive Directors 
36% (4)

Board balance of skills
Collectively, the Board has an appropriate balance of skills, 
experience, independence, knowledge and diversity to enable it  
to discharge its duties and responsibilities effectively.

Board experience and skills

11 directors

9 directors

9 directors

5 directors

Branded 
industry

Consumer

International Finance

2 directors
Marketing 
& Sales

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Board meetings
Eight regular Board meetings are scheduled each year and additional 
meetings are held as necessary. This includes a two-day strategy 
meeting held in one of the Group’s key markets, in which the Board 
considers the Group’s strategy and related issues. This provides an 
opportunity for the business to have a wide-ranging dialogue with the 
Board and for the Board to meet many of our senior management 
and understand key geographical markets. 

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Executive Committee and Corporate governance 

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance: Corporate governance continued

The Chairman, in conjunction with the Company Secretary, plans the 
agenda for each Board meeting. Directors are briefed on the Group’s 
financial performance and its operations, including commercial and 
operational matters, relations with investors and updates on key 
strategic plans, by means of comprehensive papers in advance of, 
and by presentations at, Board meetings. The Board also receives 
more in-depth presentations on a wide range of business issues in  
a more informal context the evening before formal Board meetings. 
Evening presentation topics during 2012 included updates from  
the Global Operations Council, an economist presentation and 
developments in our communications strategy.

Should any Director be unable to attend a meeting, he or she would 
be provided with all the papers and information relevant to that 
meeting and be able to discuss matters arising with the Chairman 
and the Chief Executive.

Below is a chart illustrating the approximate time the Board has spent 
discussing key topics at scheduled Board meetings during the year:

Board allocation of time

■ Strategy 
■ Operations 
■ Finance and Risk 
■ Governance 

35%
30%
22%
13%

Board annual strategy meeting
During 2012, the Board held a two-day strategy meeting in Delhi, 
India which enabled the Board to gain a greater understanding of 
growth potential in India. The discussion topics included major trends 
in the industry, key responses and actions planned by IHG, new 
business development opportunities, execution of IHG’s strategy and 
current progress, and an overview of the medium to long-term 
financial impacts of our strategic choices.

Diversity
With a presence in nearly 100 countries and territories globally,  
we believe that our leadership should reflect the diversity of our 
employees, our guests and the local communities in which we 
operate. The Board recognises the benefits of diversity throughout 
our global business and firmly believes in the importance of a diverse 
Board membership.

We continue to focus on providing an inclusive environment, in which 
employees are valued for who they are and what they bring to the 
Group, and in which talented individuals are retained through all 
levels of the organisation. Further details on our approach to 
diversity are set out on pages 33 and 58.

The current Board gender and nationality split is illustrated below:

Board gender split 

(cid:31) Male 
(cid:31) Female 

73% (8)
27% (3)

Board nationalities

■ French 
■ Chinese 
■ American 
■ British 

9% (1)
9% (1)
27% (3)
55% (6)

Independent advice 
All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company 
Secretary, the Company’s external legal advisers and the external 
auditors, who are currently Ernst & Young LLP. There is an agreed 
process by which Directors may seek independent professional 
advice at the Company’s expense in the furtherance of their duties. 

Conflicts of interest
The Board reviews potential conflicts of interest as a standing 
agenda item at each Board meeting. At the December 2012 Board 
meeting, each of the Directors were requested to disclose any 
conflicts or potential conflicts by returning a questionnaire to the 
Company Secretary. The Board considered all the responses to the 
questionnaires and approved potential conflicts of interest as it 
deemed appropriate. Directors have continuing obligations to update 
the Board on any changes to these conflicts. Under the Articles of 
Association the Board is authorised to approve Director conflicts  
of interest.

Directors and officers liability (D&O) insurance
The Company maintains D&O insurance which covers Directors and 
officers of the Company against defending civil proceedings brought 
against them in their capacity as a Director or officer of the Company. 

There were no indemnity provisions relating to the UK pension plan 
for the benefit of the Directors during 2012.

Effectiveness
The Board believes that in order to be most effective there must be  
a mix of skills and experience, background and length of service on 
the Board. The current Non-Executive Directors’ lengths of tenure as 
at 1 January 2013 are illustrated below:

Length of Non-Executive Director tenure

3 directors

3 directors

1 director

0-3 years

4-6 years

7-9 years

The structure, size and composition of the Board and succession 
planning is continuously monitored by the Chairman and the 
Nomination Committee. Further details can be found on page 58.

  50 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Key responsibilities 

The Board 

Chairman 

Chief Executive 

• Strategic direction, development, 

performance and control of the Group, 
approval of strategic plans and capital 
and revenue budgets; 

• Leadership of the Board and in doing  
so ensuring the efficient and effective 
operation of the Board and its 
Committees; 

• overseeing corporate governance 
matters and ensuring they are 
addressed;

• representing the Group externally,  
in particular with shareholders; and

• in conjunction with the Chief Executive 
and Company Secretary, ensuring that 
Directors receive a full, formal and 
tailored induction to the Group and its 
business and that all Directors are fully 
informed of relevant matters. 

• reviewing significant investment 

proposals;

• maintaining an overview and control of 
the Group’s operating and financial 
performance;

• monitoring the Group’s overall system  

of internal controls and risk 
management, governance and 
compliance, considering regulatory 
changes and developments; and

• ensuring that the necessary financial 
and human resources are in place for 
the Group to meet its objectives.

The Board has a schedule of matters 
reserved to it which are available on the 
website at www.ihgplc.com/investors under 
corporate governance.

• Recommending to the Board, and 

implementing, the Group’s strategic 
objectives; 

• managing business operations; and

• managing the executive management of 
the Group and ensuring that the Board 
understands Executive Directors’ views 
on business issues. 

The Chief Executive is assisted in meeting 
his responsibilities by the Chief Financial 
Officer and the Executive Committee (who 
head up the Group’s principal operations 
and functions). 

Non-Executive Director 

Senior Independent Director 

Company Secretary 

The Non-Executive Directors represent  
a strong source of advice and judgement. 
Part of their role is to constructively 
challenge and help develop proposals on 
strategy. Each Director has significant 
external commercial experience and 
together they have a broad range of skills 
and experience.

• Being available to liaise with 

shareholders who have concerns that 
they feel have not been addressed 
through the normal channels;

• Ensuring a good flow of information to 
the Board and its Committees and 
between the Executive Committee and 
the Non-Executive Directors;

• being a sounding board for the 

• facilitating all Director inductions; and

Chairman; and 

• leading the performance evaluation  

of the Chairman.

• advising the Board on corporate 

governance and keeping the Board 
up-to-date on all legal, regulatory and 
other developments. 

Biographical details of the members of the Board, including the Chairman, Chief Executive and Senior Independent Director, and Company 
Secretary can be found on pages 46 to 48.

Board committees 
The Board has established four permanent Committees to assist in the discharging of its responsibilities. These are as follows:

• Audit Committee;

• Corporate Responsibility Committee; 

• Nomination Committee; and

• Remuneration Committee.

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Reports for each Committee setting out the membership, responsibilities, key issues discussed during the year and key priorities for 2013 are 
set out on pages 56 to 78. 

Each Committee has written terms of reference which are approved by the Board and subject to review every year. At the review in  
December 2012 some minor amendments were made to update the Audit and Remuneration Committee’s terms of reference. Copies of the 
terms of reference are available on the Company’s website www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate governance/committees or from the 
Company Secretary’s office on request. 

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51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance: Corporate governance continued

Set out below is a table showing the current membership of each Committee:

Directors 
Patrick Cescau 

Designation 
Non-Executive Chairman 

Richard Solomons 

Chief Executive 

Kirk Kinsell 

Tracy Robbins 

Tom Singer 

David Kappler2 

Jennifer Laing2 

President, The Americas 

 Executive Vice President, Human Resources  
and Group Operations Support 

Chief Financial Officer 

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director  

Non-Executive Director 

Jonathan Linen2 

Non-Executive Director 

Luke Mayhew2 

Dale Morrison2 

Ying Yeh2 

Non-Executive Director 

Non-Executive Director 

Non-Executive Director 

1  Committee Chairman.
2  In the Board’s view all Non-Executive Directors are independent.

Management committees 
Details of our management committees are set out below:

Audit 
Committee 

Corporate  
Responsibility 
Committee 

Nomination 
Committee 
X1 

Remuneration 
Committee

X 

X1 

X 

X 

X 

X1 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X

X

X1

X

Executive Committee
Its role is to consider and manage a range of important strategic and business issues facing the Group. Amongst many other things it is 
responsible for monitoring the performance of the business. It is authorised to approve capital and revenue investment within levels agreed  
by the Board. 

Governance: The Committee is chaired by the Chief Executive and usually meets monthly. As set out on page 48, members of the  
Committee comprise the Executive Directors and the most senior executives from the Group. The Committee recommends to the Board  
significant decisions which require its approval.

Disclosure Committee
Its duties include ensuring that information required to be disclosed in reports pursuant to UK and US accounting, statutory or listing 
requirements, fairly represents the Group’s position in all material respects. 

Governance: The Committee is chaired by the Group’s Financial Controller. Members of the Committee comprise the Company Secretary  
and other senior executives. The Committee reports to the Chief Executive, the Chief Financial Officer and the Audit Committee.

General Purposes Committee 
The Committee attends to business of a routine nature and to the administration of matters, the principles of which have been agreed 
previously by the Board or an appropriate committee. 

Governance: The Committee comprises any one Executive Committee member together with a senior officer from an agreed and restricted 
list of senior executives. It is always chaired by an Executive Committee member and the other Executive Directors are notified in advance  
of the business of the meeting. 

Copies of the terms of reference are available on the Company’s website www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate governance/committees 
or from the Company Secretary’s office on request.

  52 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A summary of each Director’s attendance at the Board and its principal Committee meetings during 2012 is shown below:

Directors

Designation 

Richard Solomons  Chief Executive 

Kirk Kinsell 

President, The Americas 

Tracy Robbins 

Executive Vice President, Human Resources  
and Group Operations Support 

Tom Singer 

Chief Financial Officer 

David Kappler 

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director  

Jennifer Laing  

Non-Executive Director 

Jonathan Linen 

Non-Executive Director 

Luke Mayhew 

Non-Executive Director 

Dale Morrison 

Non-Executive Director 

Ying Yeh 

Non-Executive Director 

Former Directors 

David Webster1 

Non-Executive Chairman 

Graham Allan2 

Non-Executive Director 

Total meetings held 

Board 

Corporate 
Audit  Responsibility 

Nomination  Remuneration 

Committees

8/8 

8/8 

6/83 

8/8 

8/8 

8/8 

6/83 

8/8 

8/8 

8/8 

7/83 

3/3 

8 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

5/5 

5/5 

n/a 

n/a 

5/5 

n/a 

n/a 

2/2 

5 

3/3 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

3/3 

n/a 

3/3 

1/1 

3/3 

n/a 

1/1 

3 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

5/5 

5/5 

3/53 

5/5 

5/5 

5/5 

4/4 

2/2 

5 

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

6/6

n/a

6/6

6/6

n/a

6/6

n/a

n/a

6

1  Patrick Cescau was appointed as Non-Executive Chairman on 1 January 2013 following the retirement of David Webster on 31 December 2012.
2  Graham Allan resigned as a Non-Executive Director on 15 June 2012.
3   Tracy Robbins missed two Board meetings due to health reasons. Jonathan Linen missed two Board meetings and two Nomination Committee meetings; one due to  

illness and the other due to a prior commitment known to the Board in advance. David Webster missed one Board meeting due to a prior work commitment, known to the 
Board in advance. 

Annual re-election of Directors
The Directors have agreed to retire at each Annual General Meeting 
(AGM) and offer themselves for re-election annually in line with the 
Code recommendations. Biographical information about the 
Directors can be found on pages 46 and 47 and shareholders will 
receive further information on Directors seeking election and 
re-election as part of the Notice of AGM 2013. Details of Directors’  
service contracts and appointment terms are set out on page 74.

Director induction, training and development
Director induction
There is a tailored induction programme for all Director 
appointments which is designed to meet their individual needs  
and to introduce them to, and familiarise them with, the principal 
activities of the Group as well as with central and regional 
management. Throughout their appointment with the Company, 
Directors are encouraged to request further information as  
they consider necessary to fulfil their role. 

Key aspects of the induction are as follows:

• familiarisation with the Group, this includes areas such as  
the Board structure and its Committees, Group structure  
and strategy, the principal activities of the Group and its  
approach to risk and risk management; 

• meetings with both senior executives and regional and  
central management from various functions across the  
Group, including Business Reputation and Responsibility,  
Human Resources, Corporate Affairs, Global Strategy and 
Corporate Development, Global Internal Audit and Financial 
Planning and Analysis; 

• meetings with institutional investor groups and key institutional 

investors to gain an understanding of their views; and

• visits to our global corporate offices and hotels to provide  

a greater insight into the business. 

All induction programmes accord with best practice guidelines and 
are tailored to each Director’s individual requirements.

On appointment Non-Executive Directors are advised of the likely 
time commitment for the role. Annually, as part of the Board 
performance evaluation, the Chairman reviews the time each 
Non-Executive Director has dedicated to the Company during  
the year.

Director training and development
The updating of all Directors’ skills and knowledge, ongoing training 
and development and understanding of the Group’s business and 
operations is a progressive exercise. This is accomplished at Board 
and Committee meetings through business presentations and by 
visits to hotels and other premises in the regions. 

Board legal and regulatory briefings
During 2012, the Directors received briefings on a number of legal 
and regulatory developments, including the Financial Reporting 
Council’s updates on changes to the Code and guidance to Audit 
Committees and draft regulations on the reform of executive 
remuneration. The Chairman regularly reviews and agrees training 
and development needs with each Director. In addition, the Company 
Secretary regularly makes the Board aware of training opportunities 
and additional information to enable them to keep up-to-date and 
enhance their knowledge of the business.

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53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance: Corporate governance continued

Board performance evaluation
IHG has always recognised the importance of evaluating the 
performance of the Board, its main Committees and its Directors. 
Accordingly, an independent external facilitator assists in the 
performance evaluation. 

2012 Board performance evaluation process
The 2012 evaluation of the Board and its Committees was conducted  
with external assistance in accordance with the guidance in the Code. The 
Board performance evaluation was conducted with Lintstock Limited, 
an independent facilitator, who has no other connection with IHG.

The Board performance evaluation questionnaires covered a variety 
of topics including: 
• Board composition, succession planning and dynamics;

• Board advisors, Board papers and effectiveness  

of the Committees; 

• Board expertise and how the Board spends its time;
• the Board’s strategic and operational oversight;
• input into risk management and internal controls; and
• investor and stakeholder relationships.

2012 Board performance evaluation results
The results of the questionnaires were collated and presented to the 
Board for discussion at its meeting in February 2013. The feedback 
confirmed that the Board and each of its Committees continue to 
operate effectively and that each Director continues to make an 
effective contribution and retains a strong commitment to the role. 

2012 and 2011 Board performance evaluation outcomes and action plan

2012

Observations

Action taken/to be taken

2011

Observations

Actions taken

Deepen the Board’s focus on 
the Group’s strategy. 

Retain focus on strategy with 
particular attention on the 
external environment.

Improve meeting processes to 
enable more time for wider 
Board discussion.

Board agendas are regularly 
reviewed to ensure sufficient 
time for Board discussion.

Ensure the smooth integration 
of the new Chairman.

A tailored induction has  
been completed with  
ongoing support.

Allot adequate time on agendas 
to review the effectiveness of 
past decisions.

Board agendas are assessed  
to ensure adequate time is 
allocated to all matters.

Continue to improve the 
meeting process including 
senior management 
presentations and papers  
to the Board.

Senior management to review 
the optimum level of detail in 
presentations and papers.

Continue to encourage 
discussion on key strategic 
issues facing the Group.

Facilitation of discussions  
on key strategic issues has 
been addressed.

Consider growth opportunities 
for the Group.

Continue to review growth 
opportunities for the Group.

Build upon and improve 
oversight of the main risks 
affecting the Group.

Provision of additional 
materials as necessary to the 
Board and increased discussion 
at Board meetings.

Individual Director performance evaluations 
The performance evaluations of members of the Board are carried 
out by the following individuals:

Director being appraised

Appraisee

Chairman

Chief Executive

All Directors complete the externally 
produced questionnaire. The results are 
then reviewed by the Senior Independent 
Director and Non-Executive Directors 
excluding the Chairman.

Chairman and all Non-Executive 
Directors meet to discuss performance.

Executive Directors

Chief Executive.

Non-Executive 
Directors

Chairman.

Accountability
Internal controls and risk management 
The Board has ultimate responsibility for ensuring that business 
risks are effectively managed. The Board has considered and 
approved the risk management policy and has delegated regular 
review of the risk management procedures to the Audit Committee.

The review was carried out through a monitoring process, which 
accords with the Code and the Turnbull Guidance. 

Day-to-day management of business risks is the responsibility of  
the Executive Committee. These are managed through established 
processes which monitor: 
• strategic plan achievement, through a comprehensive series of 

Group and regional strategic reviews; 

• financial performance, within a comprehensive financial planning 

and accounting framework; 

• capital investment performance, with detailed appraisal and 

authorisation processes; and 

• risk management processes relying upon a dynamic risk 

assessment and assurance mapping process (through reports 
from the Head of Global Risk Management, the Head of Global 
Internal Audit, and, as appropriate, from management) providing 
assurance that the significant risks faced by the Group are being 
identified, assessed, prioritised, evaluated and appropriately 
managed and mitigated, having regard to the balance of risk,  
cost and opportunity. 

In addition, the Audit Committee reviews: 
• regular reports from management, Global Risk Management, 

Global Internal Audit and the external auditors on the 
effectiveness of systems for internal controls, financial reporting 
and risk management;

• the timeliness and effectiveness of corrective action taken by 

management; and 

• material financial and non-financial risks. 

  54 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

For further details on the Group’s risk management system and 2013 
risk factors see pages 38 to 44.

Board annual review of internal controls and risk management
The Board conducted a review of the effectiveness of the system  
of internal controls and risk management during the year ended  
31 December 2012. This covered all material controls, including 
financial, operational and compliance controls, the principal risks 
affecting the Group, the risk management systems, and also took 
into account any material developments since the year end. 

Whilst areas for continuous improvement have been identified and 
actions initiated as a result of the Group’s processes, no significant 
shortcomings have been identified from the 2012 risk assessments.

Internal controls and managing risk
The system of internal controls and risk management aims to 
support the delivery of our strategy by managing the risk of failing to 
achieve business objectives. As such it must be recognised that it can 
only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance. 

The Group continues to insure against risks but certain risks remain 
difficult to insure both as to breadth and cost of coverage. In some 
cases external insurance is not available at all or not at an economic 
price. The Group regularly reviews both the type and amount of 
external insurance that it buys, bearing in mind the availability of 
such cover, its price and the likelihood and magnitude of the risks 
involved. Our approach to risk management, key risk mitigating 
activities and the principal risk factors that could affect the Group  
are set out on pages 38 to 44.

Risk register
In 2012, the Audit Committee was satisfied that the Group has an 
effective risk management system and the Executive Committee, 
Audit Committee and the Board reviewed and agreed the major risks 
affecting the Group. 

Global internal audit plan
Annually the Audit Committee discusses the internal audit plan and 
approves its nature and scope for the forthcoming year. This plan  
is reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure coverage of emerging 
risks. The Audit Committee then instructs Global Internal Audit  
to undertake an agreed schedule of audits during which the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls are assessed.

Global Internal Audit (GIA) Effectiveness Review
During the year a GIA Effectiveness Review was carried out and 
reported to the Audit Committee. The review contained input from 
auditees, external auditors and senior management and assessed 
GIA against the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Standards. The 
following conclusions were highlighted:

• the GIA audit methodology standards are aligned to IIA Standards 

and recognise best practice;

• the dynamic risk assessment and assurance mapping processes 
enable GIA to effectively identify and monitor emerging risks; and

• working in collaboration with other Group functions has 

increased effectiveness of audits and reduced duplication.

The Audit Committee therefore concluded that during the year the 
Group’s systems of internal controls and risk management, including 
the internal audit activities, were operating effectively.

Financial reporting controls
The key financial controls across all our business units have been 
identified and evaluated, in particular, to comply with our US 
obligations, arising from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002. This has 
enabled appropriate representations regarding the effectiveness  
of internal financial controls to be made in the Company’s Annual 
Report on Form 20-F.

Engagement
Shareholder relations 
The Board takes its responsibility to represent and promote the 
interests of its shareholders seriously and believes it is very 
important to fully engage with its shareholders. Details of 
shareholder profiles as at 31 December 2012 can be found  
on page 137.

Shareholder engagement
The Board has engaged with shareholders in a number of ways 
during 2012, which included:
• half-year and full-year formal reporting;
• presentations by the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer  

to institutional investors, analysts and the media following results 
announcements;

• a programme of meetings throughout the year with major 

institutional shareholders; 

• telephone conferences after the release of first and third quarter 

results; and

• meeting the shareholders face-to-face and responding to 

questions at the Annual General Meeting.

To enable as many shareholders as possible to access conferences 
and presentations, telephone dial-in facilities are made available  
in advance and live audio webcasts are made available after the 
presentation, together with associated data and documentation. 
These can be found at www.ihgplc.com/investors under  
financial library.

Currently around 30 sell-side research analysts publish research on 
the Group; their details are available at www.ihgplc.com/investors 
under analysts’ details.

Meetings with major institutional shareholders
A programme of meetings throughout the year is arranged with 
major institutional shareholders. These meetings provide an 
opportunity to discuss, using publicly available information, the 
progress of the business, its performance, plans and objectives. 

The Chairman, the Senior Independent Director and other  
Non-Executive Directors are available to meet with major 
shareholders to understand their issues and concerns and to  
discuss governance and strategy.

Board shareholder updates
Facilitated, structured meetings are encouraged with shareholders 
and any new Director is available for meetings with major 
shareholders as a matter of course.

A formal external review of shareholder opinion is presented to the 
Board on an annual basis and both the Executive Committee and the 
Board receive regular updates on shareholder relations. 

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Additionally, the AGM provides a useful forum for one-to-one 
communication with private shareholders, many of whom are also 
guests in our hotels. At the AGM, shareholders receive presentations 
on the Company’s performance and may ask questions of the Board, 
including the Chairman and Chairmen of the Committees.

Re-engaging with lost shareholders
We continue to be supported by ProSearch to locate shareholders 
who have failed to keep their details up-to-date. To date the 
programme has been very successful and many asset reunifications 
have been made.

Engagement on remuneration matters
Details of the Remuneration Committee’s engagement with 
shareholders is set out on page 61.

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Corporate governance 

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee takes responsibility for reviewing the integrity of the Group’s 
financial reporting systems, the effectiveness of internal controls and risk management 
systems and the appointment and work of the internal and external auditors.

Committee membership

Member 

Role 

David Kappler 

Chairman 

Graham Allan 

Member 

Jennifer Laing 

Member 

Dale Morrison 

Member 

Total meetings held   

Meetings 
attended 

Appointed to 
Committee 
from 

Length of 
tenure to  
31 Dec 2012

Jun 2004 

8 yrs 7 mths

(retired  
Jun 2012) 

n/a

Aug 2005 

7 yrs 5 mths

Jun 2011 

1 yr 7 mths

5/5 

2/2 

5/5 

5/5 

5 

Governance
The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the Company’s 
website www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate governance/
committees or from the Company Secretary’s office on request. 

The Committee was in place throughout 2012. All Committee 
members are independent. The Committee had the opportunity  
to meet with the internal and external auditors on at least four 
occasions in the year without the presence of management. 

The Board is satisfied that David Kappler has recent and relevant 
financial experience as a qualified accountant and former CFO of 
Cadbury Schweppes plc. Details of the qualifications and experience 
of the other Committee members are set out on pages 46 and 47. 

At the invitation of the Committee, the Chief Executive, Chief Financial 
Officer, Head of Global Internal Audit (GIA) and external auditors 
(Ernst & Young LLP (E&Y)), attend meetings.

Responsibilities
The Board delegates authority to the Committee under five areas: 
internal controls and risk management, financial reporting, internal 
audit, external audit and compliance, whistleblowing and fraud. 

The Committee’s key responsibilities are set out below:

• to review the integrity of the Company’s internal financial 

controls, internal controls and risk management systems,  
as well as review reports from management, GIA and the  
external auditors;

• to review the Group’s processes for detecting and addressing 
fraud, misconduct and control weaknesses and consider the 
response to any such occurrence, including overseeing the 
whistleblowing process;

• to review and maintain the role and effectiveness of the 

internal audit function;

• to oversee the Group’s relations with our external auditors and 
make recommendations on their appointment, reappointment, 
removal and independence;

• to pre-approve the external auditors’ non-audit work and 

associated fees; and

• to oversee the Group’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct 

and associated procedures for monitoring adherence.

The Committee reviews the relationship the Group has with E&Y 
annually and for the year ended 31 December 2012, the Committee 
was satisfied with the independence, objectivity and effectiveness  
of the relationship with E&Y as the external auditors. 

Non-audit services
A key factor that may impair the external auditors’ independence is a 
lack of control over the volume of non-audit services. To address this 
issue all proposals for non-audit work are subject to pre-approved 
limits and additionally there is a prohibition on the undertaking of 
certain services. The Committee is aware of, and sensitive to, 
investor body guidelines on non-audit fees. For information on fees 
paid to E&Y for non-audit work during 2012 see page 100.

Internal audit
The Head of GIA is responsible for reporting and ensuring findings of 
internal audit work are brought to the attention of local management 
and the Committee as appropriate. During 2012 GIA operated in all 
the Group’s principal regions. 

Key issues discussed in 2012 meetings
During 2012, the Committee considered, amongst others, the 
following matters: 

• review of the quarterly, interim and full-year financial results 

in advance of their consideration by the Board;

• review of E&Y’s quarterly, interim and full-year reports as  

well as all non-audit work carried out by E&Y to ensure audit 
independence and objectivity are safeguarded;

• the effectiveness of E&Y, in particular their objectivity, 
independence and reappointment in advance of their 
consideration by the Board; 

• the scope of GIA’s annual internal audit plan and the review  
of GIA’s effectiveness and compliance with professional 
standards;

• developments in corporate governance and accounting 

standards in the UK and US and compliance with  
Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002;

• reports from the Head of Global Risk Management on the 

activities of Global Risk Management; 

• review of the disclosure controls and procedures operated  

by the Group;

• review of reports on significant incidents of fraud and 

whistleblowing; and 

• the effectiveness of the Committee and the continuing 

appropriateness of its terms of reference.

Key priorities for the Committee in 2013
During 2013 the Committee will continue its role in reviewing the 
integrity of the Company’s internal financial controls, internal 
controls and risk management systems. 

Independence of external auditors
E&Y have been the Group’s independent external auditors since 2003. 
To ensure the auditors’ independence is safeguarded, lead audit partners 
rotate every five years. In 2011 the lead audit partner was rotated. 

David Kappler 
Chairman of the Audit Committee
18 February 2013

  56 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

Corporate Responsibility Committee Report

The Corporate Responsibility Committee takes responsibility for considering the 
strategy, policies, management, measurement systems and key programmes and 
projects for Corporate Responsibility across the Group.

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Key priorities for the Committee in 2013
Corporate Responsibility continues to be an area of great importance 
to IHG. During 2013 the Committee will continue to review Corporate 
Responsibility strategy, objectives and progress particularly with 
respect to rolling out key Corporate Responsibility programmes 
around the world.

For further information on our approach to Corporate Responsibility 
matters see pages 34 to 37.

Jennifer Laing 
Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee
18 February 2013

Committee membership

Member 

Role 

Jennifer Laing 

Chairman 

Graham Allan 

Member 

Luke Mayhew 

Member 

Dale Morrison 

Member 

Richard Solomons  Member 

Ying Yeh 

Member 

Total meetings held   

Meetings 
attended 

Appointed to 
Committee 
from 

Length of 
tenure to  
31 Dec 2012

Feb 2009 

3 yrs 11 mths

(retired Jun    
2012) 

n/a

Jul 2011 

1 yr 6 mths

Nov 2012 

2 mths

Jun 2011 

1 yr 7 mths

Aug 2011 

1 yr 5 mths

3/3 

1/1 

3/3 

1/1 

3/3 

3/3 

3 

Governance
The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the Company’s 
website www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate governance/
committees or from the Company Secretary’s office on request. 

The Committee was in place throughout 2012. 

The majority, four out of the five members, of the Committee are 
Non-Executive Directors as required under its terms of reference.

Responsibilities
The Board delegates authority to the Committee for all Corporate 
Responsibility matters. The Committee’s key responsibilities are set 
out below:

• to review and advise the Board on Corporate Responsibility 

objectives and strategy;

• to review policies and approaches to sustainable development 

and Corporate Responsibility matters;

• to review reports on performance and progress against KPIs 

relating to Corporate Responsibility;

• to review internal and external audit reports on Corporate 
Responsibility and monitor progress towards actions; and

• to review the content of the Corporate Responsibility Report.

Key issues discussed in 2012 meetings
During 2012, the Committee considered, amongst others, the 
following matters: 

• the Group’s approach to Corporate Responsibility;

• review of the impact of the IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme 
including specific case studies and learnings for the future;

• review of the key Green Engage, IHG Shelter in a Storm 
Programme and IHG Academy 2013 objectives and 2012 
achievements;

• review of the impact of the IHG Academy roll-out and its 

successes to date;

• further embedding of our Corporate Responsibility policies 

across the business;

• receive an update on competitor Corporate Responsibility 
strategy and execution, and the implications for IHG; and

• review stakeholder engagement and communications.

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Audit Committee Report and Corporate Responsibility Committee Report  

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

Nomination Committee Report

The Nomination Committee takes responsibility for considering the structure,  
size and composition of the Board, advising on succession planning and making  
appropriate recommendations to ensure the Board retains the appropriate level  
of skills and experience. 

Committee membership

Member 

Role 

Meetings 
attended 

David Webster1 

Chairman2 

4/4 

Graham Allan 

Member 

2/2 

David Kappler 

Member 

Jennifer Laing 

Member 

Jonathan Linen 

Member 

Luke Mayhew 

Member 

Dale Morrison 

Member 

Ying Yeh 

Member 

Total meetings held   

5/5 

5/5 

3/5 

5/5 

5/5 

5/5 

5 

Appointed to 
Committee 
from 

(retired  
Dec 2012) 

(retired 
Jun 2012) 

Length of 
tenure to  
31 Dec 2012

n/a

n/a

Jun 2004 

8 yrs 7 mths

Aug 2005 

7 yrs 5 mths

Dec 2005 

7 yrs 1 mth

Jul 2011 

1 yr 6 mths

Jun 2011 

1 yr 7 mths

Dec 2007 

5 yrs 1 mth

1   Patrick Cescau was appointed as Non-Executive Chairman and Chairman of the 
Nomination Committee on 1 January 2013 following the retirement of David 
Webster on 31 December 2012.

2   The Chairman does not chair when the Committee is considering matters relating 

to his position. In these circumstances David Kappler, Senior Independent 
Director, usually acts as Chairman of the Committee.

Governance
The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the Company’s 
website www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate governance/
committees or from the Company Secretary’s office on request. 

The Committee was in place throughout 2012. All Committee 
members excluding the Chairman are independent as required 
under its terms of reference.

Responsibilities
The Committee’s key responsibilities are set out below:

• to review the structure, size and composition of the Board and 

its Committees;

specification setting out the particular skills, knowledge and experience 
required for this particular position. Accordingly, the Committee 
nominated Patrick Cescau for the position and he was subsequently 
appointed by the Board, with such appointment effective from  
1 January 2013. 

Succession planning
The Board plans for its own succession with the support of  
the Committee. Independent consultants are engaged for all  
Non-Executive Director appointment searches.

The Committee remains focussed, on behalf of the Board, on Board 
succession planning for both Executive and Non-Executive Directors. 
By way of example, since 2008 eight Directors have joined the Board 
and seven have left. During 2012 the Committee also considered a 
more detailed review of the talent pool within the business, looking  
to future succession planning for Executive Directors.

Diversity
The Board is committed to supporting women in reaching their 
full potential and we welcomed Lord Davies’ Report on ‘Women 
on Boards’ and fully support its recommendations. We have 
announced our aspiration to continue to retain a minimum of 25% 
female representation on the Board.

Whilst all appointments are made on merit, we seek to ensure the 
Board maintains an appropriate balance through a diverse mix  
of skills, experience, knowledge and background. Currently, the 
Board includes three women (27%) and four nationalities.

Key issues discussed in 2012 meetings
During 2012, the Committee considered, amongst others, the 
following matters: 

• search for a new Board Chairman using external consultants;

• candidates for a new Audit Committee Chairman;

• candidates for a Non-Executive Director;

• to evaluate the balance of skills, experience, independence, 

knowledge and diversity on the Board, taking into account the 
Group’s strategic priorities;

• annual review of the composition, skills, diversity, knowledge 

and experience of the Board;

• recommendations of Directors for re-election at the 2013  

• to make recommendations on suitable candidates for approval 

AGM; and

by the Board;

• to engage external consultants, as appropriate, to identify, 

review and recommend candidates for Board appointments 
and ensure that appointments are made on merit against 
objective criteria, including the ability to commit time and with 
due regard for the benefits of diversity, including gender; and

• to advise the Board on succession planning for Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors and the Executive Committee in light 
of the need for progressive refreshing of the Board and the 
skills and experience needed in the future.

2012 Board appointments
Following notification by David Webster of his intention to retire and  
step down as Chairman, external search agents were engaged. The 
search for a new Chairman was undertaken against a detailed job 

• review of performance appraisals for members of the Executive 

Committee and Executive Committee succession planning.

Key priorities for the Committee in 2013
During 2013, the Committee will continue to search for a new Audit 
Committee Chairman and Senior Independent Director and make 
recommendations to ensure the Board retains the appropriate level 
of skills, knowledge and experience whilst taking into account the 
recommendations of the Davies Report. 

Patrick Cescau 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee
18 February 2013

  58 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

Directors’ Remuneration Report

Dear Shareholder
2013 is a year of transition for directors’ remuneration reports. We 
have prepared this report before new final Government regulations 
on executive remuneration disclosure are issued. However, we have 
reflected as much as is practical of the direction and spirit of the 
draft regulations in both the content and structure of this report.

There is more information on areas such as how we recognise risk  
in our remuneration policy and our interactions with stakeholders, 
including data on previous shareholder votes. We have historically 
tried to make this report transparent and easy to read and in recent 
years already included, for example, the single figure for Executive 
Directors’ remuneration and a remuneration policy summary table.

Last year, I used this introduction to set out the key elements of this 
report. This year, there is an overview at the start of the report itself. 
However, I would like to highlight the following points in particular.

Executive Director remuneration at IHG has evolved during 2012:

• the measures under the Annual Bonus Plan (ABP) have been 

changed for Executive Directors in 2013. To distinguish it from  
the previous measures, we refer to it as the Annual Performance 
Plan (APP). Although not a radical change, the APP does align 
annual incentives more closely to the key elements of our 
strategic priorities of Brands, People and Delivery; and

• the 2010/12 Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), which will vest  
in 2013, is the last LTIP using the previous measures. The  
2011/13 LTIP, which vests in 2014, is the first LTIP including the  
new corporate performance measures of net rooms growth  
and RevPAR.

Remuneration for Executive Directors in 2012 reflects another year  
of strong results, as shown in the table below:

EBIT 

Adjusted EPS* 

TSR* 

2012 
+9.8% 

+21.7% 

+28.2% 

2011 
+25.9% 

+2.5% 

+29.8% 

2010
+22.3%

+9.6%

+8.0%

*  Annualised three-year changes.

Remuneration has reflected these results with an ABP award just 
above target for 2012 and a maximum vesting of the 2010/12 LTIP cycle.

Contents of Directors’ Remuneration Report

1.  The Remuneration Committee

2.  Policy: remuneration policy for 2013

  A –  Key remuneration principles

  B – Link with strategy

  C – Remuneration policy summary

  D – Fixed and variable pay mix

  E –  Salary and benefits

  F –  APP

  G – LTIP

  H – Pensions

 I –  Executive share options

J –  Clawback 

We continually keep all aspects of remuneration under review  
and listen to the views of shareholders, Government and other 
stakeholders. We believe our current approach to remuneration  
is responsible and appropriate as it:

• is structured to drive execution of our business strategy;

• aligns reward with the creation of shareholder value; 

• allows the Company to recruit and retain talent in a competitive 

global sector;

• incorporates measures and safeguards to ensure that high 

rewards only follow strong, balanced results; and

• incentivises the delivery of long-term, sustainable business 
growth and shareholder value, rather than the pursuit of 
unsustainable short-term results.

The targets for 2013 are stretching and will require a strong corporate 
performance to achieve similar levels of total remuneration.

Luke Mayhew

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
18 February 2013 

Directors’ Remuneration Report glossary of terms

ABP 

APP 

DB 

DC 

Annual Bonus Plan

Annual Performance Plan

Defined Benefit

Defined Contribution

DJGH index 

Dow Jones Global Hotels index

EBIT 

EPS 

ICETUS 

IC Plan 

LTIP 

OPR 

RevPAR 

TSR 

Earnings before interest and tax

Earnings per share

InterContinental Executive Top-up Scheme

InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan

Long Term Incentive Plan

Overall performance rating

Revenue per available room

Total Shareholder Return

3.  Implementation: outcomes for 2012

  A –  Single figure remuneration in 2012

  B – Executive shareholding requirement

  C – ABP

  D – LTIP

  E –  Pensions

4.  Other matters

  A – Share capital

  B – Performance graph

  C – Non-Executive Directors’ pay policy and structure

  D – Service contracts

5.  Audited information on Directors’ emoluments

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Nomination Committee Report and Directors’ Remuneration Report 

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Overview

Report	structure
In June 2012, the UK Government Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) published draft regulations setting out the proposed 
content of a new two-part Directors’ Remuneration Report to consist of: 
• a forward-looking remuneration	policy	report that sets out the parameters for directors’ pay, on which shareholders will have  

a binding vote; and 

• an	implementation	report that explains how the agreed policy has been implemented and the resulting payments, on which 

shareholders will have an advisory vote. 

Although the new regulations do not apply to IHG’s Directors’ Remuneration Report until 2013, we have reflected as much as is practical  
of the direction and spirit of the draft BIS regulations, including the proposed structure, addressing firstly remuneration policy for 2013,  
and then the 2012 outcomes.

IHG, and a number of other FTSE 100 companies, worked with the Financial Reporting Council’s Financial Reporting Lab in making 
recommendations on the composition of the single figure disclosure that will be required under the new regulations. 

This report has been prepared by the Remuneration Committee and has been approved by the Board. It complies with the Companies Act 2006 
and related regulations. It will be put to shareholders for approval at the 2013 Annual General Meeting (AGM). 

Summary	of	IHG’s	Executive	Director	remuneration	policy	for	2013

Fixed	remuneration

Variable	remuneration

Salary

Pension

Benefits

Annual	incentive	–	APP

Long-term	incentive	–	LTIP

50% cash and 50% shares deferred for three years

Linked to individual and company achievement using 
performance measures relating to:

– Brands;

– People; and

– Delivery.

Share awards vest after three years if performance 
conditions are met:

– 25% relative net rooms growth;

– 25% relative RevPAR growth; and

– 50% relative TSR v the DJGH index.

Minimum	shareholding	requirement

Approach	for	members	of	the	Executive	Committee
Members of the Executive Committee are rewarded on the same 
basis as the Executive Directors, participating in the same incentive 
plans and with a similar split between fixed and variable 
remuneration, and between cash and shares.

Key	executive	remuneration	principles
Executive remuneration should drive delivery of strategic objectives by:

• attracting and retaining high-quality executives in an 

environment where compensation is based on global market 
practice;

• aligning rewards for executives with the achievement of 

business performance targets, strategic objectives and returns 
to shareholders;

• supporting equitable treatment between members of the same 

senior executive team; and

• facilitating critical global assignments and relocations.

Factors	taken	into	account	in	determining	pay	
In making decisions in relation to 2012 pay, the Committee took  
into account:

• the achievement of corporate performance targets under the 

ABP and LTIP (see pages 71 and 72);

• an appropriate mix of fixed and variable pay, with an emphasis 
on driving performance through approximately two-thirds of 
total pay being variable (see page 66);

• pay and conditions elsewhere in the Group, including the 

average budgeted salary increase for the employee population 
in the table below; and

• the corporate performance indicators in the table below. 

Key	changes	in	2012
Changes to the annual incentive for senior executives, including the 
Executive Directors, were approved by the Committee for 2013, with 
the objective of more closely aligning reward to the delivery of our 
strategic objectives of Brands, People and Delivery. 

Corporate	performance	indicators
Operating	profit	before	exceptional	items

Full-year	dividend	(excluding	any	special	dividends	and	capital	returns)

Three-year	total	TSR	(annualised)

Three-year	adjusted	EPS	(annualised)

Budgeted	salary	increase	(US	and	UK	corporate	employees)

2012
+9.8%
$614m†

2011
+25.9%
$559mt

2010
+22.3% 
$444m

64	cents	
(41.2p)	per	share 

55 cents 
(34.5p) per share

48 cents 
(30.0p) per share

+28.2%

+21.7%

3.0%

+29.8%

+2.5%

3.0%

+8.0%

+9.6%

2.9%

†	Includes one significant liquidated damages receipt in 2012 of $3m in The Americas.
t	Includes two significant liquidated damages receipts in 2011; $10m in The Americas and $6m in Asia, Middle East and Africa. 

	 60	

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

1. The Remuneration Committee

Committee membership
The independent Non-Executive Directors who served on the 
Committee during 2012 were as follows:

Member 
Luke Mayhew 

Role 
Chairman 

Meetings attended 
6/6 

Date of appointment
1 July 2011

David Kappler 

Member 

Jonathan Linen 

Member 

Ying Yeh 

Member 

Total meetings held  

6/6 

6/6 

6/6 

6 

The following attended all meetings:

21 June 2004

1 December 2005

1 December 2007

David Webster (Chairman of the Board until 31 December 2012); 
Richard Solomons (Chief Executive); and Tracy Robbins (Executive 
Vice President, Human Resources and Group Operations Support).

Committee meetings were also attended by the following individuals 
who provided advice to the Committee on remuneration proposals:

Lori Gaytan (Senior Vice President, Americas Human Resources  
and Global Reward) – February, May and June meetings; and 
Jean-Pierre Noel (appointed Senior Vice President, Global Reward  
in April 2012) – from May meeting onwards.

None of these individuals is in attendance when his/her own 
remuneration is being discussed.

Governance
The Committee’s remit is set out in its terms of reference which  
are reviewed annually and were updated by the Board in  
December 2012. They are available on the Company’s website  
www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate governance/committees, 
or from the Company Secretary’s office on request. 

Responsibilities
The Committee agrees, on behalf of the Board, all aspects of  
the remuneration of the Executive Directors and the Executive 
Committee, and agrees the strategy, direction and policy for the 
remuneration of other senior executives who have a significant 
influence over the Company’s ability to meet its strategic objectives. 

Committee approach to managing risk
The approach to remuneration is to directly link it to IHG’s strategy. 
Risk management is a key part of IHG being a Responsible Business 
and the Committee considers risk mitigation as central to the way 
that incentive arrangements are structured, for example:

• the APP, ABP and LTIP are all structured so as to have a balance 
of measures that ensure senior executives are not incentivised to 
behave in a way that could adversely affect the sustainable growth 
of the Company and the long-term interests of its shareholders. 
For instance, in the new APP, the drive for short-term financial 
results is balanced by performance measures focussed on guest 
satisfaction and employee engagement;

• the Committee reserves the discretion to determine that payouts 

in the LTIP are adjusted if they are not consistent with the 
Committee’s assessment of earnings and the quality of the 
Company’s financial performance over the relevant performance 
period; and

• for awards under the Company’s incentive plans made  

from January 2012, clawback provisions may be used by the 
Committee in any situation of misconduct that causes significant 
damage or potential damage to IHG’s prospects, finances or 
brand reputation, and/or actions that lead to material  
misstatement or restatement of accounts. 

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Key issues discussed in 2012 meetings
In 2012, the Committee met six times. The most significant  
topic of discussion was the review of annual incentives and  
the new APP. The Committee discussed, amongst others, the 
following matters:

Date

Key issues discussed

9 February

•  Executive Committee performance and  

salary review;

• 2011 Directors’ Remuneration Report;

•  vesting of 2011 annual incentive plan and 2009/11 

long-term incentive plan; and

•  design of 2012 annual incentive plan and 2012/14 

long-term incentive plan.

3 May

•  Initial review of future annual incentive 

structure; and

• 2012 incentive measure projections.

27 June

•  Key design principles for annual incentive  

plan for 2013 onwards (APP); and

• 2012 incentive measure projections.

26 September •  Detailed structure of incentives for  

2013 onwards;

• 2012 incentive measure projections; and

•  IHG’s return of capital to shareholders – effect  

on incentive plans.

1 November

• Design of APP measures for 2013.

12 December • APP targets for 2013;

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•  update on the Committee Chairman’s meetings 

with shareholders;

•  executive remuneration market updates;

• 2012 incentive measure projections;

•  approach to 2012 Directors’ Remuneration 

Report; and

•  annual review of the Committee’s terms  

of reference.

Committee interaction with stakeholders
The Committee actively engages with shareholders on remuneration 
matters. Major shareholders were approached prior to the 2012 AGM 
and offered the opportunity to discuss any aspect of our approach  
to remuneration. In addition, in November 2012, the Chairman of the 
Committee approached major shareholders outlining the changes  
to annual incentive arrangements for 2013. Meetings were held with 
many of them, as well as shareholder representative organisations,  
at which details of the changes, best practice stemming from the 
proposed regulatory changes and reporting of executive remuneration 
were discussed. 

Votes in favour of our Directors’ Remuneration Report at previous AGMs:

2012 
2011  

% in favour
95.46%
96.24%

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Governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Remuneration advisers
Throughout 2012, the Committee retained PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as independent advisers. PwC also supported management  
in developing and implementing remuneration proposals and provided advice in relation to the review of annual incentive arrangements  
during 2012.

Adviser

Retained by

PwC

Remuneration 
Committee

Services provided to the 
Committee

Executive remuneration advice

Other services provided

Support in developing and implementing 
remuneration proposals;

advice on employer and employee tax compliance 
processes for expatriate employees;

advice on tax withholding obligations in relation to 
ABP and LTIP; and

other tax and consulting services.

Towers Watson

the Company

Data on executive and employee 
reward levels in the Group’s 
regional markets

None

Freshfields 
Bruckhaus Deringer 
LLP

the Company

None

Advice and information on tax and legal aspects of 
operating the LTIP and ABP, and other legal services 
to the Group.

Tapestry Compliance 
LLP

the Company

None

Advice and information on tax and legal aspects of 
operating the LTIP and ABP.

The terms of engagement for the advisers named above are available from the Company Secretary’s office on request.

PwC and Towers Watson are members of the Remuneration Consultants Group. Members of this group adhere to a voluntary Code of Conduct 
that sets out the role of executive remuneration consultants in the UK and the professional standards they have committed to adhere to when 
advising remuneration committees. 

  62 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

2. Policy: remuneration policy for 2013

A – Key remuneration principles
IHG’s executive remuneration principles are designed to drive the delivery of strategic objectives by:

• attracting and retaining high-quality executives in an environment where compensation is based on global market practice;

• aligning rewards for executives with the achievement of business performance targets, strategic objectives and returns to shareholders;

• supporting equitable treatment between members of the same executive team; and

• facilitating global assignments and relocations.

IHG’s remuneration structure for senior executives places a strong emphasis on performance-related reward. The Committee believes that  
it is important to reward management, including the Executive Directors, for targets achieved, provided those targets are stretching.

B – Link with strategy
Our strategy (summarised below) is the driver of our reward structure, and is further explained on pages 11 to 17 of this Annual Report.  
The current performance measures used in IHG’s incentive plans are aligned with our strategic priorities, which will enable us to achieve our 
Vision of becoming one of the great companies in the world by creating Great Hotels Guests Love.

Where we compete

Relevant consumer segments

Most attractive markets

Appropriate business model

How we win

Portfolio of preferred Brands
Talented People
Best-in-class Delivery
Responsible Business

Annual Performance Plan
Measures provide focus on key 
drivers of sustainable growth:

Heartbeat
Increases guest satisfaction as an  
indicator of the strength of our Brands

Engagement 
Increases the engagement of our 
People who bring our Brands to life

EBIT
Provides annual focus on earnings growth 
driven by core operating inputs, namely 
rooms growth, RevPAR, fee revenue  
and margins

Brands

People

Delivery

Responsible Business

Long Term Incentive Plan
Measures balance the quality of hotels 
with the speed at which we grow:

Relative net rooms growth
supports our business model, segment  
and market strategies to grow system size 
over three years

Relative RevPAR growth
Reflects the sustainable power of our Brands, 
scale and experience and engaged workforce

Focusses growth on quality rooms in  
key markets

Relative TSR
Provides alignment with shareholder returns

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Governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

C – Remuneration policy summary
The following table shows a summary of the individual elements of remuneration provided to the Executive Directors for 2013. 
The APP replaces the ABP for senior executives from 2013.

Reward element

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Salary  
(cash)

Recognises the market value of  
the role and the individual’s skill, performance 
and experience.

Reviewed annually and fixed for 12 months from 1 April.

Committee considers:

• business and individual performance; 

•  current remuneration against internal and external 

benchmarks; and

• average salary increases for the wider IHG workforce. 

When external benchmarking is used, the comparator groups 
are chosen having regard to:

•  size – market capitalisation, turnover, profits and the 

number of employees;

• diversity and complexity of the business;

• geographical spread of the business; and

• relevance to the hotel industry.

Determined annually on the  

factors set out to the left

None

Changes in year

Directors’ salaries 

increased between 

2.5%-3% in 2012

APP

(50% cash 
and 50%  
shares)

Drives and rewards annual performance 
against both financial and non-financial metrics.

Aligns individuals and teams with key strategic 
priorities of Brands, People and Delivery.

Aligns short-term annual performance with 
strategy to generate long-term returns  
to shareholders.

Takes into account personal performance  
of individuals.

Reviewed annually with targets set in line with strategic objectives.

Target = 115% of salary

20% Brands: year-on-year improvement in guest 

Regional as well as global targets are used when appropriate.

Maximum = 200% of salary

Payment is determined by the Committee, which has certain 
specified discretion over award levels, after the end of the year. 

satisfaction

engagement

10% People: year-on-year improvement in employee 

70% Delivery: EBIT v target 

All targets measured over one year

APP for senior 

executives from 2013

LTIP

(shares)

Drives and rewards delivery of sustained 
long-term performance on measures that 
are aligned with the interests of shareholders.

Annual awards over IHG shares, which vest after  
three years, subject to the achievement of corporate 
performance targets.

Reviewed annually with targets set in line with strategic 
objectives. Vesting is confirmed by the Committee after the 
end of the vesting period, with discretion to reduce vesting 
level if the quality of the underlying performance of the 
Company is not satisfactory.

Maximum for 2013/15 LTIP cycle = 

25% relative net rooms growth and 25% relative RevPAR 

None in 2012

205% of salary

growth (both measured v comparator group):

Will not exceed three times annual 

salary other than in exceptional 

circumstances

•  20% threshold vesting if equal to average growth of 

comparator group;

group; and

•  maximum vesting if ranked as 1st in the comparator 

Pension

Helps recruit and retain.

The following plans are operated:

UK DB Plan: 1/30th accrual rate

None

Rewards long-term individual performance.

•  for UK executives, the executive section of the 

InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan (the IC Plan), 
which has a defined benefit section (UK DB Plan) and  
a defined contribution section (UK DC Plan);

•  for UK executives, the InterContinental Executive Top-Up 

Scheme (ICETUS);

•  for US executives, a DC 401(k) Plan (US 401(k) Plan) and  

a DC Deferred Compensation Plan (US Deferred 
Compensation Plan); and

•  for non-UK and non-US executives, the InterContinental 
Hotels Group International Savings and Retirement Plan, 
and other local plans.

A cash allowance in lieu of pension benefits is offered for  
UK executives.

 UK DC Plan: 7.5% employee 

contribution with 30% matching 

Company contribution

US 401(k) Plan: 2%-75% employee 

contribution with 4% matching 

Company contribution

US Deferred Compensation Plan:  

up to 75% employee contribution 

with 2% matching Company 

contribution and 4%-20% additional 

Company contribution if certain 

conditions are met

  64 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

• straight-line vesting in between.

50% relative TSR (v DJGH index):

• 20% threshold vesting if equal to index;

•  maximum vesting if 8% or more per year ahead of index; and

•  straight-line vesting in between.

All targets measured over a three-year performance period

None in 2012 

UK DB Plan will close 

to future accrual for 

existing members with 

effect from 1 July 2013

 
Reward element

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

Performance metrics

Salary  

(cash)

the role and the individual’s skill, performance 

and experience.

Recognises the market value of  

Reviewed annually and fixed for 12 months from 1 April.

Determined annually on the  
factors set out to the left

None

Changes in year

Directors’ salaries 
increased between 
2.5%-3% in 2012

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Committee considers:

• business and individual performance; 

•  current remuneration against internal and external 

benchmarks; and

• average salary increases for the wider IHG workforce. 

When external benchmarking is used, the comparator groups 

are chosen having regard to:

•  size – market capitalisation, turnover, profits and the 

number of employees;

• diversity and complexity of the business;

• geographical spread of the business; and

• relevance to the hotel industry.

Payment is determined by the Committee, which has certain 

specified discretion over award levels, after the end of the year. 

APP

(50% cash 

and 50%  

shares)

against both financial and non-financial metrics.

Aligns individuals and teams with key strategic 

priorities of Brands, People and Delivery.

Aligns short-term annual performance with 

strategy to generate long-term returns  

to shareholders.

Takes into account personal performance  

of individuals.

LTIP

(shares)

Drives and rewards delivery of sustained 

Annual awards over IHG shares, which vest after  

long-term performance on measures that 

three years, subject to the achievement of corporate 

are aligned with the interests of shareholders.

performance targets.

Reviewed annually with targets set in line with strategic 

objectives. Vesting is confirmed by the Committee after the 

end of the vesting period, with discretion to reduce vesting 

level if the quality of the underlying performance of the 

Company is not satisfactory.

Drives and rewards annual performance 

Reviewed annually with targets set in line with strategic objectives.

Target = 115% of salary

Regional as well as global targets are used when appropriate.

Maximum = 200% of salary

20% Brands: year-on-year improvement in guest 
satisfaction

APP for senior 
executives from 2013

10% People: year-on-year improvement in employee 
engagement

70% Delivery: EBIT v target 

All targets measured over one year

Maximum for 2013/15 LTIP cycle = 
205% of salary

25% relative net rooms growth and 25% relative RevPAR 
growth (both measured v comparator group):

None in 2012

Will not exceed three times annual 
salary other than in exceptional 
circumstances

•  20% threshold vesting if equal to average growth of 

comparator group;

•  maximum vesting if ranked as 1st in the comparator 

group; and

• straight-line vesting in between.

50% relative TSR (v DJGH index):

• 20% threshold vesting if equal to index;

•  maximum vesting if 8% or more per year ahead of index; and

•  straight-line vesting in between.

All targets measured over a three-year performance period

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Helps recruit and retain.

The following plans are operated:

UK DB Plan: 1/30th accrual rate

None

Rewards long-term individual performance.

•  for UK executives, the executive section of the 

InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan (the IC Plan), 

which has a defined benefit section (UK DB Plan) and  

a defined contribution section (UK DC Plan);

•  for UK executives, the InterContinental Executive Top-Up 

Scheme (ICETUS);

•  for US executives, a DC 401(k) Plan (US 401(k) Plan) and  

a DC Deferred Compensation Plan (US Deferred 

Compensation Plan); and

•  for non-UK and non-US executives, the InterContinental 

Hotels Group International Savings and Retirement Plan, 

and other local plans.

A cash allowance in lieu of pension benefits is offered for  

UK executives.

 UK DC Plan: 7.5% employee 
contribution with 30% matching 
Company contribution

US 401(k) Plan: 2%-75% employee 
contribution with 4% matching 
Company contribution

US Deferred Compensation Plan:  
up to 75% employee contribution 
with 2% matching Company 
contribution and 4%-20% additional 
Company contribution if certain 
conditions are met

None in 2012 

UK DB Plan will close 
to future accrual for 
existing members with 
effect from 1 July 2013

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Governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

D – Fixed and variable pay mix
Individual reward elements for all Executive Directors and Executive Committee members are designed to provide the appropriate balance 
between fixed remuneration and variable ‘at risk’ reward, linked to both the performance of the Group and the achievements of the individual. 

The usual pay mix for Executive Directors is as follows at target and maximum levels:

Target 

Maximum

(cid:31) Salary 
(cid:31) LTIP 
(cid:31) APP 

(cid:31) Fixed: cash 

Variable: cash 

    and shares 

32%
32%
36%

32%

68%

(cid:31) Salary 
(cid:31) LTIP 
(cid:31) APP 

(cid:31) Fixed: cash 

Variable: cash 

    and shares 

20%
40%
40%

20%

80%

–  Target performance assumes APP award is at target (115% of salary) and LTIP award vests at 50% of potential maximum (102.5% of salary, measured at the time of grant).
–   Maximum performance assumes APP award is at maximum (200% of salary) and LTIP award vests at 100% of potential maximum (205% of salary, measured at the time  

of grant).

–  Benefits and pensions are excluded.

The Committee also reviews the balance of fixed and variable remuneration provided to the wider executive population, to ensure these are 
appropriate relative to the Executive Directors and to market practice. 

E – Salary and benefits
• Base salary is the only element of remuneration which is 

pensionable. 

• In addition to salary, benefits are provided to Executive Directors, 

who are all based in the UK or US, in accordance with local 
market practice. 

• The overall budget for salary increases for IHG corporate 

employees in the UK and US, and the overall increase in the 
Directors’ salaries for 2013 is shown below: 

Executive Director annual salaries for 2012 and 2013

Director 
Richard Solomons 
Kirk Kinsell* 
Tracy Robbins 
Tom Singer 

2013  
£ 
739,000 

424,300 
550,800 

2013  
$ 

2012  
£ 
721,000 

2012  
$

774,000 

755,400

412,000 
540,000 

*   Kirk Kinsell is paid in US dollars and his annual base salary for 2012 and 2013 is 
shown in US dollars above. The equivalent sterling values calculated using an 
exchange rate of $1=£0.63 are: 2012 – £476,562; and 2013 – £488,296.

UK corporate 
employees

US corporate 
employees

Executive
Directors

3.0%

3.0%

2.5%

  66 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F – Annual Performance Plan
During 2012, a review of the annual incentive arrangements for the Executive Directors was carried out. As a result of this review, the APP is 
being launched with effect from 2013. It will apply to the Executive Directors, the Executive Committee and other senior executives from 2013, 
and roll-out to the rest of our eligible corporate employees is planned for 2014.

The APP is being introduced in the context of the broader growth agenda and more closely aligns the annual incentive with our strategic 
priorities of Brands, People and Delivery. The APP will require the achievement of challenging goals in 2013 before the target award is payable.

The measures for 2013 are focussed on the following key  
strategic priorities:

• Brands: Guest satisfaction as measured by the Heartbeat  

score – year-on-year improvement;

• People: Employee engagement score – year-on-year  

improvement; and

• Delivery: EBIT achievement against target.

Performance
measures 

20% Brands

APP

10% People

Payment 
structure

50% shares 
(deferred for 
three years)

70% Delivery

50% cash

Why do we use these measures?

Brands: Heartbeat score

People: Employee engagement score

Delivery: EBIT v target

•  Heartbeat is an overall guest satisfaction 

•  We measure employee engagement 

score relating to hotel visits;

•  it is a robust measure of the strength of 

our brands; and

•  inclusion in the APP provides executive 
focus on this key performance metric at 
global and regional level. 

because our brands are, effectively, a 
promise kept by our People, as engaged 
colleagues, to deliver a great guest 
experience; and

•  a fully engaged employee agrees to  

five statements – pride, advocacy, job 
meaning, extra effort and happiness.

•  EBIT is a key measure of business 
performance for our shareholders;

•  it factors in other critical measures: net 
rooms growth, RevPAR, fee revenue and 
margins; and

• ensures affordability of the APP.

APP targets for 2013
• Achievement of target performance results in an award of 115% of salary and the maximum annual award an Executive Director can 

receive in any one year is 200% of salary. 

• A combination of global and regional targets will be used. Executive Directors with global roles will have global measures. Kirk Kinsell 

will have partly regional measures, reflecting his regional role as President, The Americas.

• Award levels relate to achievement v target under each of the measures, as shown below:

Heartbeat
20% of award

Employee engagement
10% of award

EBIT
70% of award

Total award
% of salary

Threshold
Achievement v target

50%

50%

90%

Award level

50% of target payment
11.5% of salary

50% of target payment
5.75% of salary

50% of target payment
40.25% of salary

57.5%

Target
Achievement v target

100%

100%

100%

Award level

100% of target payment
23% of salary

100% of target payment
11.5% of salary

100% of target payment
80.5% of salary

115%

Maximum
Achievement v target

200%

200%

110%

Award level

Maximum payment
40% of salary

Maximum payment
20% of salary

Maximum payment
140% of salary

200%

For less than Threshold achievement, no award is made.

Payment is determined on a straight-line basis between Threshold and Target, and Target and Maximum.

Threshold award is subject to a global EBIT affordability gate such that:

• if global EBIT is below 85% of target, no award is made; and

• if global EBIT is between 85% and 90% of target, half of any award relating to the Brands and/or People measures is made.

The Committee has the ability to exercise certain specified discretion over the level of awards made under the 2013 APP. 

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G – Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
The LTIP allows Executive Directors and other eligible executives to receive share awards, subject to the achievement of performance targets 
set by the Committee, measured over a three-year period. Awards are made annually and, other than in exceptional circumstances, will not 
exceed three times annual salary for Executive Directors. 

The performance measures for the 2013/15 cycle are:

• cumulative annual growth in net rooms;

• cumulative annual like-for-like RevPAR growth; and

• IHG’s TSR relative to the DJGH index.

Growth in net rooms and RevPAR are measured on a relative basis 
against the comparator group, comprising the following major 
globally branded competitors: Accor, Choice, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, 
Starwood and Wyndham. 

These performance measures are also used in the 2011/13 and 
2012/14 LTIP cycles, granted in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

For the 2010/12 LTIP cycle, the performance measures were TSR 
and EPS; details of structure and outcome are set out on page 72.

Performance
measures 

25% net rooms

LTIP

25% RevPAR

50% TSR

Payment
structure

100% 
shares

Why do we use these measures?

Net rooms growth

RevPAR growth

TSR

This measures the net growth in total 
number of IHG hotel rooms over the duration 
of the cycle relative to our major global 
competitors. Together with the RevPAR 
measure, it provides focus on ensuring a 
balance between the quality of IHG hotels 
and the speed at which IHG grows. 

This measures success in growing our rates 
for the rooms we have open for the duration 
of the cycle relative to the RevPAR growth of 
our major global competitors.

This measures the return to shareholders  
by investing in IHG relative to our 
competitors in the DJGH index. 

In order to generate higher returns for our shareholders, we need to increase revenue share, improve operating efficiency and grow margins 
through increasing the number of rooms we have available to sell, as well as generating more RevPAR for those rooms. By focussing on both  
net rooms growth and RevPAR growth, we are rewarding the balanced approach to growth that will support the long-term increase in 
shareholder value. 

Performance measure

Weighting

Threshold  
requirement

Threshold 
performance

Maximum  
requirement

Maximum 
performance

Net rooms growth v  
major competitors

RevPAR growth v  
major competitors

TSR growth v  
DJGH index

25%

25%

Equal to average growth  
of comparator group

Equal to average growth  
of comparator group

50%

Equal to index

20%

20%

20%

Ranked as 1st in the 
comparator group

Ranked as 1st in the 
comparator group

Outperform index by 8% or 
more per year (equivalent to 
26% over three years)

100%

100%

100%

For the 2013/15 LTIP cycle, the Committee resolved to grant maximum awards at 205% of base salary for the Executive Directors. Vesting  
for points between Threshold and Maximum will be calculated on a straight-line basis. 

In setting the TSR performance target, the Committee has taken into account a range of factors, including IHG’s strategic plans, historical 
performance of the industry and FTSE 100 market practice. 

After testing the performance targets set at grant, the Committee will review the vesting outcomes of the net rooms and RevPAR measures 
against an assessment of earnings and quality of Company financial performance over the period. The Committee may reduce the number  
of shares which vest if they determine such an adjustment is appropriate. IHG’s performance and vesting outcomes will be fully disclosed  
and explained in the relevant Directors’ Remuneration Report.

There is no re-testing of performance targets under the LTIP, and awards lapse if they are not met.

  68 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
H – Pensions 
IHG operates the following pension arrangements in which the Executive Directors participate:

• for UK executives, the executive section of the IC Plan, which has a DB section and a DC section (the UK DB Plan and the UK DC Plan 

respectively);

• for UK executives, ICETUS; this is an unfunded arrangement, but with appropriate security;

• for US executives, the DC US 401(k) Plan and the DC US Deferred Compensation Plan; and

• for executives outside the UK and US, the InterContinental Hotels Group International Savings and Retirement Plan, or other local plans.

As an alternative to the pension arrangements, a cash allowance may be taken in lieu by UK executives.

Following an extensive UK pension review and subsequent consultations with affected employees, it was announced on 29 September 2011 
that the UK DB Plan would close to future accrual for existing members with effect from 1 July 2013. The UK DB Plan is already closed to new 
entrants. A cap on pensionable salary increases of RPI plus 2.5% per annum became effective on 1 October 2011.

As part of the consultation with employees and the plan trustees about these changes, it was agreed that the Enhanced Early Retirement 
Facility (EERF) would be retained. This provides an option for plan members, with the Company’s agreement, to retire within five years of 
normal retirement age on accrued benefits without reduction. The level of plan funding provides for this facility. The Committee considered 
that the reduction in risk and expense achieved by the closing of the UK DB Plan justified the cost of retaining this facility for existing  
active members.

The Executive Directors participate as follows:

• Richard Solomons participates in the UK DB Plan and the ICETUS on the same basis as other senior UK-based executives;

• Tracy Robbins participated in the executive UK DC Plan on the same basis as other senior UK-based executives until March 2012; from 

April 2012 she received a cash allowance in lieu of pension benefits;

• Tom Singer does not participate in any pension plan and receives a cash allowance in lieu of pension benefits; and

• Kirk Kinsell participates in the DC US 401(k) Plan and the DC US Deferred Compensation Plan.

Further details on the Executive Directors’ pension arrangements are shown on pages 75 and 76.

I – Executive share options
From 2006, executive share options have not formed part of the Company’s remuneration structure. Details of prior share option grants are 
given on page 78.

J – Clawback in incentive plans
For awards made from January 2012, the ABP, APP and LTIP allow the Committee discretion to claw back unvested share awards in the 
following circumstances:

• misconduct that causes significant damage or potential damage to IHG’s prospects, finances or brand reputation; and/or

• actions that lead to material misstatement or restatement of accounts. 

This feature helps ensure alignment between executive rewards and shareholder returns.

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Governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

3.	Implementation:	outcomes	for	2012

A	–	Single	figure	remuneration	in	2012	–	actual	and	maximum

Value 
(£000)

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

max

actual

max

actual

max

actual

max

2010/12 LTIP 

actual

2012 ABP deferred shares

2012 ABP cash

2012 pension benefit

2012 benefits

2012 actual salary paid 

Richard Solomons

Kirk Kinsell

Tracy Robbins

Tom Singer

Single	Total	Figure	Table	(£000)

Director 

Richard Solomons 
Kirk Kinsell* 
Tracy Robbins 
Tom Singer 

2012 actual 
salary paid 

2012 
benefits 

716 
474 
409 
540 

48 
663 
23 
19 

2012 
pension 
benefit 

1,140 
110 
123 
162 

2012 
ABP 
cash 

494 
306 
300 
346 

2012 ABP 
deferred 
shares 

494 
306 
300 
346 

2010/12 
LTIP 

1,738 
1,287 
954 
1,194 

Total

4,630
3,146
2,109
2,607

*  Kirk Kinsell is paid in US dollars and the sterling values in the chart above have been calculated using an exchange rate of $1=£0.63.

Details of elements shown:

2012	actual	salary	paid	– salary for the year; for Kirk Kinsell this shows actual salary paid converted into sterling;

2012	ABP	cash – cash portion of ABP award for 2012 performance;

2012	ABP	deferred	shares – value of deferred share portion of ABP award for 2012 performance (based on share price of 1,707.0p as at  
31 December 2012); 

2010/12	LTIP – value of LTIP award due to vest on 20 February 2013 as a result of 2010 to 2012 performance (based on share price of 1,707.0p 
as at 31 December 2012);

2012	benefits – all taxable benefits arising from the individual’s employment in 2012; this includes the provision of a fully-expensed company 
car, private healthcare, financial counselling and other benefits. For Kirk Kinsell, this includes the cost of expatriate benefits related to his 
international assignment prior to taking up his Board appointment as President, The Americas, on 13 June 2011;

2012	pension	benefit – for Richard Solomons, the increase in pension value during 2012; for other Executive Directors, the value of  
Company contributions to pension plans or any cash allowances paid in lieu of pension contributions. The pension benefit accruing to  
Richard Solomons in 2012 arose principally from his salary review when appointed Chief Executive in July 2011.

2009	ABP	deferred	shares – there was no vesting of ABP deferred shares relating to 2009 as no annual incentive was paid in respect  
of financial year 2009.

All figures are calculated in accordance with our understanding of the requirements of the draft BIS regulations on disclosure  
of executive pay.

.

	 70	

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
B – Executive shareholding requirement
The Committee believes that share ownership by Executive Directors and senior executives strengthens the link between the individuals’ 
personal interests and those of the shareholders.

Executive Directors are expected to hold all shares earned (net of any share sales required to meet personal tax liabilities) until the guideline 
shareholding requirement is achieved. 

The table below excludes share options held by Richard Solomons, details of which can be found on page 78.

Shares held by Executive Directors 

Richard 
Solomons 

Kirk 
Kinsell 

Tracy 
Robbins

Tom
Singer  

200

400

600

800 1,000 1,200 1,400

1,600

0
%

  Shares held outright 

  Total shares and awards4 

  Guideline shareholding requirement

Director 

Guideline 
   shareholding as 

Shares held 
outright as 
% of salary  % of salary1 

ABP deferred 
share 
awards as 
% of salary2 

LTIP share 
Total shares 
awards as  and awards as 
% of salary4
% of salary3 

Richard Solomons 
Kirk Kinsell 
Tracy Robbins 
Tom Singer5 

300 
200 
200 
200 

763 
557 
355 
66 

153 
180 
167 
0 

693 
776 
706 
715 

1,609
1,513
1,228
781

Percentages are based on share price of 1,707.0p per share as at 31 December 2012.

1  Shares held outright by each Executive Director with no restrictions.
2  ABP deferred share awards subject to risk of forfeiture if employment ceases.
3  LTIP share awards subject to achievement of corporate performance targets.
4  Includes shares held outright, ABP deferred shares and LTIP share awards.
5  Tom Singer joined in 2011 and did not qualify for the 2011 ABP deferred share award.

C – Annual Bonus Plan(ABP)
Structure
In 2012, Executive Directors participated in the ABP, which will be 
replaced from 2013 by the APP, details of which can be found on  
page 67.

The structure of the ABP is as follows:

ABP
2012

Performance
measures 

70% 
EBIT

30% 
individual

Payment 
structure 

50% shares 
(deferred for 
three years)

50% 
cash

The measures for 2012 were:

• Global EBIT achievement against target for 2012:

  – threshold payout: 90% of target performance;

  – maximum payout: 110% of target performance; and

  – straight-line vesting in between.

• OPR – based on achievement of specific individual objectives 

linked directly to strategic priorities, and an assessment against 
leadership competencies and behaviours. The objectives and 
OPRs are reviewed and agreed by the Committee.

2012 target and maximum payments

Measure 

Financial 
Individual 
Total for 2012 

Key performance 
indicator 

EBIT (70%) 
OPR (30%) 

Award as % of salary

Target 

80.5 
34.5 
115 

Maximum

161
69
200*

* Combined EBIT and OPR payout subject to a maximum of 200% of base salary.

Outcome for 2012 
2012 EBIT achieved was 101.7% of target for the year. Based on this 
performance, the following table shows the level of 2012 awards. 
50% was paid in cash and 50% in deferred shares that will vest after 
three years. 

Director 
Richard Solomons 
Kirk Kinsell 
Tracy Robbins 
Tom Singer 

EBIT % 
 award 
93.8  
93.8 
93.8 
93.8 

OPR % 
award 
43.1 
34.5 
51.8 
34.5 

Total award as 
% of salary
136.9
128.3
145.6
128.3

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Governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

D – Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
Structure and outcome for 2012
The award for the 2010/12 cycle had corporate performance measures based on relative TSR and EPS. The measures and outcomes are  
as follows: 

Performance 
measure

Threshold 
performance

Maximum 
performance

Threshold/
maximum 
vesting

Weighting  Maximum 

Outcome

award –  
% of salary

2010/12 cycle 

TSR

EPS

Total vesting 
outcome

Growth equal to 
the DJGH index

Growth exceeds the 
index by 8% per year  
or more

Growth of 5%  
per year

Growth of 15% per  
year or more

20%/100%

50%

102.5%

Growth exceeded index by 15% 
per year

20%/100%

50%

102.5%

Growth of 21.7% per year 

100% of maximum award

Current position on other outstanding awards
From 2011, the performance measures for the LTIP were changed. Details of the performance measures and potential vesting outcomes for 
outstanding awards as at 31 December 2012 are as follows:

Performance 
measure

Threshold 
performance

Maximum  
performance

Threshold/ 
Maximum 
vesting

Weighting  Maximum 

Potential vesting outcomes

award –  
% of salary

2011/13 cycle 

Net rooms 
growth

Average of the 
comparator group

1st in the comparator 
group

20%/100%

25%

51.25%

Improved performance needed 
to achieve Threshold vesting

RevPAR 
growth

Average of the 
comparator group

1st in the comparator 
group

20%/100%

25%

51.25%

TSR

Growth equal to 
the DJGH index

Growth exceeds the 
index by 8% per year  
or more

2012/14 cycle

20%/100%

50%

102.5%

Net rooms 
growth

Average of the 
comparator group

1st in the comparator 
group

20%/100%

25%

51.25%

RevPAR 
growth

Average of the 
comparator group

1st in the comparator 
group

20%/100%

25%

51.25%

TSR

Growth equal to 
the DJGH index

Growth exceeds the 
index by 8% per year  
or more

20%/100%

50%

102.5%

Between Threshold and 
Maximum vesting if current 
performance maintained

Maximum vesting if current 
performance maintained

Between Threshold and 
Maximum vesting if current 
performance maintained

Between Threshold and 
Maximum vesting if current 
performance maintained

Maximum vesting if current 
performance maintained

E – Pensions
The value of Richard Solomons’ DB pension arrangement as at 
31 December 2012 is set out to the right. Details of this plan are 
included above under Section 2.H – Pensions.

Richard Solomons is eligible for the EERF, which is available to  
all members of the plan. This facility enables members to retire 
without reduction in their pension if they are within five years of 
normal retirement age. Although the EERF is non-contractual, its 
continuation formed part of the agreement with trustees on closure 
of the UK DB Plan. The EERF terms require an executive to obtain the 
consent of the Company; the consent is discretionary but should not 
be unreasonably refused.

Accrued value of annual 
pension if retired  
31 December 2012

Accrued value of annual pension  
at 31 December 2012, assuming 
retirement at normal retirement  
age (9 October 2021)

£245,180, of which:

£377,200, of which:

• £46,770 is funded 
• £198,410 is unfunded

• £71,950 is funded 
• £305,250 is unfunded

The increase in the accrued value of the pension in 2012 arises 
principally from Richard Solomons’ salary review when appointed  
Chief Executive in July 2011.

  72 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

4. Other matters

A – Share capital
Return of share capital
Background 
In October 2012, the Company paid a special dividend to its shareholders. This was accompanied by a share consolidation in order to maintain 
comparability (as far as possible) of the share price before and after the payment of the special dividend. In addition, the Company commenced 
a share buyback programme in November 2012.

Implications for outstanding LTIP awards
LTIP award holders were not entitled to receive the special dividend. The effect of the share consolidation was broadly to preserve the value  
of their awards (subject to normal market fluctuations), so no adjustment was necessary to the number of shares to which awards related. 

With regard to the LTIP performance targets, consideration was given by the Committee as to whether awards needed to be adjusted  
in relation to the EPS measure for the 2010/12 LTIP cycle, so that it remained economically equivalent to the target before the share 
consolidation took place. It was concluded that the maximum award target would have been exceeded by a significant margin even taking  
such adjustment into account and therefore no adjustment to the performance targets was required.

No adjustment was required to the TSR targets under the 2010/12, 2011/13 and 2012/14 LTIP cycles because the special dividend and share 
consolidation did not result in IHG’s TSR being impacted (excluding any market fluctuations). 

No adjustment was required to the net rooms or RevPAR targets as these did not relate to the share capital of the Company.

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ABP award holders, other than Executive Directors and Executive Committee members, hold conditional awards and are not eligible to receive 
dividends on their awards prior to vesting. They were similarly not entitled to receive the special dividend. The effect of the share consolidation 
was broadly to preserve the value of their awards (subject to normal market fluctuations), so no adjustment was necessary to the number of 
shares to which the awards related.

Executive Committee members hold forfeitable shares, rather than conditional awards (subject to one exception). Accordingly, they received 
the special dividend and their share awards were subject to the share consolidation. 

Kirk Kinsell holds one forfeitable share award and one conditional share award (upon which dividend equivalents are paid in order to ensure 
economic parity with the rest of the Executive Committee). In order to achieve equality of treatment for Kirk Kinsell, his conditional award was 
adjusted to place him in the same position as if he had held a forfeitable award, and therefore he received the special dividend and his share 
award was subject to the share consolidation, in the same way as other Executive Committee members.

Implications for outstanding executive share options
IHG Executive Share Option Plan share option holders were not entitled to receive the special dividend. The effect of the share consolidation 
was broadly to preserve the value of their awards (subject to normal market fluctuations), so no adjustment was made to the number of shares 
to which the options related.

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Share buyback programme
In relation to the share buyback programme, the effect on LTIP awards, ABP deferred shares and share options will be to broadly preserve  
the value of those awards. No adjustments are required to LTIP performance targets for the same reasons as stated above.

Use of share capital in incentive plans
No awards or grants over shares were made during 2012 that would be dilutive of the Company’s ordinary share capital. Current policy is to 
settle the majority of awards or grants under the Company’s share plans with shares purchased in the market. A number of options granted  
up to 2005 are yet to be exercised and will be settled with the issue of new shares.

B – Performance graph
Throughout 2012, the Company was a member of the FTSE 100 index and, for remuneration purposes, used a TSR comparator group of the  
DJGH index. Accordingly, the Committee has determined that these are the most appropriate market indices against which to test the Company’s 
performance. The graph below shows the TSR performance of IHG from 31 December 2007 to 31 December 2012, assuming dividends are 
reinvested, compared with the TSR performance achieved by the FTSE 100 index and the DJGH index. All indices are shown in sterling. Over the 
five-year period, IHG’s TSR performance has increased by 139%. Over the last three years, it has significantly outperformed the FTSE 100 index 
and the DJGH index.

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TSR: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC v FTSE 100 and Dow Jones Global Hotels indices

250

200

150

100

50

InterContinental Hotels
Group PLC

DJGH index
FTSE 100 index

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Directors’ Remuneration Report 

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Governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

C – Non-Executive Directors’ pay policy and structure
Determination of fee levels
Non-Executive Directors are paid a fee which is agreed by the Executive Directors and the Chairman of the Board, taking into account fees paid 
in other companies of a similar complexity. These fees also reflect the time commitment and responsibilities of the roles. Accordingly, higher 
fees are payable to the Senior Independent Director who chairs the Audit Committee and to the Chairmen of the Remuneration and Corporate 
Responsibility Committees, reflecting the additional responsibilities of these roles. The Chairman’s fees are agreed by the Committee.

Non-Executive Directors’ fee levels are reviewed annually. In the final quarter of 2012 an increase of approximately 3% for the Non-Executive 
Directors was agreed from 1 January 2013. This increase is broadly in line with anticipated salary increases for executive and senior 
management employees across the wider organisation.

Annual fee rates for 2012 and 2013 

Non-Executive Directors 

Role 

David Webster1 
Patrick Cescau2 
David Kappler 
Luke Mayhew 
Jennifer Laing 
Others 

Chairman of the Board 
Chairman of the Board 
Senior Independent Director and Chairman of Audit Committee 
Chairman of Remuneration Committee   
Chairman of Corporate Responsibility Committee  
Non-Executive Director 

1 David Webster retired as Chairman on 31 December 2012.
2 Patrick Cescau was appointed Chairman on 1 January 2013.

1 Jan 2013 
£ £

–  
400,000 
108,500 
91,000 
80,000 
68,500 

1 Jan 2012 

406,000

105,060
88,230
77,520
66,300

D – Service contracts
Notice periods
• The Committee’s policy is for all Executive Directors to have rolling contracts with a notice period of 12 months. 

• All Executive Directors have service contracts with a notice period of 12 months. All new appointments will have 12-month notice periods, 
unless, on an exceptional basis to complete an external recruitment successfully, a longer initial notice period reducing to 12 months is 
used, in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Termination
• No provisions for compensation for termination following change of control, nor for liquidated damages of any kind upon termination in 

any circumstances, are included in the current Directors’ contracts. 

• There are no provisions in Executive Directors’ contracts for making a payment in lieu of notice. Instead the parties will rely on common 
law to assess what, if any, damages may be payable for any loss resulting from termination in breach of contract (subject to the duty to 
mitigate any loss).

• In the event of any early termination of an Executive Director’s contract, the policy is to seek to minimise any liability.

Non-executive directorships of other companies
• The Company recognises that its Executive Directors may be invited to become non-executive directors of other companies and that such 

duties can broaden experience and knowledge, and benefit the Company. 

• Therefore, Executive Directors are permitted to accept one non-executive appointment (in addition to any positions where the Director is 
appointed as the Group’s representative), subject to Board approval, as long as this is not, in the reasonable opinion of the Board, likely to 
lead to a conflict of interest. Executive Directors would generally be authorised to retain the fees received. 

• Current Executive Directors do not hold any non-executive directorships of any other company. 

Non-Executive Director appointments
• Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment. 

• Patrick Cescau’s appointment as Non-Executive Chairman, effective from 1 January 2013, is subject to 12 months’ notice.

Details of current Directors’ contracts

Executive Directors 

Date of original appointment* 

Notice period

Non-Executive Directors 

Date of original appointment* 

Richard Solomons 
Kirk Kinsell 
Tracy Robbins 
Tom Singer 

10 February 2003 
1 August 2010 
9 August 2011 
26 September 2011 

 12 months
 12 months
 12 months
 12 months

Patrick Cescau  
David Kappler  
Jennifer Laing 
Jonathan Linen 
Luke Mayhew 
Dale Morrison 
Ying Yeh 

1 January 2013 
21 June 2004 
25 August 2005 
1 December 2005 
1 July 2011 
1 June 2011 
1 December 2007 

Notice period

 12 months
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

*   The capital reorganisation of the Group, effective on 27 June 2005, entailed the insertion of a new parent company of the Group. All Directors serving at that time signed new 
letters of appointment effective from that date. The dates shown above represent the original dates of appointment of each of the Directors to the Group’s Parent Company.

All Directors’ appointments and subsequent re-appointments are subject to election and annual re-election by shareholders at the AGM. 

Biographies of each of the Directors and their main responsibilities can be found on pages 46 and 47.

  74 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
       
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
       
 
5. Audited information on Directors’ emoluments

From this point forward the information, which is provided in accordance with statutory and/or regulatory requirements, has been audited by 
Ernst & Young LLP.

Directors’ remuneration in 2012
The following table sets out the remuneration paid or payable to the Directors in respect of the year to 31 December 2012:

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Base salaries and fees 

Performance 
payments1 

Benefits2 

Executive Directors 
Richard Solomons3 
Kirk Kinsell4 
Tracy Robbins5 
Tom Singer6 
Non-Executive Directors
David Webster7 
Graham Allan8 
David Kappler 
Jennifer Laing 
Jonathan Linen 
Luke Mayhew9 
Dale Morrison10 
Ying Yeh 
Former Directors11 
Total 

2012 
£000 

716 
474 
409 
540 

406 
31 
105 
78 
66 
88 
66 
66 
– 
3,045 

2011 
£000 

616 
449 
159 
142 

406 
65 
103 
76 
65 
43 
38 
65 
674 
2,901 

2012 
£000 

494 
306 
300 
826 –

– –
– –
– –
– –
– –
– –
– –
– –
– 
1,926 

2011 
£000 

512 
360 
145 

 –
 2
 3

 2

2012 
£000 

48 
663 
141 
181 

12 1
 1
 2
 –

64 

 –

16 
11 6

2011 
£000 

20 
334 
39 
46 

53 

13 

756 1

1,773 

1,144 

43 1
558 

6,115 

Total emoluments  
excluding pensions

2012 
£000 

2011 
£000

1,258 
1,443 
850 
1,547 

418 
31 
107 
81 
130 
90 
82 
77 

1,148
1,143
343
188

407
66
105
76
118
43
51
71
1,473
5,232

1   Performance payments comprise cash payments in respect of participation in the 
ABP but exclude bonus payments in deferred shares, details of which are set out 
in the ABP table on page 76. Tom Singer’s performance payment includes a cash 
payment of £480,000 which he received in March 2012 to compensate him for 
incentives from his previous employer that he had to forgo.

2   Benefits for Executive Directors incorporate all tax assessable benefits arising 
from the individual’s employment. This includes, but is not limited to, benefits  
such as the provision of a fully expensed company car, private healthcare,  
financial counselling and other benefits as applicable to the individual’s work 
location. Benefits for Non-Executive Directors include, but are not limited to,  
travel and accommodation expenses relating to attendance at Board and 
Committee meetings.

3   Richard Solomons was promoted to Chief Executive on 1 July 2011. 

4   Kirk Kinsell received base salary of $750,800 which equates to the figure in the 

above table, using an exchange rate of $1=£0.63. Benefits incorporate the cost of 
expatriate benefits related to his international assignment prior to taking up his 
Board appointment as President, The Americas, on 13 June 2011.

5   Tracy Robbins was appointed as a Director on 9 August 2011. Her benefits include 

receipt of a cash allowance in lieu of pension contributions of £117,700.

6   Tom Singer was appointed as a Director on 26 September 2011. His benefits 

include receipt of a cash allowance in lieu of pension contributions of £162,000.

7  David Webster retired as Chairman of the Board on 31 December 2012.

8  Graham Allan resigned as a Director on 15 June 2012.

9  Luke Mayhew was appointed as a Director on 1 July 2011.

10 Dale Morrison was appointed as a Director on 1 June 2011.

11  2011 amounts relate to Andrew Cosslett, James Abrahamson and Ralph Kugler, 

all of whom ceased to be Directors in 2011. Sir Ian Prosser retired as a Director on  
31 December 2003. However, he had an ongoing healthcare benefit of £1,326 
during 2012.

Directors’ pension benefits
The following information relates to the pension arrangements 
provided for Richard Solomons under the executive UK DB Plan and 
the unfunded ICETUS. The executive UK DB Plan is a funded, 
registered, final salary, occupational pension scheme. The main 
features applicable are:

• a normal pension age of 60;

• pension accrual of 1⁄30th of final pensionable salary for each year 

of pensionable service;

• life assurance cover of four times pensionable salary; 

• pensions payable in the event of ill health; and 

• spouses’, partners’ and dependants’ pensions on death.

When benefits would otherwise exceed a member’s lifetime or 
annual allowance under the post-April 2012 pensions regime, these 
benefits are limited in the IC Plan, but the balance is provided instead 
by ICETUS.

The UK DB Plan will close to future accruals by existing members 
with effect from 1 July 2013. ICETUS will also close to future accruals 
with effect from 1 July 2013.

The following table sets out Richard Solomons’ pension benefits 
under the UK DB plan:

Director’s contributions in the year1 
Transfer value of accrued benefits at 1 January 2012 
Transfer value of accrued benefits at  
31 December 2012 
Increase in transfer value over the year, less Director’s 
contributions2 
Absolute increase in accrued pension3 per annum 
Increase in accrued pension4 per annum 
Accrued pension at 31 December 20125 per annum 
Age at 31 December 2012 

£

35,000
6,999,800

8,272,500

1,237,700
72,900
63,500
377,200
51

1   Contributions paid in 2012 by Richard Solomons under the terms of the plans  

were 5% of full pensionable salary.

2   The increase in the transfer value of accrued benefits for Richard Solomons  
arises principally from the increase in salary resulting from his appointment  
as Chief Executive in July 2011.

3  The absolute increase in accrued pension during 2012.
4  The increase in accrued pension during 2012, excluding any increase for inflation.
5   Accrued pension is that which would be paid annually on retirement at 60, based 

on service to 31 December 2012.

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Governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Tracy Robbins participated in the executive UK DC Plan until March 
2012. This is a funded, registered, defined contribution, occupational 
pension scheme. The main features applicable are:

• a normal pension age of 60;

• employee contributions of 7.5% of salary and company matching 
contributions of 30% of salary (subject to the Annual Allowance, 
with any excess over the Annual Allowance as a cash allowance  
in lieu of pension benefits);

• life assurance cover of four times pensionable salary; and

• lump sum contributions payable in the event of ill health.

From April 2012, as a result of the reduction in the Lifetime Allowance, 
contributions (including potential contributions payable in the event  
of ill health) ceased and the full value of the company matching 
contributions was paid as a cash allowance; life assurance cover  
of four times pensionable salary continued to be provided.

Employer contributions to the UK DC Plan made for Tracy Robbins 
amounted to £5,000. In addition, Tracy Robbins received a cash 
allowance in lieu of pension contributions of £117,700.

Tom Singer does not participate in any pension plan and therefore 
received a cash allowance in lieu of pension contributions of 
£162,000; life assurance cover of four times pensionable salary  
was also provided.

Kirk Kinsell has retirement benefits provided via the US 401(k) Plan 
for employees of Six Continents Hotels, Inc. and the US Deferred 
Compensation Plan (DCP). The US 401(k) Plan is a tax qualified plan 
providing benefits on a defined contribution basis, with the member 
and the relevant company both contributing. The US Deferred 
Compensation Plan is a non-tax qualified plan, providing benefits  
on a defined contribution basis, with the member and the relevant 
company both contributing.

Contributions made by, and in respect of, Kirk Kinsell in the US  
plans are*:

 £

Director’s contributions to DCP in 2012 
Director’s contributions to US 401(k) in 2012 
Company contribution to DCP in 2012 
Company contribution to US 401(k) in 2012 
Age at 31 December 2012 

191,498
14,195
103,620
6,309
57

*  Sterling values have been calculated using an exchange rate of $1=£0.63.

ABP deferred share awards
Directors’ pre-tax share interests during the year were as set out below:

Financial 
year on  
which  
performance  
is based  

ABP 
awards 
held at  
for award1  1 Jan 2012  

ABP 
awards 
during 
the year 

Market 
price per 
share at 
 award  

Award 
date 

ABP 
shares 
vested 
during 
the year 

Market 
price per 
share at 
vesting 

Vesting 
date 

Directors 

ABP 

Value at 
vesting 

awards   Planned 
held at 
£  31 Dec 20122 

  Value based 
on share 
price of 
1,707.0p at 
vesting  31 Dec 2012
£

date 

Richard Solomons 

Total 

Kirk Kinsell 

Total 

Tracy Robbins 

Total 

Tom Singer3 

Total 

2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 

2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 

2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 

2010 
2011 

66,549 
– 
32,295 

98,844 

41,427 
– 
27,375 

68,802 

33,132 
– 
20,377 

53,509 

– 

– 

  23.2.09 

472.6p 

66,549 

23.2.12  1,412.7p  940,138 

21.2.11  1,417.0p 
20.2.12  1,391.0p 

36,838 
36,838 

  23.2.09 

472.6p 

41,427 

23.2.12  1,412.7p  585,239 

21.2.11  1,417.0p 
20.2.12  1,391.0p 

26,360 
26,360 

  23.2.09 

472.6p 

33,132 

23.2.12  1,412.7p  468,056 

21.2.11  1,417.0p 
20.2.12  1,391.0p 

22,889 
22,889 

– 
– 

30,142  21.2.14 
34,382  20.2.15 
64,524 

514,524
586,901
  1,101,425

25,550  21.2.14 
24,602  20.2.15 
50,152 

436,139
419,956
  856,095

19,018  21.2.14  324,637
21,363  20.2.15  364,666
  689,303
40,381 

– 

–

1   For financial year 2008, the award was based on Group EBIT, net annual rooms additions and individual performance measures. For financial year 2009, no annual incentive 

award was paid. For financial year 2010, the award was based on Group EBIT and individual performance measures. For financial year 2011, the award was based on  
Group EBIT and individual performance measures. 

2   InterContinental Hotels Group PLC 1329/47p ordinary shares were subject to a share consolidation effective from 9 October 2012. For every 15 existing ordinary shares  
held at 6.00pm on 8 October 2012, shareholders received 14 new ordinary shares of 14194/329p each and a special dividend of 108.4p ($1.72) per existing ordinary share.  
As a consequence, ABP awards held at 31 December 2012 have been reduced accordingly.

3   Tom Singer joined the Company and was appointed a Director on 26 September 2011 and did not participate in the 2011 ABP.

All Executive Directors participated in the ABP during the year ended 31 December 2012.

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Value 
based 
on share 
price of 
Planned  1,707.0p at 
vesting  31 Dec 2012 
£

date 

– 

–

Special share award
Details of a special share award which vested during the year ended 31 December 2012 is set out below:

Director 

Tom Singer* 
Total 

Award 
held at 
1 Jan 2012 

46,635 
46,635 

Awards 
during 
the year 

Award 
date 

Market 
price per 
share at 
 award  

Shares 
vested 
during 
the year 

Market 
price per 
share at 
vesting 

Vesting 
date 

Value at 
vesting 

Awards  
held at 
£  31 Dec 2012 

  27.9.11  1,055.0p 

46,635  26.9.12  1,630.0p  760,151 

*   As part of his recruitment terms, Tom Singer received a special share award to compensate for incentives forgone from his previous employer, which vested one year from 

his appointment as a Director.

LTIP awards
The awards made in respect of cycles ending on 31 December 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and the maximum pre-tax number of ordinary shares 
due if performance targets are achieved in full are set out in the table below. In respect of the cycle ending 31 December 2011, 73.9% of the 
award vested on 15 February 2012. In respect of the cycle ending on 31 December 2012, the Company outperformed the DJGH index in TSR  
by 15 percentage points and achieved 21.7% per annum adjusted EPS growth. Accordingly, 100% of the award will vest on 20 February 2013.

End of year 

  performance 
is based 
for award 

to which  Maximum 
LTIP  
awards 
held at 
(31 Dec)1  1 Jan 2012 

  Maximum 
LTIP 
shares 
awarded 
during 
the year 

Directors 

Richard Solomons  

Total 
Kirk Kinsell 

Total 
Tracy Robbins 

Total 
Tom Singer 

Total 

Former Directors
Andrew Cosslett3   

Total 

173,096 
101,818 
87,234 

2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 

103,722 
  362,148  103,722 

68,463 
68,463 

59,270 
59,270 

77,684 
77,684 

132,256 
75,411 
72,872 

2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 

  280,539 
92,657 
55,873 
55,248 

2011 
2012 
2013 
2014 

  203,778 
69,952 
78,696 

2012 
2013 
2014 

  148,648 

2011 
2012 
2013 

226,834 
80,403 
22,906 
  330,143 

LTIP 
shares 
vested 
during 
the year2  

Market 
price per 
share at 
vesting 

Value at 
vesting 
£ 

127,917  1,387.5p  1,774,848 

97,737  1,387.5p  1,356,101 

68,473  1,387.5p 

950,063 

Market 
price per 
share at 
award 

Award 
date 

3.4.09 
604.0p 
8.4.10  1,053.0p 
8.4.11  1,269.0p 
5.4.12  1,425.0p 

3.4.09 
604.0p 
8.4.10  1,053.0p 
8.4.11  1,269.0p 
5.4.12  1,425.0p 

3.4.09 
604.0p 
8.4.10  1,053.0p 
8.4.11  1,269.0p 
5.4.12  1,425.0p 

27.9.11  1,055.0p 
27.9.11  1,055.0p 
5.4.12  1,425.0p 

  Maximum 
value 
based 
on share 
  Maximum 
price of 
LTIP 
awards 
1,707.0p at 
held at  31 Dec 2012 
£

date  31 Dec 2012 

Vesting 

15.2.12 
20.2.13 
19.2.14 
18.2.15 

101,818  1,738,033
87,234  1,489,084
103,722  1,770,535
  292,774  4,997,652

15.2.12 
20.2.13 
19.2.14 
18.2.15 

75,411  1,287,266
72,872  1,243,925
68,463  1,168,663
  216,746  3,699,854

15.2.12 
20.2.13 
19.2.14 
18.2.15 

20.2.13 
19.2.14 
18.2.15 

953,752
55,873 
55,248 
943,083
59,270  1,011,739
  170,391  2,908,574
69,952  1,194,081
78,696  1,343,341
77,684  1,326,066
  226,332  3,863,488

167,630  1,387.5p  2,325,866 

3.4.09 
604.0p 
8.4.10  1,053.0p 
8.4.11  1,269.0p 

– 

15.2.12 
20.2.13 
19.2.14 

80,403  1,372,479
391,005
22,906 
  103,309  1,763,484

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1   All details of performance targets in relation to the awards made in respect of cycles ending on 31 December 2012, 2013 and 2014 are provided on page 72.
2   This award was based on performance to 31 December 2011 where the performance measure related to both the Company’s TSR relative to the index and the cumulative 
annual growth rate (CAGR) in adjusted EPS over the performance period. The Company outperformed the index in TSR by 7.9 percentage points and achieved 2.5% per 
annum adjusted EPS growth. Accordingly, 73.9% of the award vested on 15 February 2012.

3   Andrew Cosslett retired as Chief Executive on 30 June 2011. Shares awarded to him in respect of cycles ending on 31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013 were pro-rated to reflect 

his contractual service during the applicable performance periods.

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Governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report continued

Share options
Between 2003 and 2005, grants of options were made under the IHG Executive Share Option Plan. No price was paid for the grant of these 
options. The performance conditions that applied to these options were satisfied when they became exercisable. No executive share options 
have been granted since 2005.

Directors 

Richard Solomons 

Total 
Kirk Kinsell 

Total 

Options 
held at 
1 Jan 2012 

230,3201 
100,5502 
330,870 
77,1101 
32,0402 
109,150 

Ordinary shares under option 

Lapsed 
during  
the year 

Exercised 
during  
the year 

Share price 
on date of 
exercise 

– 

– 

– 
77,110 
32,040 
109,150 

1,577.63p 
1,577.63p 

Weighted
average option 
price at 
31 Dec 2012 

532.36p 

Options 
held at 
31 Dec 2012 

230,3201 
100,5502 
330,870 

– 

Option 
price

494.17p
619.83p

494.17p
619.83p

1  Executive share options granted in 2004 became exercisable in April 2007 up to April 2014.
2  Executive share options granted in 2005 became exercisable in April 2008 up to April 2015. 

Option prices during the year ranged from 308.48p to 619.83p per IHG share. The closing market value share price on 31 December 2012 was 
1,707.0p and the range during the year was 1,157.0p to 1,725.0p per share.

The gain made by Directors in aggregate on the exercise of options during the year 2012 was £1,142,334.

This Directors’ Remuneration Report was approved by the Board on 18 February 2013.

Luke Mayhew
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

  78 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

Other statutory information

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Pages 1 to 80 (together with the sections of the Annual Report incorporated by 
reference) constitute the Directors’ Report. The Directors present their report for the 
financial year ended 31 December 2012.

Principal activities
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (the Company), registered and 
domiciled in England and Wales, with registered number 5134420,  
is the holding company of the InterContinental Hotels Group (the 
Group). The Group franchises, manages, owns and leases over  
4,600 hotels with nearly 676,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries 
and territories around the world.

General
Articles of Association (Articles)
The Company’s Articles may only be amended by special resolution. 
Subject to the Articles and any relevant legislation, all Director 
appointments must be ratified by the shareholders. The Articles  
are available on the Company’s website www.ihgplc.com/investors 
under corporate governance.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Notice convening the AGM to be held at 11.00am on Friday,  
24 May 2013 is contained in a circular sent to shareholders at the 
same time as this Annual Report.

Board of Directors
Biographical details of Directors who served on the Board as at  
18 February 2013 are shown on pages 46 and 47. The following were 
Directors during 2012 and held office throughout the year, unless 
otherwise indicated:

Executive Directors 

Kirk Kinsell 
Tracy Robbins 
Tom Singer 
Richard Solomons 

Non-Executive Directors

Graham Allan1
Patrick Cescau2
David Kappler
Jennifer Laing
Jonathan Linen
Luke Mayhew
Dale Morrison
David Webster2
Ying Yeh

1  Graham Allan resigned as a Non-Executive Director on 15 June 2012.
2   Patrick Cescau was appointed on 1 January 2013 following the retirement of  

David Webster on 31 December 2012.

Employees
IHG directly employed an average of 7,981 people worldwide during 
2012, whose costs are borne by the Group. When the whole IHG 
estate is taken into account (including staff working in the franchised 
and managed hotels) more than 350,000 people worked globally 
across all IHG’s brands at 31 December 2012.

Group Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (Group Code of Conduct)
As part of our commitment to being a Responsible Business, the 
Board has a Group Code of Conduct relating to the lawful and ethical 
conduct of business by its employees. All Directors and employees 
are expected to observe the high standards set out in the Group Code 
of Conduct and adhere to the Company values. 

Further information regarding the Group’s employment policies, 
including its obligations under equal opportunities legislation, its 
commitment to employee communications and its approach towards 
employee development, can be found on pages 30 to 33.

Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated undertakings
The Group has over 290 subsidiary, joint venture and associated 
undertakings.

Shares
Results and dividends
The operating profit before exceptional items was $614m: the Group’s 
income statement is set out on page 84. An interim dividend of 
13.5 pence per share (21.0 cents per ADR) was paid on 28 September 
2012. A special dividend of 108.4 pence per share ($1.72 per ADR)  
was paid on 22 October 2012. The Directors are recommending  
a final dividend of 27.7 pence per share (43.0 cents per ADR) to be 
paid on 31 May 2013 to shareholders on the Register of Members  
at the close of business on 22 March 2013. Therefore, excluding the 
special dividend, the full-year dividend will be 41.2 pence per share 
(64.0 cents per ADR) (2011 34.5 pence per share (55.0 cents per 
ADR)). Total dividends relating to the year, excluding the special 
dividend, are expected to amount to $176m.

Share capital 
The Company’s issued share capital at 31 December 2012 consisted 
of 268,325,071 ordinary shares of 14194/329 pence each. There are no 
special control rights or restrictions on share transfers or limitations 
on the holding of any class of shares. During the year, 1,365,258 new 
shares were issued under employee share plans and the Company 
completed a share consolidation and commenced a share buyback 
(see below).

Employee share ownership trust
IHG operates an Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT) for the 
benefit of employees and former employees. The ESOT purchases 
shares in the market and releases them to current and former 
employees in satisfaction of share awards. During the year, the ESOT 
released 3,219,427 shares and at 31 December 2012 it held 1,814,507 
shares in the Company. The ESOT adopts a prudent approach to 
purchasing shares, using funds provided by the Group, based on 
expectations of future requirements.

2012 share awards and grants
No awards or grants over shares were made during 2012 that would 
be dilutive of the Company’s ordinary share capital. Current policy is 
to settle the majority of awards or grants under the Company’s share 
plans with shares purchased in the market. A number of options 
granted up to 2005 are yet to be exercised and will be settled with the 
issue of new shares.

The Company has not utilised the authority given by shareholders at 
any of its AGMs to allot shares for cash without first offering such 
shares to existing shareholders.

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Share issues and buybacks 
On 7 August 2012, the Company announced a $1bn return of funds to 
shareholders via a special dividend of $0.5bn and share consolidation  
on a 14 for 15 basis and a share buyback programme of $0.5bn. The 
share buyback authority remains in force until the AGM in 2013, and 
a resolution to renew the authority will be put to shareholders at 
that AGM.

During the year the following transactions took place which affected 
the Company’s issued share capital:

Period 

Event 

1 Jan to 31 Dec 2012 
9 Oct 2012 
12 Nov to 20 Dec 2012 

Share plan exercises 
14 for 15 share consolidation 
Share buyback 

Ordinary shares

1,365,258
n/a
4,143,960

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Governance: Other statutory information continued

Substantial shareholdings 
As at 31 December 2012 and 18 February 2013, the Company had been 
notified of the following significant holdings in its ordinary shares:

Shareholder 

Cedar Rock Capital Limited 
BlackRock, Inc.  
Legal & General Group plc 

As at 
 18 February 2013

5.07%
5.02%
3.96%

Director share interests
Details of the beneficial interests in shares of the Company, held by 
Directors who were on the Board as at 31 December 2012 (unless 
otherwise indicated), are shown below. No changes to these interests 
occurred between the year end and the date of this Annual Report.

As at 
31 December 2012 
ordinary shares1 

As at 
31 December 2011
ordinary shares1

Executive Directors 

Kirk Kinsell 
Tracy Robbins 
Tom Singer 
Richard Solomons 
Non-Executive Directors 
Patrick Cescau3 
David Kappler 
Jennifer Laing 
Jonathan Linen 
Luke Mayhew 
Dale Morrison 
David Webster3 
Ying Yeh 

155,6282 
85,703 
20,846 –

322,379 

– –

1,308 
3,148 
6,8534 
1,866 
4,2334 
33,438 

– –

109,547
43,108

252,166

1,400
3,373
7,343
2,000
–
35,828

1   These shareholdings include all beneficial interests and those held by Directors’ 
spouses and other connected persons. None of the Directors have a beneficial 
interest in the shares of any subsidiary. These shareholdings do not include 
Executive Directors’ entitlements to share awards under the Company’s share 
plans, which are set out separately in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on  
pages 59 to 78.

2  155,034 ordinary shares and 594 American Depositary Receipts.

3   Patrick Cescau was appointed as a Non-Executive Chairman on 1 January 2013 

following the retirement of David Webster on 31 December 2012.

4  Held in the form of American Depositary Receipts.

Finance
Charitable and political donations
In 2012, the Group donated $760,000 (2011 $1,540,000) in support of 
community initiatives and charitable causes. In addition, IHG employees 
and guests made contributions during 2012 to a variety of causes through 
IHG facilitated channels. Taking all these contributions into account, 
total donations in 2012 are estimated at $1,015,000 (2011 $2,040,000). 

The Group made no political donations during the year and proposes 
to maintain its policy of not making such payments.

Financial risk management
The Group’s financial risk management objectives and policies, including 
its use of financial instruments, are set out on page 29 and in notes 
21 to 23 to the Group Financial Statements on pages 111 to 117.

Significant agreements and change of control provisions
The Group is a party to the following arrangements which could be 
terminated upon a change of control of the Company and which are 
considered significant in terms of their potential impact on the 
business of the Group as a whole:

• the Group’s five-year $1.07bn syndicated loan facility agreement 
dated 7 November 2011, under which a change of control of the 
Company would entitle each lender to cancel its commitment and 
declare all amounts due to it payable; 

• the terms of the £250m seven-year bond issued by the Company 
on 9 December 2009, under which, if the bond’s credit rating was 
downgraded in connection with a change of control, the bond 
holders would have the option to require the Company to redeem 
or, at the Company’s option repurchase the outstanding notes 
together with interest accrued; and

• the terms of the £400m 10-year bond issued by the Company on 
28 November 2012, under which, if the bond’s credit rating was 
downgraded in connection with a change of control, the bond 
holders would have the option to require the Company to redeem 
or, at the Company’s option, repurchase the outstanding notes 
together with interest accrued.

Business relationships
During 2012, the Group entered into a five-year technology 
outsourcing agreement with International Business Machines 
Corporation (IBM), pursuant to which IBM operates and maintains  
the infrastructure of the Group’s reservations system. Otherwise, 
there are no specific individual contracts or arrangements 
considered to be essential to the business of the Group as a whole.

Policy on payment of suppliers 
The Company has no trade creditors. Group companies apply 
standard payment terms which are considered reasonable, 
transparent and consistent with prevailing commercial practices. 
These are agreed with suppliers, and payments are contingent on 
goods or services being supplied to the required standard.

Going concern 
An overview of the business activities of IHG, including a review of the key 
business risks that the Group faces, is given in the Business Review on 
pages 9 to 44. Information on the Group’s treasury management policies 
can be found in note 21 to the Group Financial Statements on pages 
111 to 115. The Group refinanced its bank debt in November 2011 and 
put in place a five-year $1.07bn facility. In December 2009 the Group 
issued a seven-year £250m sterling bond and, in November 2012,  
a 10-year £400m sterling bond. At the end of 2012 the Group was 
trading significantly within its banking covenants and debt facilities. 

The Group’s fee based model and wide geographic spread means 
that it is well placed to manage through uncertain times and our 
forecasts and sensitivity projections, based on a range of reasonably 
possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group 
should be able to operate within the level of its current facilities. 

After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and, 
accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the Financial Statements. 

Events after the reporting period
As explained in note 34 to the Group Financial Statements on page 128, 
the Group is expected to receive a liquidated damages payment of 
$31m in February 2013. 

Auditors 
The Directors who held office as at the date of approval of this report 
confirm that they have taken steps to make themselves aware of 
relevant audit information. None of the Directors are aware of any 
relevant audit information which has not been disclosed to the auditors. 

Auditor reappointment
Ernst & Young LLP have expressed their willingness to continue  
in office as auditors of the Company and their reappointment will  
be put to shareholders at the 2013 AGM.

By order of the Board 
George Turner 
General Counsel and Company Secretary
18 February 2013

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Group Financial Statements

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In this section we present the Statements of Directors’ responsibilities, the independent 
Auditor’s Report and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group for 2012.

82 
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Group Financial Statements
 Statements of Directors’ responsibilities
 Independent Auditor’s Report  
to the members

84  Group income statement
 Group statement of  
85 
comprehensive income
 Group statement of changes in equity
 Group statement of financial position

86 
88 
89  Group statement of cash flows
90  Accounting policies

 Notes to the Group  
Financial Statements
Exchange rates
 Segmental information
 Staff costs and  
Directors’ emoluments

1 
96 
96 
2 
100  3 

100  4 

101  5 
102  6 
102  7  Tax
103  8 
104  9 
105  10 
106  11 
107  12  Goodwill
108  13 
108  14 

 Auditor’s remuneration paid  
to Ernst & Young LLP
Exceptional items
Finance costs

 Dividends paid and proposed
 Earnings per ordinary share
 Property, plant and equipment
 Assets sold and held for sale

Intangible assets
 Investment in associates and  
joint ventures

109  15  Other financial assets
Inventories
110  16 
 Trade and other receivables
110  17 
 Cash and cash equivalents
110  18 
 Trade and other payables 
111  19 

 Financial risk management
 Loans and other borrowings
 Derivative financial instruments

111  20  Provisions
111  21 
115  22 
116  23 
117  24  Net debt
118  25  Retirement benefits
122  26  Deferred tax 
123  27 
126  28 
127  29  Operating leases
127  30 
127  31  Contingencies
127  32 
128  33  System Fund
128  34  Events after the reporting period
 Principal operating  
128  35 
subsidiary undertakings

 Share-based payments
 Issued share capital and reserves

 Capital and other commitments

 Related party disclosures

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staybridge suites London-stratford City, uK

Other statutory information and Group Financial Statements  

81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Directors’ responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report,  
the Directors’ Remuneration Report and the Group Financial 
Statements in accordance with applicable law, regulations and 
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the 
European Union.

The following statement, which should be read in conjunction with 
the Independent Auditor’s Report set out on the opposite page, is 
made with a view to distinguishing for shareholders, the respective 
responsibilities of the Directors and of the auditor in relation to the 
Group Financial Statements.

The Directors are required to prepare Group financial statements 
for each financial year which present fairly the financial position  
of the Group and the financial performance and cash flows of the 
Group for that period.

In preparing these Financial Statements, the Directors are  
required to:

•   select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8: 
Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and 
Errors, and then apply them consistently;

•   make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

•   state whether applicable International Financial Reporting 

Standards as adopted by the European Union have been followed, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the 
Financial Statements; and

•  prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis 

unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company and the 
Group will continue in business.

The Directors have responsibility for ensuring that the Group keeps 
accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the 
financial position of the Group and which enable them to ensure 
that the Group Financial Statements comply with the Companies 
Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. The Directors have 
general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open 
to them to safeguard the assets of the Group, and to prevent and 
detect fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity  
of the corporate and financial information included on the  
Group’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ 
from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Disclosure	and	Transparency	Rules
The Annual Report, including the Group Financial Statements, 
complies with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules in respect  
of the requirement to produce an annual financial report.

The Annual Report and the Group Financial Statements are  
the responsibility of, and have been approved by, the Directors.  
The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

•  the Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards  
as adopted by the European Union;

•  the Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company  
and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a 
whole; and

•  the Annual Report, including the Directors’ Report, and the Group 
Financial Statements include a fair review of the development and 
performance of the business and the position of the Company and 
the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, 
together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties 
that they face.

On behalf of the Board

Richard	Solomons	
Chief Executive 
18 February 2013 

Tom	Singer	
Chief Financial Officer 
18 February 2013

	 82 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

Opinion	on	other	matter	prescribed	by	the		
Companies	Act	2006
In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report for  
the financial year for which the Group Financial Statements are 
prepared is consistent with the Group Financial Statements. 

Matters	on	which	we	are	required	to	report	
by	exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion:

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

•  the Directors’ statement, set out on page 80, in relation to going 

concern; and

•  the part of the Corporate Governance statement relating to  
the Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the  
UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review; and

•  certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on 

Directors’ remuneration.

Other	matter
We have reported separately on the Parent Company Financial 
Statements of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC for the year  
ended 31 December 2012 and on the information in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report that is described as having been audited.

Alison	Duncan	(Senior	statutory	auditor)	
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor 
London 
18 February 2013

Notes:
1.  The maintenance and integrity of the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC website  
is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not 
involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no 
responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the Financial Statements 
since they were initially presented on the website.

2.  Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination  

of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

We have audited the Group Financial Statements of  
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC for the year ended 31 December 
2012 which comprise the Group income statement, the Group 
statement of comprehensive income, the Group statement of 
changes in equity, the Group statement of financial position,  
the Group statement of cash flows, accounting policies and the 
related notes 1 to 35. The financial reporting framework that  
has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted  
by the European Union.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body,  
in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 
Company’s members those matters we are required to state to 
them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest 
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility 
to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members as 
a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we 
have formed.

Respective	responsibilities	of	Directors	and	auditor
As explained more fully in the Statements of Directors’ 
responsibilities set out on page 82, the Directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the Group Financial Statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to 
audit and express an opinion on the Group Financial Statements in 
accordance with applicable law and International Standards on 
Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply 
with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope	of	the	audit	of	the	Financial	Statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the Financial Statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the Financial Statements are free from 
material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This 
includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are 
appropriate to the Group’s circumstances and have been 
consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness 
of significant accounting estimates made by the Directors; and the 
overall presentation of the Financial Statements. In addition, we 
read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual 
Report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited 
Financial Statements. If we become aware of any apparent material 
misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications  
for our report.

Opinion	on	Financial	Statements
In our opinion the Group Financial Statements:

•  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as  
at 31 December 2012 and of its profit for the year then ended;

•  have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 

adopted by the European Union; and

•  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of  
the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

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Statements of Directors’ responsibilities and Independent Auditor’s Report 

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Financial Statements

Group	income	statement

For	the	year	ended	31	December	2012 

Revenue 
Cost of sales 
Administrative expenses 
Other operating income 
and expenses 

Depreciation and amortisation 
Impairment 
Operating	profit 
Financial income 
Financial expenses 
Profit	before	tax 
Tax  
Profit	for	the	year	from	
continuing	operations 

Attributable to:
  Equity holders of the parent 
  Non-controlling interest 

Earnings	per	ordinary	share 
Continuing and total operations:
  Basic 
  Diluted 
  Adjusted 
  Adjusted diluted 

Note	

2	

Before	
exceptional	
items	
$m	

1,835	
(772)	
(363)	

2	
2	
2	
6	
6	

7	

9

8	
708	
(94)	
–	
614	
3	
(57)	
560	
(153)	

407	

406	
1	
407	

141.5¢ 
139.0¢ 

Exceptional	
items	
(note	5)	
$m	

–	
–	
(16)	

(11)	
(27)	
–	
23	
(4)	
–	
–	
(4)	
142	

138	

138	
–	
138	

2012 

Total 
$m 

1,835	
(772)	
(379)	

(3)	
681	
(94)	
23	
610	
3	
(57)	
556	
(11)	

545	

544 
1 –

545 

Before 
exceptional 
items 
$m 

1,768 
(771) 
(350) 

11 
658 
(99) 
– 
559 
2 
(64) 
497 
(120) 

377 

377 

 –

377 

Exceptional 
items 
(note 5) 
$m 

– 
– 
(31) 

46 
15 
– 
20 
35 
– 
– 
35 
48 

83 

83 

 –

83 

189.5¢	
186.3¢ 

130.4¢ 
127.4¢ 

2011

Total 
$m

1,768
(771)
(381)

57
673
(99)
20
594
2
(64)
532
(72)

460

460

460

159.2¢
155.4¢

Notes on pages 90 to 128 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

	 84 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group	statement	of	comprehensive	income

For	the	year	ended	31	December	2012 

Profit	for	the	year 
Other	comprehensive	income
Available-for-sale financial assets:
  Gains on valuation 
  Losses reclassified to income on impairment 
Cash flow hedges:
  Reclassified to financial expenses 
Defined benefit pension plans: 
  Actuarial gains/(losses), net of related tax charge of $1m (2011 credit of $13m) 
  Change in asset restriction on plans in surplus and liability in respect
  of funding commitments, net of related tax credit of $7m (2011 $7m) 
Exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations, 
including related tax credit of $3m (2011 charge of $3m)	
Tax related to pension contributions 
Other	comprehensive	income/(loss)	for	the	year 
Total	comprehensive	income	for	the	year	

Attributable to:
  Equity holders of the parent 
  Non-controlling interest 

Notes on pages 90 to 128 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

2012 
$m 

545 

1	
–	

1	

–	

(18)	

24	
19	
27	
572	

571 
1 1

572 

2011 
$m

460

15
3

4

(19)

(4)

(21)
2
(20)
440

439

440

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Group income statement and Group statement of comprehensive income 

85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
	
		
	
 
 
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group Financial Statements continued

Group	statement	of	changes	in	equity

Equity 
Capital 
share  redemption 
capital 
$m 

Shares 
held by 
employee 
reserve  share trusts 
$m 

$m 

  Unrealised 
gains and 
losses 
reserve 
$m 

Other 
reserves 
$m 

Currency 
translation 
reserve 
$m 

162	
–	

10	
–	

(27)	
–	

(2,893)	
–	

71	
–	

189	
–	

Retained 
earnings 
$m 

3,035	
544	

IHG share- 

Non- 
holders’  controlling 
interest 
$m 

equity 
$m 

At	1	January	2012 
Profit	for	the	year	
Other	comprehensive	income: 
  Gains on valuation of available-
  for-sale financial assets 
  Amounts reclassified to 
  financial expenses on cash  
  flow hedges 
  Change in asset restriction 
  on pension plans in surplus  
  and liability in respect of  
  funding commitments 
  Exchange differences on 
  retranslation of foreign  
  operations 
  Tax related to pension 
  contributions 
Total	other	comprehensive	income 
Total	comprehensive	income	
for	the	year 
Issue of ordinary shares 
Repurchase of shares 
Transfer to capital 
redemption reserve 
Transaction costs relating to
shareholder returns 
Purchase of own shares by 
employee share trusts 
Release of own shares by 
employee share trusts 
Equity-settled share-
based cost 
Tax related to share schemes 
Equity dividends paid 
Share of reserve in equity 
accounted investment 
Exchange adjustments 
At	31	December	2012	

547	
544	

1 

1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(18) 

(18) 

25 

– 
25	

25	
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

19 
1	

545	
– 
(106) 

(1) 

(2) 

– 

24 

19 
27	

571	
10 
(107) 

– 

(2) 

(84) 

(63) 

– 

27 
20 
(679) 

27 
20 
(679) 

5 
– 
308	

Total 
equity 
$m

555
545

1

1

(18)

24

19
27

572
10
(107)

–

(2)

(84)

–

27
20
(679)

5

317

8	
1	

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
–	

1	
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– –
9	

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
–	

–	
10 
(1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
–	

–	
– 
– 

1 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
–	

–	
– 
– 

– 

– 

(84) 

63 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
–	

–	
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

1 

1 

– 

(1) 

– 
1	

1	
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
8 
179	

– 
– 
11	

– 
– 
(48)	

– 
(8) 
(2,901)	

– 
– 
72	

– 
– 
214	

5 
– 
2,781	

All items above are shown net of tax. 

Notes on pages 90 to 128 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

	 86 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Group	statement	of	changes	in	equity	continued

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Non- 
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$m 

equity 
$m 

Equity 
Capital 
share  redemption 
capital 
$m 

Shares 
held by 
employee 
reserve  share trusts 
$m 

$m 

  Unrealised 
gains and 
losses 
reserve 
$m 

Other 
reserves 
$m 

Currency 
translation 
reserve 
$m 

At	1	January	2011 
Profit	for	the	year	
Other	comprehensive	income: 
  Gains on valuation of available-
  for-sale financial assets 
  Losses reclassified to income 

 on impairment of available-for- 
sale financial assets 
  Amounts reclassified to 
  financial expenses on cash  
  flow hedges 
  Actuarial losses on defined 
  benefit pension plans 
  Change in asset restriction 
  on pension plans in surplus  
  and liability in respect of  
  funding commitments 
  Exchange differences on 
  retranslation of foreign  
  operations 
  Tax related to pension 
  contributions 
Total	other	comprehensive	loss 
Total	comprehensive	income	
for	the	year 
Issue of ordinary shares 
Purchase of own shares by 
employee share trusts 
Release of own shares by 
employee share trusts 
Equity-settled share-
based cost 
Tax related to share schemes 
Equity dividends paid 
Exchange adjustments 
At	31	December	2011	

155	
–	

10	
–	

(35)	
–	

(2,894)	
–	

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–	
–	

–	
8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–	
–	

–	
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
(1) 
162	

– 
– 
– 
– 
10	

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–	
–	

–	
– 

(75) 

83 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(27)	

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–	
–	

–	
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
1 
(2,893)	

49	
–	

15 

3 

4 

– 

– 

– 

– 
22	

22	
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
71	

211	
–	

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(22) 

– 
(22)	

(22)	
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
189	

All items above are shown net of tax.

Notes on pages 90 to 128 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

Retained 
earnings 
$m 

2,788	
460	

– 

– 

– 

284	
460	

15 

3 

4 

(19) 

(19) 

(4) 

(4) 

– 

(22) 

2 
(21)	

439	
– 

2 
(21)	

439	
8 

– 

(75) 

(80) 

3 

29 
7 
(148) 
– 
3,035	

29 
7 
(148) 
– 
547	

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equity 
$m

291
460

15

3

4

(19)

(4)

(21)

2
(20)

440
8

(75)

3

29
7
(148)
–
555

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7	
–	

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1 

– 
1	

1	
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
8	

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Group statement of changes in equity 

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
Group Financial Statements continued

Group	statement	of	financial	position

31	December	2012 

ASSETS
Property, plant and equipment 
Goodwill 
Intangible assets 
Investment in associates and joint ventures 
Retirement benefit assets 
Other financial assets 
Non-current tax receivable 
Deferred tax assets 
Total	non-current	assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Current tax receivable 
Derivative financial instruments 
Other financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total	current	assets 
Non-current assets classified as held for sale 
Total	assets 

LIABILITIES
Loans and other borrowings 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions 
Current tax payable 
Total	current	liabilities 
Loans and other borrowings 
Derivative financial instruments 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Total	non-current	liabilities 
Liabilities classified as held for sale 
Total	liabilities 
Net	assets 

EQUITY
Equity share capital 
Capital redemption reserve 
Shares held by employee share trusts 
Other reserves 
Unrealised gains and losses reserve 
Currency translation reserve 
Retained earnings 
IHG	shareholders’	equity 
Non-controlling interest 
Total	equity 

Signed on behalf of the Board

Tom	Singer	
18 February 2013

Notes on pages 90 to 128 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

	 88 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Note 

10	
12	

13 
14	
25	

15 

26 

16	
17	

23	
15	
18	
660	
 11	
2	

22	
19	
20	

(780) 
22	
23	
25	
19	
20	
26	

11	
2	
317 

28	
28 
28 
28 
28 
28 

2012 
$m 

1,056	
93	
354	
84	
99	
155	
24	
204	
2,069	
4	
422	
31	

2 3
6 –

195	

534	
3,263	

(16)	
(709)	
(1)	
(54) 

(1,242) 
(19) 
(187) 
(563) 
(1) 
(93) 
(2,105)	
(61) 
(2,946) 

179	
11 
(48) 
(2,901) 
72 
214 
2,781 
308 

9 8

317 

2011 
$m

1,362
92
308
87
21
156
41
106
2,173
4
369
20

182
578
217
2,968

(21)
(707)
(12)
(120)
(860)
(670)
(39)
(188)
(497)
(2)
(97)
(1,493)
(60)
(2,413)
555

162
10
(27)
(2,893)
71
189
3,035
547

555

	
	 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group	statement	of	cash	flows

For	the	year	ended	31	December	2012 

Profit	for	the	year 
Adjustments for: 
  Net financial expenses 
Income tax charge 

  Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment 

  Other exceptional operating items 
  Equity-settled share-based cost 
  Other items 
Operating cash flow before movements in working capital 
Increase in trade and other receivables 
Net change in loyalty programme liability and System Fund surplus 
Increase/(decrease) in other trade and other payables 
Utilisation of provisions 
Retirement benefit contributions, net of cost   
Cash flows relating to exceptional operating items 
Cash	flow	from	operations 
Interest paid 
Interest received 
Tax paid on operating activities 
Net	cash	from	operating	activities 
Cash	flow	from	investing	activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Purchase of intangible assets 
Investment in other financial assets 
Investment in associates and joint ventures 
Disposal of assets, net of costs  
Proceeds from other financial assets 
Tax paid on disposals 
Net	cash	from	investing	activities 
Cash	flow	from	financing	activities
Proceeds from the issue of share capital 
Purchase of own shares 
Purchase of own shares by employee share trusts 
Dividends paid to shareholders 
Transaction costs relating to shareholder returns 
Issue of long-term bonds 
Decrease in other borrowings 
Net	cash	from	financing	activities 
Net	movement	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents	in	the	year 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 
Exchange rate effects 
Cash	and	cash	equivalents	at	end	of	the	year 

Notes on pages 90 to 128 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

2012 
$m 

545	

54	
11	
94	
(23)	
27	
22 
(2)	
728	
(50)	
57 
26 
(12) 
(104)	
(6) 
639	
(50)	
2 1
(119)	
472	

(44) 
(84)	
(2) 
(3) 
4 
4 
(3)	
(128)	

10	
(107)	
(84) 
(679)	
(2)	
632	
(99)	
(329)	
15 
182	
(2)	
195 

2011 
$m

460

62
72
99
(20)
(15)
25
–
683
(11)
66
(20)
(19)
(44)
(32)
623
(56)

(89)
479

(55)
(48)
(50)
(41)
142
15
(1)
(38)

8
–
(75)
(148)
–
–
(119)
(334)
107
78
(3)
182

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Group statement of financial position and Group statement of cash flows 

89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
Accounting policies

General	information
The Consolidated Financial Statements of InterContinental Hotels 
Group PLC (the Group or IHG) for the year ended 31 December 2012 
were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the 
Directors on 18 February 2013. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC 
(the Company) is incorporated and domiciled in Great Britain and 
registered in England and Wales.

Basis	of	consolidation
The Group Financial Statements comprise the Financial Statements  
of the parent company and entities controlled by the Company.  
All intra-group balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The results of those businesses acquired or disposed of are 
consolidated for the period during which they were under the 
Group’s control.

Summary	of	significant	accounting	policies
Basis	of	preparation
The Consolidated Financial Statements of IHG have been prepared  
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and as applied in 
accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. 

Changes	in	accounting	policies
With effect from 1 January 2012, the Group has implemented 
the following amendments to accounting standards. Neither of 
these have had any impact on the Group’s financial performance  
or position during the year and there has been no requirement to 
restate prior year comparatives.

•  IFRS 7 (Amendment) ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’, 

requires additional disclosures about financial assets that have 
been transferred but not derecognised and about continuing 
involvement in derecognised assets.

•  IAS 12 (Amendment) ‘Income Taxes’, introduces a rebuttable 

presumption that deferred tax on investment property measured 
at fair value should be determined on the basis that its carrying 
amount will be recovered through sale. The amendment also 
introduces the requirement that deferred tax on non-depreciable 
assets measured using the revaluation model in IAS 16 will 
always be measured on a sale basis of the asset. 

Presentational	currency
The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in millions  
of US dollars following a management decision to change the 
reporting currency from sterling during 2008. The change was 
made to reflect the profile of the Group’s revenue and operating 
profit which are primarily generated in US dollars or US dollar-
linked currencies. 

The currency translation reserve was set to nil at 1 January 2004 
on transition to IFRS and this reserve is presented on the  
basis that the Group has reported in US dollars since this date. 
Equity share capital, the capital redemption reserve and shares 
held by employee share trusts are translated into US dollars at  
the rates of exchange on the last day of the period; the resultant 
exchange differences are recorded in other reserves.

The functional currency of the parent company remains sterling 
since this is a non-trading holding company located in the United 
Kingdom that has sterling denominated share capital and whose 
primary activity is the payment and receipt of interest on sterling 
denominated external borrowings and inter-company balances.

Foreign	currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to functional 
currency at the exchange rates ruling on the dates of the 
transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
foreign currencies are retranslated to the functional currency at 
the relevant rates of exchange ruling on the last day of the period. 
Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised 
in the income statement except on foreign currency borrowings 
that provide a hedge against a net investment in a foreign operation. 
These are taken directly to the currency translation reserve until 
the disposal of the net investment, at which time they are recycled 
against the gain or loss on disposal.

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill, 
are translated into US dollars at the relevant rates of exchange 
ruling on the last day of the period. The revenues and expenses of 
foreign operations are translated into US dollars at average rates  
of exchange for the period. The exchange differences arising on  
the retranslation are taken directly to the currency translation 
reserve. On disposal of a foreign operation, the cumulative amount 
recognised in the currency translation reserve relating to that 
particular foreign operation is recycled against the gain or loss  
on disposal.

Property,	plant	and	equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less depreciation 
and any impairment. 

Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Land is not depreciated. All other property, plant and equipment  
are depreciated to a residual value over their estimated useful  
lives, namely:

•  buildings – lesser of 50 years and unexpired term of lease; and

•  fixtures, fittings and equipment – three to 25 years.

All depreciation is charged on a straight-line basis. Residual value 
is re-assessed annually.

Property, plant and equipment are tested for impairment when 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value 
may not be recoverable. Assets that do not generate independent 
cash flows are combined into cash-generating units. If carrying 
values exceed their estimated recoverable amount, the assets  
or cash-generating units are written down to the recoverable 
amount. Recoverable amount is the greater of fair value less costs 
to sell and value in use. Value in use is assessed based on estimated 
future cash flows discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Impairment 
losses, and any subsequent reversals, are recognised in the  
income statement.

	 90 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

On adoption of IFRS, the Group retained previous revaluations of 
property, plant and equipment which are included at deemed cost as 
permitted by IFRS 1 ‘First-time Adoption of International Financial 
Reporting Standards’.

Goodwill
Goodwill arises on consolidation and is recorded at cost, being the 
excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value at the date of 
acquisition of the Group’s share of identifiable assets, liabilities  
and contingent liabilities. With effect from 1 January 2010, 
transaction costs are expensed and therefore not included in  
the cost of acquisition. Following initial recognition, goodwill is 
measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. 

Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually by comparing 
carrying values of cash-generating units with their recoverable 
amounts. Impairment losses cannot be subsequently reversed.

Intangible	assets
Software	
Acquired software and software developed in-house are capitalised 
on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring to use the 
specific software. Costs are amortised over estimated useful lives 
of three to five years on a straight-line basis.

Internally generated development costs are expensed unless forecast 
revenues exceed attributable forecast development costs, in which 
case they are capitalised and amortised over the estimated useful 
life of the asset.

Management	contracts	
When assets are sold and a purchaser enters into a franchise or 
management contract with the Group, the Group capitalises as part 
of the gain or loss on disposal an estimate of the fair value of the 
contract entered into. The value of management contracts is 
amortised over the life of the contract which ranges from six to 50 
years on a straight-line basis.

Other	intangible	assets	
Amounts paid to hotel owners to secure management contracts  
and franchise agreements are capitalised and normally amortised 
over the shorter of the contracted period and 10 years on a  
straight-line basis.

Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may  
not be recoverable.

Borrowing	costs
Borrowing costs attributable to the acquisition or construction of 
property, plant and equipment or in respect of software projects 
that necessarily take a substantial period of time to prepare for 
their intended use, or sale, are capitalised as part of the asset cost. 
Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity 
incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds. All borrowing 
costs relating to projects commencing before 1 January 2009  
were expensed.

Associates	and	joint	ventures
An associate is an entity over which the Group has the ability to 
exercise significant influence, but not control or jointly control, 
through participation in the financial and operating policy decisions 
of the entity.

A joint venture is a contractual arrangement whereby two or more 
venturers exercise joint control over the entity and unanimous 
agreement is required to make strategic financial and operating 
policy decisions.

Associates and jointly controlled entities are accounted for  
using the equity method unless the associate or jointly controlled 
entity is classified as held for sale. Under the equity method,  
the Group’s investment is recorded at cost adjusted by the Group’s 
share of post-acquisition profits and losses and other movements 
in the investee’s reserves. When the Group’s share of losses 
exceeds its interest in an associate or joint venture, the Group’s 
carrying amount is reduced to $nil and recognition of further losses 
is discontinued except to the extent that the Group has incurred 
legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of an 
associate or jointly controlled entity.

Financial	assets
The Group classifies its financial assets into one of the two 
following categories: loans and receivables or available-for-sale 
financial assets. Management determines the classification of 
financial assets on initial recognition and they are subsequently 
held at amortised cost (loans and receivables) or fair value 
(available-for-sale financial assets). Interest on loans and 
receivables is calculated using the effective interest rate method 
and is recognised in the income statement as interest income. 
Changes in fair values of available-for-sale financial assets are 
recorded directly in equity within the unrealised gains and losses 
reserve. On disposal, the accumulated fair value adjustments 
recognised in equity are recycled to the income statement. 
Dividends from available-for-sale financial assets are recognised 
in the income statement as other operating income and expenses.

Financial assets are assessed for impairment at each period-end 
date. In the case of an equity investment classified as available-for-
sale, a significant or prolonged decline in fair value below cost is 
evidence that the asset is impaired. If an available-for-sale financial 
asset is impaired, the difference between original cost and fair 
value is transferred from equity to the income statement to the 
extent of any cumulative loss recorded in equity, with any excess 
charged directly to the income statement. Subsequent impairment 
reversals relating to previously impaired equity instruments are 
recorded in equity.

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Trade	receivables
Trade receivables are recorded at their original amount less 
provision for impairment. It is the Group’s policy to provide for 100% 
of the previous month’s aged receivables balances which are more 
than 180 days past due. Adjustments to the policy may be made  
due to specific or exceptional circumstances when collection is no 
longer considered probable. The carrying amount of the receivable 
is reduced through the use of a provision account and movements 
in the provision are recognised in the income statement within  
cost of sales. When a previously provided trade receivable is 
uncollectable, it is written off against the provision.

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Accounting policies 

91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting policies continued

Cash	and	cash	equivalents
Cash comprises cash in hand and demand deposits. 

Cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments with an 
original maturity of three months or less that are readily convertible 
to known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of 
changes in value.

In the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are shown 
net of short-term overdrafts which are repayable on demand and 
form an integral part of the Group’s cash management.

Assets	held	for	sale
Non-current assets and associated liabilities are classified as held 
for sale when their carrying amount will be recovered principally 
through a sale transaction rather than continuing use and a sale  
is highly probable. 

Assets designated as held for sale are held at the lower of carrying 
amount at designation and fair value less costs to sell.

Depreciation is not charged against property, plant and equipment 
classified as held for sale.

Financial	liabilities
Financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest rate method. A financial liability is derecognised when the 
obligation under the liability expires, is discharged or cancelled.

Trade	payables
Trade payables are non-interest-bearing and are stated at their 
nominal value.

Bank	and	other	borrowings
Bank and other borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value 
of the consideration received less directly attributable transaction 
costs. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost. Finance 
charges, including the transaction costs and any discount or 
premium on issue, are recognised in the income statement using 
the effective interest rate method.

Borrowings are classified as non-current when the repayment date 
is more than 12 months from the period-end date or where they are 
drawn on a facility with more than 12 months to expiry.

Derivative	financial	instruments	and	hedging
Derivatives are initially recognised and subsequently remeasured 
at fair value. The method of recognising the remeasurement 
depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging 
instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow 
hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income and the 
unrealised gains and losses reserve to the extent that the hedges 
are effective. When the hedged item is recognised, the cumulative 
gains and losses on the related hedging instrument are reclassified 
to the income statement.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as net 
investment hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income 
and the currency translation reserve to the extent that the hedges 
are effective. The cumulative gains and losses remain in equity  
until a foreign operation is sold, at which point they are reclassified 
to the income statement.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives which have either not been 
designated as hedging instruments or relate to the ineffective portion 
of hedges are recognised immediately in the income statement.

Documentation outlining the measurement and effectiveness of  
any hedging arrangements is maintained throughout the life of the 
hedge relationship. 

Interest arising from currency derivatives and interest rate swaps 
is recorded in either financial income or expenses over the term of 
the agreement, unless the accounting treatment for the hedging 
relationship requires the interest to be taken to reserves.

Self	insurance
Liabilities in respect of self insured risks include projected 
settlements for known and incurred but not reported claims. 
Projected settlements are estimated based on historical trends  
and actuarial data.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation 
as a result of a past event, it is probable that a payment will be 
made and a reliable estimate of the amount payable can be made.  
If the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision  
is discounted.

An onerous contract provision is recognised when the unavoidable 
costs of meeting the obligations under a contract exceed the 
economic benefits expected to be received under it.

In respect of litigation, provision is made when management 
consider it probable that payment may occur even though the 
defence of the related claim may still be ongoing through the  
court process.

Taxes
Current	tax	
Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior 
periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from 
or paid to the tax authorities including interest. The tax rates and 
tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted  
or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.

Deferred	tax	
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised in respect  
of temporary differences between the tax base and carrying value 
of assets and liabilities including accelerated capital allowances, 
unrelieved tax losses, unremitted profits from overseas where  
the Group does not control remittance, gains rolled over into 
replacement assets, gains on previously revalued properties and 
other short-term temporary differences. 

	 92 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded 
as probable that the deductible temporary differences can be 
realised. The recoverability of all deferred tax assets is reassessed 
at the end of each reporting period.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply 
in the periods in which the asset or liability will be settled, based  
on rates enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the 
reporting period.

Retirement	benefits
Defined	contribution	plans	
Payments to defined contribution schemes are charged to the 
income statement as they fall due.

Defined	benefit	plans	
Plan assets are measured at fair value and plan liabilities are 
measured on an actuarial basis, using the projected unit credit 
method and discounting at an interest rate equivalent to the current 
rate of return on a high-quality corporate bond of equivalent 
currency and term to the plan liabilities. The difference between  
the value of plan assets and liabilities at the period-end date is the 
amount of surplus or deficit recorded in the statement of financial 
position as an asset or liability. An asset is recognised when the 
employer has an unconditional right to use the surplus at some 
point during the life of the plan or on its wind-up. If a refund would 
be subject to a tax other than income tax, as is the case in the UK, 
the asset is recorded at the amount net of the tax. A liability is also 
recorded for any such tax that would be payable in respect of 
funding commitments based on the accounting assumption that  
the related payments increase the asset.

The service cost of providing pension benefits to employees for  
the year is charged to the income statement. The cost of making 
improvements to pensions is recognised in the income statement 
on a straight-line basis over the period during which any increase  
in benefits vests. To the extent that improvements in benefits vest 
immediately, the cost is recognised immediately as an expense.

Curtailment gains arising from the cessation of future benefit 
accrual are recognised in the period in which the defined benefit 
plan is amended.

Actuarial gains and losses may result from: differences between 
the expected return and the actual return on plan assets; 
differences between the actuarial assumptions underlying the plan 
liabilities and actual experience during the year; or changes in the 
actuarial assumptions used in the valuation of the plan liabilities. 
Actuarial gains and losses, and taxation thereon, are recognised  
in the Group statement of comprehensive income.

Actuarial valuations are normally carried out every three years and 
are updated for material transactions and other material changes 
in circumstances (including changes in market prices and interest 
rates) up to the end of the reporting period. 

Revenue	recognition
Revenue arises from the sale of goods and provision of services 
where these activities give rise to economic benefits received and 
receivable by the Group on its own account and result in increases 
in equity.

Revenue is derived from the following sources: franchise fees; 
management fees; owned and leased properties and other 
revenues which are ancillary to the Group’s operations, including 
technology fee income. 

Generally, revenue represents sales (excluding VAT and similar 
taxes) of goods and services, net of discounts, provided in the 
normal course of business and recognised when services have 
been rendered. The following is a description of the composition  
of revenues of the Group.

Franchise fees – received in connection with the license of the 
Group’s brand names, usually under long-term contracts with  
the hotel owner. The Group charges franchise royalty fees as a 
percentage of rooms revenue. Revenue is recognised when earned 
and realised or realisable under the terms of the contract.

Management fees – earned from hotels managed by the Group, 
usually under long-term contracts with the hotel owner. 
Management fees include a base fee, which is generally a 
percentage of hotel revenue, and an incentive fee, which is 
generally based on the hotel’s profitability or cash flows. Revenue  
is recognised when earned and realised or realisable under the 
terms of the contract. 

Owned and leased – primarily derived from hotel operations, 
including the rental of rooms and food and beverage sales from 
owned and leased hotels operated under the Group’s brand names. 
Revenue is recognised when rooms are occupied and food and 
beverages are sold.

Share-based	payments
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured 
by reference to fair value at the date at which the right to the shares 
is granted. Fair value is determined by an external valuer using 
option pricing models. 

The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together  
with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which 
any performance or service conditions are fulfilled, ending on the 
date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the 
award (vesting date).

The income statement charge for a period represents the 
movement in cumulative expense recognised at the beginning and 
end of that period. No expense is recognised for awards that do not 
ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon 
a market or non-vesting condition, which are treated as vesting 
irrespective of whether or not the market or non-vesting condition 
is satisfied, provided that all other performance and/or service 
conditions are satisfied. 

The Group has taken advantage of the transitional provisions of 
IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payment’ in respect of equity-settled awards 
and has applied IFRS 2 only to equity-settled awards granted after 
7 November 2002 that had not vested before 1 January 2005.

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Accounting policies 

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Accounting policies continued

Leases
Operating lease rentals are charged to the income statement on  
a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

Assets held under finance leases, which transfer to the Group 
substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of 
the leased item, are capitalised at the inception of the lease, with  
a corresponding liability being recognised for the fair value of the 
leased asset or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease 
payments. Lease payments are apportioned between the reduction 
of the lease liability and finance charges in the income statement so 
as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance  
of the liability. Assets held under finance leases are depreciated 
over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the 
lease term.

Disposal	of	non-current	assets
The Group recognises sales proceeds and any related gain  
or loss on disposal on completion of the sales process.  
In determining whether the gain or loss should be recorded,  
the Group considers whether it:

•  has a continuing managerial involvement to the degree 

associated with asset ownership;

•  has transferred the significant risks and rewards associated  

with asset ownership; and

• can reliably measure and will actually receive the proceeds.

Discontinued	operations
Discontinued operations are those relating to hotels or operations 
sold or those classified as held for sale when the results relate to 
a separate line of business, geographical area of operations, or 
where there is a co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate line  
of business or geographical area of operations.

Exceptional	items
The Group discloses certain financial information both including 
and excluding exceptional items. The presentation of information 
excluding exceptional items allows a better understanding of the 
underlying trading performance of the Group and provides 
consistency with the Group’s internal management reporting. 
Exceptional items are identified by virtue of either their size or 
nature so as to facilitate comparison with prior periods and to 
assess underlying trends in financial performance. Exceptional 
items can include, but are not restricted to, gains and losses  
on the disposal of assets, impairment charges and reversals, 
restructuring costs and the release of tax provisions.

Use	of	accounting	estimates	and	judgements
The preparation of financial statements requires management  
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported 
amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets 
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the 
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting 
period. Actual results may differ from these estimates under 
different assumptions and conditions.

The estimates and assumptions that have the most significant effect 
on the amounts recognised in these Financial Statements are:

Trade receivables – a provision for impairment of trade receivables 
is made on the basis of historical experience and other factors 
considered relevant by management.

Impairment – the Group determines whether goodwill is impaired 
on an annual basis or more frequently if there are indicators of 
impairment. Other non-current assets, including property, plant 
and equipment, are tested for impairment if there are indicators  
of impairment. Impairment testing requires an estimate of future 
cash flows and the choice of a suitable discount rate and, in the 
case of hotels, an assessment of recoverable amount based on 
comparable market transactions.

system Fund – in addition to management or franchise fees, hotels 
within the IHG System pay cash assessments and contributions 
which are collected by IHG for specific use within the System Fund 
(the Fund). The Fund also receives proceeds from the sale of 
Priority Club Rewards points. IHG exerts significant influence over 
the operation of the Fund, however the Fund is managed for the 
benefit of hotels in the System with the objective of driving revenues 
for the hotels. The Fund is used to pay for marketing, the Priority 
Club Rewards loyalty programme and the global reservation 
system. The Fund is planned to operate at breakeven with any 
short-term timing surplus or deficit carried in the Group statement 
of financial position within working capital.

As all Fund income is designated for specific purposes and does  
not result in a profit or loss for the Group, the revenue recognition 
criteria as outlined in the accounting policy above are not met and 
therefore the income and expenses of the Fund are not included  
in the Group income statement.

The assets and liabilities relating to the Fund are included in the 
appropriate headings in the Group statement of financial position  
as the related legal, but not beneficial, rights and obligations rest 
with the Group. These assets and liabilities include the Priority Club 
Rewards liability, short-term timing surpluses and deficits and any 
receivables and payables related to the Fund.

The cash flows relating to the Fund are reported within ‘cash flow 
from operations’ in the Group statement of cash flows due to the 
close interrelationship between the Fund and the trading 
operations of the Group.

Further information on the Fund is included in note 33.

Loyalty programme – the hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club 
Rewards, enables members to earn points, funded through hotel 
assessments, during each qualifying stay at an IHG branded hotel 
and redeem points at a later date for free accommodation or other 
benefits. The future redemption liability is included in trade and 
other payables and is estimated using eventual redemption rates 
determined by actuarial methods and points values. Actuarial gains 
and losses on the future redemption liability are borne by the 
System Fund and any resulting changes in the liability would 
correspondingly adjust the amount of short-term timing surpluses 
and deficits held in the Group statement of financial position.

	 94 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Retirement and other post-employment benefits – the cost  
of defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment 
benefits is determined using actuarial valuations. The actuarial 
valuation involves making assumptions about discount rates, 
expected rates of return on assets, future salary increases, 
mortality rates and future pension increases.

Tax – provisions for tax accruals require judgements on the 
interpretation of tax legislation, developments in tax case law  
and the potential outcomes of tax audits and appeals. In addition, 
deferred tax assets are recognised for unused tax attributes to the 
extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against 
which they can be utilised. Judgement is required as to the amount 
that can be recognised based on the likely amount and timing of 
future taxable profits. Deferred tax balances are dependent on 
management’s expectations regarding the manner and timing  
of recovery of the related assets.

Other – the Group also makes estimates and judgements in the 
valuation of franchise and management agreements acquired  
on asset disposals, the valuation of financial assets classified as 
available-for-sale, the outcome of legal proceedings and claims 
and in the valuation of share-based payment costs.

New	standards	issued	but	not	effective
The following accounting standards, amendments and 
interpretations with an effective date after the date of these 
Financial Statements have not been adopted early by the Group  
and will be adopted as set out below. Unless otherwise indicated, 
the Directors do not anticipate that the adoption of these standards, 
amendments and interpretations will have a material impact on the 
Group’s reported income or net assets in the period of adoption.

•  IAS 1 (Amendment) ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’,  

which is effective from 1 July 2012, changes the grouping of items 
presented in other comprehensive income (OCI) so that items 
which may be reclassified to profit or loss in the future are 
presented separately from items that will never be reclassified. 

•  IAS 19 (Revised) ‘Employee Benefits’, which is effective from 
1 January 2013, introduces numerous changes including the 
removal of the option to defer recognition of some actuarial  
gains and losses (‘the corridor mechanism’) and the concept of 
expected returns on plan assets. The Group currently recognises 
all actuarial gains and losses in OCI, therefore the removal of  
the corridor mechanism will have no impact on financial 
performance or position. The impact of calculating the expected 
return on plan assets (after relevant asset restrictions) using  
the same interest rate as applied to discounting the benefit 
obligations is expected to result in a higher operating profit 
charge of approximately $3m in 2013 compared with the 2012 
charge under the current version of IAS 19.

•  IAS 28 (Amendment) ‘Investments in Associates and Joint 

Ventures’, which will be adopted by the Group from 1 January 
2013, has been renamed as a consequence of the new IFRS 11 
and IFRS 12 (see below) and describes the application of the 
equity method to investments in joint ventures in addition  
to associates. 

•  IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’, which will be 

adopted by the Group from 1 January 2013, introduces a single 
control model for all entities, including special purpose entities, 
which will require significant judgement to determine which 
entities are controlled and therefore consolidated in the Group 
Financial Statements. Based on the preliminary analyses 
performed, IFRS 10 is not expected to have any material impact 
on the investments held by the Group.

•  IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’, which will be adopted by the Group 
from 1 January 2013, eliminates the option to account for jointly 
controlled entities (JCEs) using proportionate consolidation. The 
Group currently accounts for its JCEs using the equity method 
which is the requirement of IFRS 11.

•  IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’, which will be 
adopted by the Group from 1 January 2013, incorporates all of  
the disclosures required in respect of an entity’s interests in 
subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and structured 
entities. The requirements are extensive and likely to result in 
new disclosures in the Group Financial Statements. 

•  IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’, which is effective from 

1 January 2013, establishes a single source of guidance under 
IFRS for fair value measurements. IFRS 13 does not change  
when an entity is required to use fair value, but rather provides 
guidance on how to measure fair value when fair value is required 
or permitted. Based on the preliminary analyses performed,  
IFRS 13 is not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s 
Financial Statements.

•  IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement’, 

which is effective from 1 January 2015, introduces new 
requirements for classifying and measuring financial assets  
and financial liabilities and, when finalised, will address hedge 
accounting and impairment of financial assets. The Group will 
assess the impacts when the final standard is issued.

Note: with the exception of IFRS 9, all of the above will be adopted  
by the Group with effect from 1 January 2013. IAS 28 (Amendment), 
IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12 have been endorsed for adoption by 
the EU with effect from 1 January 2014 and are therefore being 
adopted early by the Group.

O
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G
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s
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n
T
s

I

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s

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Accounting policies 

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Group Financial Statements

1.	Exchange	rates

The results of operations have been translated into US dollars  
at the average rates of exchange for the year. In the case of sterling, 
the translation rate is $1=£0.63 (2011 $1=£0.62). In the case of the 
euro, the translation rate is $1=€0.78 (2011 $1=€0.72).

Assets and liabilities have been translated into US dollars at the 
rates of exchange on the last day of the year. In the case of sterling, 
the translation rate is $1=£0.62 (2011 $1=£0.65). In the case of the 
euro, the translation rate is $1=€0.76 (2011 $1=€0.77). 

2.	Segmental	information

The management of the Group’s operations, excluding Central 
functions, is organised within four geographical regions:

income. Central liabilities include the loyalty programme liability 
and the cumulative short-term System Fund surplus.

• Americas;

• Europe;

• Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA); and 

• Greater China.

These, together with Central functions, comprise the Group’s  
five reportable segments. No operating segments have been 
aggregated to form these reportable segments.

Central functions include costs of global functions including 
technology, sales and marketing, finance, human resources and 
corporate services; revenue arises principally from technology fee 

Each of the geographical regions derives its revenues from either 
franchising, managing or owning hotels and additional segmental 
disclosures are provided accordingly.

Management monitors the operating results of the geographical 
regions and Central functions separately for the purpose of making 
decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. 
Segmental performance is evaluated based on operating profit or 
loss and is measured consistently with operating profit or loss in 
the Consolidated Financial Statements, excluding exceptional 
items. Group financing activities and income taxes are managed  
on a group basis and are not allocated to reportable segments.

Year	ended	31	December	2012 

Revenue
Franchised 
Managed 
Owned and leased 
Central 

Segmental	result
Franchised 
Managed 
Owned and leased 
Regional and central 
Reportable segments’ operating profit 
Exceptional operating items (note 5) 
Operating	profit	

Reportable segments’ operating profit  
Exceptional operating items (note 5) 
Operating	profit	
Net finance costs 
Profit before tax 
Tax   
Profit	for	the	year	

All items above relate to continuing operations.

Americas 
$m 

Europe 
$m 

AMEA 
$m 

Greater China 
$m 

Central 
$m 

Group 
$m

541 
97 
199 
– 
837	

91 
147 
198 
– 
436	

18 
152 
48 
– 
218	

3 
89 
138 
– 
230	

– 
– 
– 
114 
114	

Americas 
$m 

Europe 
$m 

AMEA 
$m 

Greater China 
$m 

Central 
$m 

466 
48 
24 
(52) 
486 
23 
509	

65 
32 
50 
(32) 
115 
(4) 
111	

12 
90 
6 
(20) 
88 
(5) 
83	

4 
51 
45 
(19) 
81 
– 
81	

– 
– 
– 
(156) 
(156) 
(18) 
(174)	

(11)

653
485
583
114
1,835

Group 
$m

547
221
125
(279)
614
(4)
610

Group 
$m

614
(4)
610
(54)
556

545

	 96 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

	
	 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
		
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
Americas 
$m 

Europe 
$m 

AMEA 
$m 

Greater China 
$m 

Central 
$m 

Group 
$m

O
V
E
R
V
I

E
W

725 
232 
957 

626 
302 
928 

282 
– 
282 

390 
– 
390 

250 
– 
250 

(403) 
(61) 
(464) 

(249) 
– 
(249) 

(58) 
– 
(58) 

(61) 
– 
(61) 

(690) 
– 
(690) 

2.	Segmental	information	continued

31	December	2012 

Assets	and	liabilities
Segment assets 
Non-current assets classified as held for sale 

Unallocated assets:
  Non-current tax receivable 
  Deferred tax assets 
  Current tax receivable 
  Derivative financial instruments 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
Total	assets	

Segment liabilities 
Liabilities classified as held for sale 

Unallocated liabilities:
  Current tax payable 
  Deferred tax liabilities 
  Loans and other borrowings 
  Derivative financial instruments 
Total	liabilities 

Year	ended	31	December	2012 

Other	segmental	information
Capital expenditure (see below) 
Non-cash items:
  Depreciation and amortisation* 
  Reversal of previously recorded impairment 
  Write-off of software 
  Demerger liability released 
  Share-based payments cost 
  Share of profit of associates and joint ventures 

Americas 
$m 

Europe 
$m 

AMEA 
$m 

Greater China 
$m 

Central 
$m 

25 

20 
(23) 
– 
– 
– 
– 

19 

23 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

6 

14 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(3) 

7 

15 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

76 

22 
– 
18 
(9) 
22 
– 

*  Included in the $94m of depreciation and amortisation is $31m relating to administrative expenses and $63m relating to cost of sales.

Year	ended	31	December	2012 

Reconciliation	of	capital	expenditure
Capital expenditure per management reporting 
Timing differences 
Capital	expenditure	per	the	Financial	Statements	

Comprising additions to:
  Property, plant and equipment 
  Non-current assets classified as held for sale 

Intangible assets 
Investments in associates and joint ventures 

  Other financial assets 

 –

Americas 
$m 

Europe 
$m 

AMEA 
$m 

Greater China 
$m 

Central 
$m 

Group 
$m

25 
(1) 
24	

15 
5 
2 
2 

 2

24 

19 
– 
19	

9 
– 
8 
– 

 –

19 

6 
– 
6	

2 
– 
4 
– 

 –

6 

7 
2 
9	

9 
– 
– 
– 

 –

9 

76 
– 
76	

6 
– 
70 
– 

 2

76 

133
1
134

41
5
84
2

134

I

I

F
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A
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T
s

O
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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

97

2,273
534
2,807

24
204
31
2
195
3,263

(1,461)
(61)
(1,522)

(54)
(93)
(1,258)
(19)
(2,946)

Group 
$m

133

94
(23)
18
(9)
22
(3)

I

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Y

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

2.	Segmental	information	continued

Year ended 31 December 2011 

Revenue
Franchised 
Managed 
Owned and leased 
Central 

Segmental	result
Franchised 
Managed 
Owned and leased 
Regional and central 
Reportable segments’ operating profit 
Exceptional operating items (note 5) 
Operating	profit	

Reportable segments’ operating profit  
Exceptional operating items (note 5) 
Operating	profit	
Net finance costs 
Profit before tax 
Tax   
Profit	for	the	year	

All items above relate to continuing operations.

31 December 2011 

Assets	and	liabilities
Segment assets 
Non-current assets classified as held for sale 

Unallocated assets:
  Non-current tax receivable 
  Deferred tax assets 
  Current tax receivable 
  Derivative financial instruments 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
Total	assets	

Segment liabilities 
Liabilities classified as held for sale 

Unallocated liabilities:
  Current tax payable 
  Deferred tax liabilities 
  Loans and other borrowings 
  Derivative financial instruments 
Total	liabilities 

Americas 
$m 

Europe 
$m 

AMEA 
$m 

Greater China 
$m 

Central 
$m 

Group 
$m

502 
124 
204 
– 
830	

86 
118 
201 
– 
405	

19 
151 
46 
– 
216	

2 
77 
126 
– 
205	

– 
– 
– 
112 
112	

Americas 
$m 

Europe 
$m 

AMEA 
$m 

Greater China 
$m 

Central 
$m 

431 
52 
17 
(49) 
451 
13 
464	

65 
26 
49 
(36) 
104 
(39) 
65	

12 
87 
5 
(20) 
84 
26 
110	

3 
43 
37 
(16) 
67 
– 
67	

– 
– 
– 
(147) 
(147) 
35 
(112)	

(72)

609
470
577
112
1,768

Group 
$m

511
208
108
(268)
559
35
594

Group 
$m

559
35
594
(62)
532

460

Americas 
$m 

Europe 
$m 

AMEA 
$m 

Greater China 
$m 

Central 
$m 

Group 
$m

691 
217 
908 

816 
– 
816 

276 
– 
276 

388 
– 
388 

228 
– 
228 

(427) 
(60) 
(487) 

(247) 
– 
(247) 

(53) 
– 
(53) 

(54) 
– 
(54) 

(625) 
– 
(625) 

2,399
217
2,616

41
106
20
3
182
2,968

(1,406)
(60)
(1,466)

(120)
(97)
(691)
(39)
(2,413)

	 98 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
		
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
2.	Segmental	information	continued

Year ended 31 December 2011 

Other	segmental	information
Capital expenditure (see below) 
Non-cash items:
  Depreciation and amortisation* 

Impairment losses 

  Reversal of previously recorded impairment 
  Share-based payments cost 
  Share of profit of associates and joint ventures 

Americas 
$m 

Europe 
$m 

AMEA 
$m 

Greater China 
$m 

Central 
$m 

Group 
$m

 –

84 

23	

 2
(25) 
–	
–	

15 

24 

 3

– 
–	
–	

14 

16 

 –

– 
–	
(1)	

8 

16 

 –

– 
–	
–	

72 

20 

 5

– 
25	
–	

193

99

(25)
25
(1)

*  Included in the $99m of depreciation and amortisation is $30m relating to administrative expenses and $69m relating to cost of sales.

Year ended 31 December 2011 

Reconciliation	of	capital	expenditure
Capital expenditure per management reporting 
Management contract acquired on disposal 
Timing differences 
Capital	expenditure	per	the	Financial	Statements	

 2

Comprising additions to:
  Property, plant and equipment 

Intangible assets 
Investments in associates and joint ventures 

  Other financial assets 

Americas 
$m 

Europe 
$m 

AMEA 
$m 

Greater China 
$m 

Central 
$m 

Group 
$m

84 
2 

 –

88	

6 
30 
31 
21 
88 

15 
– 

 –

15	

12 
3 
– 
– 
15 

14 
– 

 2

14	

2 
– 
11 
1 
14 

8 
– 

 –

10	

10 
– 
– 
– 
10 

72 
– 

 4

72	

26 
46 
– 
– 
72 

193
2

199

56
79
42
22
199

Geographical	information 

Revenue
United Kingdom 
United States 
People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong) 
Rest of World 

Year	ended 

31

	December 
2012 
$m 

Year ended 
31 December 
2011 
$m

152	
769	
238	
676	

139
740
210
679
1,768

1,835	

For the purposes of the above table, hotel revenue is determined according to the location of the hotel and other revenue is attributed to the 
country of origin. In addition to the United Kingdom, revenue relating to an individual country is separately disclosed when it represents 10% 
or more of total revenue.

Non-current	assets
United Kingdom 
United States 
France 
People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong) 
Rest of World 

31	December	
2012 
$m 

31 December	
2011 
$m

78	
590	

333	
257	

361
559
328
331
270
1,849

329	

1,587	

For the purposes of the above table, non-current assets comprise property, plant and equipment, goodwill, intangible assets and 
investments in associates and joint ventures. Non-current assets relating to an individual country are separately disclosed when they 
represent 10% or more of total non-current assets, as defined above.

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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
	 
 
 
 
 	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
	 
 
 
 
 	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

3.	Staff	costs	and	Directors’	emoluments

Staff
Costs:
  Wages and salaries 
  Social security costs 
  Pension and other post-retirement benefits:

  Defined benefit plans* (note 25) 
  Defined contribution plans 

*  Before exceptional items.  

Average number of employees, including part-time employees:
  Americas 
  Europe 
  Asia, Middle East and Africa 
  Greater China 
  Central 

2012 
$m 

547	
44	

4	
22	
617	

2011 
$m

550
43

8
22
623

2012 

2011

2,552	
1,866 
1,195 
1,051 
1,317	
7,981	

2,895
1,574
1,195
1,000
1,292
7,956

The costs of the above employees are borne by IHG. In addition, the Group employs 5,018 (2011 4,462) people who work in managed hotels  
or directly on behalf of the System Fund and whose costs of $353m (2011 $307m) are borne by those hotels or by the Fund.

Directors’	emoluments
Base salaries, fees, performance payments and benefits 

2012 
$m 

9.7	

2011 
$m

8.3

More detailed information on the emoluments, pensions, option holdings and shareholdings for each Director is shown in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 59 to 78. 

4.	Auditor’s	remuneration	paid	to	Ernst	&	Young	LLP

Group audit fees 
Audit fees in respect of subsidiaries 
Tax fees 
Interim review fees 
Other services pursuant to legislation 
Other 

2012 
$m 

2.8	
1.5	
0.5	
0.3	
0.2	
1.9	
7.2	

2011 
$m

1.9
1.5
0.7
0.3
0.4
1.4
6.2

Audit fees in respect of the pension scheme were not material.

The Audit Committee has a process to ensure that any non-audit services do not compromise the independence and objectivity of the 
external auditor and that relevant UK and US professional and regulatory requirements are met. A number of criteria are applied when 
deciding whether pre-approval for such services should be given. These include the nature of the service, the level of fees and the 
practicality of appointing an alternative provider, having regard to the skills and experience required to supply the service effectively. 
Cumulative fees for audit and non-audit services are presented to the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis for review. The Audit 
Committee is responsible for monitoring adherence to the pre-approval policy.

	100 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
5.	Exceptional	items 

Exceptional	operating	items
Administrative expenses:
  Litigation provision 
  Resolution of commercial dispute 
  Pension curtailment gain 
  Reorganisation costs  

Other operating income and expenses:

(Loss)/gain on disposal of hotels (note 11) 

  Write-off of software (note 13) 
  Demerger liability released 
  VAT refund 

Impairment:

Impairment charges:
  Property, plant and equipment (note 10)   
  Other financial assets (note 15)	

  Reversals of previously recorded impairment: 
  Property, plant and equipment (note 10)   
  Associates (note 14)	

Tax
Tax on exceptional operating items 
Exceptional tax credit  

Note 

2012 
$m 

a	
b	
c	
d	

e 
f	

g	

–	
–	
–	
(16)	
(16)	

(2)	
(18) –
9 
–	
(11)	

–	
–	

23	
–	
23	
(4)	

1	
141	
142	

2011 
$m

(22)
(37)
28
–
(31)

37

–
9
46

(2)
(3)

23
2
20
35

5
43
48

All items above relate to continuing operations.

The above items are treated as exceptional by reason of their size or nature.

a   Related to a lawsuit filed against the Group in the Americas region, for which the final balance was paid in March 2012.

b  Related to the settlement of a prior period commercial dispute in the Europe region.

c  Related to the closure of the UK defined benefit pension scheme to future accrual with effect from 1 July 2013.

d  Arises from a reorganisation of the Group’s support functions together with a restructuring within the AMEA region. 

e  Release of a liability no longer required relating to the demerger of the Group from Six Continents PLC.

f  Arose in the UK relating to periods prior to 1996.

g   Represents the recognition of $104m of deferred tax assets, principally relating to pre-existing overseas tax losses, whose value has become more certain as a result of a 
change in law and the resolution of prior period tax matters, together with the associated release of $37m of provisions. In 2011, related to a $30m revision of the estimated 
tax impacts of an internal reorganisation completed in 2010 together with the release of $13m of provisions.

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101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

6.	Finance	costs

Financial	income
Interest income on deposits 
Unwinding of discount on other financial assets 

Financial	expenses
Interest expense on borrowings 
Interest rate swaps fair value transferred from equity 
Finance charge payable under finance leases 

2012 
$m 

2	
1	
3	

37	
1	
19	
57	

2011 
$m

1
1
2

42
4
18
64

Interest income and expense relate to financial assets and liabilities held at amortised cost, calculated using the effective interest  
rate method.

Included within interest expense is $2m (2011 $1m) payable to the Priority Club Rewards loyalty programme relating to interest on the 
accumulated balance of cash received in advance of the redemption of points awarded.

7.	Tax

Income	tax
UK corporation tax at 24.5% (2011 26.5%):
  Current period 
  Adjustments in respect of prior periods 

Foreign tax: 
  Current period 
  Benefit of tax reliefs on which no deferred tax previously recognised 
  Adjustments in respect of prior periods 

Total	current	tax 
Deferred tax:
  Origination and reversal of temporary differences 
  Changes in tax rates 
  Adjustments to estimated recoverable deferred tax assets  
  Adjustments in respect of prior periods 
Total	deferred	tax 
Total	income	tax	charge	for	the	year 

Further analysed as tax relating to:
  Profit before exceptional items 
  Exceptional items (note 5):

  Exceptional operating items 
  Exceptional tax credit  

All items above relate to continuing operations.

100	

Note 

2012 
$m 

2011 
$m

a	

b	
170	

a	
112	

c	

22	
(34)	
(12)	

(31)	
(27)	

8	
(2)	
(105)	
10	
(89)	
11	

153	

(1)	
(141)	
11	

30
(25)
5

98
(16)
(65)
17
22

73
(2)
(12)
(9)
50
72

120

(5)
(43)
72

a   Includes $37m (2011 $39m) of exceptional credits included at note c below together with other releases relating to tax matters which have been settled or in respect of which 

the relevant statutory limitation period has expired.

b  Represents corporate income taxes on profit taxable in foreign jurisdictions, a significant proportion of which relates to the Group’s US subsidiaries.

c   Represents the recognition of $104m of deferred tax assets, principally relating to pre-existing overseas tax losses, whose value has become more certain as a result of a 
change in law and the resolution of prior period tax matters, together with the associated release of $37m of provisions. In 2011 related to a $30m revision of the estimated 
tax impacts of an internal reorganisation completed in 2010 together with the release of $13m of provisions.

	102 

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Before 
exceptional itemsb

2011 

26.5
2.6
9.8
(0.4)
(3.2)
(0.3)
(12.1)
1.3
24.2

7.	Tax	continued

Reconciliation	of	tax	charge,	including	gain	on	disposal	of	assets
UK corporation tax at standard rate 
Non-deductible expenditure and non-taxable income 
Net effect of different rates of tax in overseas businesses 
Effect of changes in tax rates 
Benefit of tax reliefs on which no deferred tax previously recognised 
Effect of adjustments to estimated recoverable deferred tax assets 
Adjustment to tax charge in respect of prior periods 
Other 

a  Calculated in relation to total profits including exceptional items.

b  Calculated in relation to profits excluding exceptional items.

2012 
% 

24.5	
2.0	
9.7	
(0.3)	
(5.5)	
(19.0)	
(9.7)	
0.3	
2.0	

Total a 

2011 
% 

26.5	
1.9	
8.9	
(0.5)	
(3.0)	
(2.3)	
(18.9)	
0.9	
13.5	

2012 

% %

24.5 
1.0 
9.7 
(0.1) 
(5.5) 
(0.2) 
(2.4) 
0.4 
27.4 

Tax	paid
Total net tax paid during the year of $122m (2011 $90m) comprises $119m (2011 $89m) paid in respect of operating activities and $3m  
(2011 $1m) paid in respect of investing activities.

Tax paid represents an effective rate of 22% (2011 17%) on total profits and is lower than the effective income statement tax rate of 27% 
primarily due to the impact of deferred taxes (including the realisation of assets such as tax losses), the receipt of refunds in respect of 
prior years and provisions for tax for which no payment of tax has currently been made.

UK corporation tax of $6m was paid in the year in settlement of prior period liabilities. Corporation tax liabilities are not expected to arise  
in respect of 2012 or for a number of years thereafter due to expenses and associated tax losses attributable principally to employment 
matters, in particular additional shortfall contributions to the UK pension plan (see note 25).

Tax	risks,	policies	and	governance
Information concerning the Group’s tax governance can be found in the Taxation section of the Business Review on page 29.

8.	Dividends	paid	and	proposed

Paid during the year:
  Final (declared for previous year) 

Interim  

  Special (note 28) 

Proposed (not recognised as a liability at 31 December):
  Final 

2012 
cents	per 
share 

2011 
cents per 
share 

39.0	
21.0	
172.0 
232.0	

35.2 
16.0 
– 
51.2 

2012 
$m 

113 
61 
505 –
679 

43.0	

39.0 

115 

2011 
$m

102
46

148

113

The final dividend of 27.7p (43.0¢ converted at the closing exchange rate on 15 February 2013) is proposed for approval at the Annual 
General Meeting (AGM) on 24 May 2013 and is payable on the shares in issue at 22 March 2013.

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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

103

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
 
 	
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
 
 
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

9.	Earnings	per	ordinary	share

Basic earnings per ordinary share is calculated by dividing the profit for the year available for IHG equity holders by the weighted average 
number of ordinary shares, excluding investment in own shares, in issue during the year.

Diluted earnings per ordinary share is calculated by adjusting basic earnings per ordinary share to reflect the notional exercise of the 
weighted average number of dilutive ordinary share options outstanding during the year. 

Adjusted earnings per ordinary share is disclosed in order to show performance undistorted by exceptional items, to give a more 
meaningful comparison of the Group’s performance.

Continuing	and	total	operations 

Basic	earnings	per	ordinary	share
Profit available for equity holders ($m) 
Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) 
Basic earnings per ordinary share (cents) 
Diluted	earnings	per	ordinary	share
Profit available for equity holders ($m) 
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) 
Diluted earnings per ordinary share (cents) 
Adjusted	earnings	per	ordinary	share
Profit available for equity holders ($m) 
Adjusting items (note 5):
  Exceptional operating items ($m) 
  Tax on exceptional operating items ($m) 
  Exceptional tax credit ($m) 
Adjusted earnings ($m) 
Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) 
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share (cents)  
Adjusted	diluted	earnings	per	ordinary	share	
Adjusted earnings ($m) 
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions) 
Adjusted diluted earnings per ordinary share (cents) 

Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares is calculated as:
  Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares 
  Dilutive potential ordinary shares – employee share options 

2012 

2011

544 
287 
189.5 

544 
292 
186.3 

544 

4 
(1) 
(141) 
406 
287 
141.5 

406 
292 
139.0 

2012 
millions 

287	
5	
292	

460
289
159.2

460
296
155.4

460

(35)
(5)
(43)
377
289
130.4

377
296
127.4

2011 
millions

289
7
296

	104 

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10.	Property,	plant	and	equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2011 
Additions 
Net transfers to non-current assets classified as held for sale 
Disposals 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At 31 December 2011 
Additions 
Net transfers to non-current assets classified as held for sale 
Reclassification to intangible assets 
Disposals 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At	31	December	2012	
Depreciation	and	impairment
At 1 January 2011 
Provided 
Net transfers to non-current assets classified as held for sale 
Impairment charge (see below) 
Impairment reversal (see below) 
Disposals 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At 31 December 2011 
Provided 
Net transfers to non-current assets classified as held for sale 
Reclassification to intangible assets 
Impairment reversals (see below) 
Disposals 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At	31	December	2012	
Net	book	value
At	31	December	2012	
At 31 December 2011 
At 1 January 2011 

Land and 
buildings 
$m 

Fixtures, fittings  
and equipment 
$m 

1,548 
2 
(258) 
(44)	
(11) 
1,237 
8 
(265) 
– 
– 
15 
995	

(213) 
(10)	
19 
(2) 
23	
9 
– 
(174) 
(11) 
16 
– 
23 
– 
– 
(146)	

849	
1,063 
1,335 

997 
54 
(98) 
(25)	
(11) 
917 
33 
(99) 
(25) 
(12) 
10 
824	

(642) 
(56)	
71 
– 
– 
8 
1 
(618) 
(46) 
42 
2 
– 
11 
(8) 
(617)	

207	
299 
355 

Total 
$m

2,545
56
(356)
(69)
(22)
2,154
41
(364)
(25)
(12)
25
1,819

(855)
(66)
90
(2)
23
17
1
(792)
(57)
58
2
23
11
(8)
(763)

1,056
1,362
1,690

The impairment charge in 2011 arose in respect of one hotel in Europe following a re-assessment of its recoverable amount, based on fair 
value less costs to sell.

In 2012, a previously recorded impairment charge relating to a North American hotel was reversed in full following a re-assessment of its 
recoverable amount, based on the market value of the hotel as determined by an independent professional property valuer. 

Of the impairment reversal in 2011, $11m arose in March 2011 on the classification of a North American hotel as held for sale. The amount 
of the reversal was based on the expected net sales proceeds which were subsequently realised on the disposal of the hotel (see note 11).  
A further $12m arose in respect of another North American hotel following a re-assessment of its recoverable amount, based on value  
in use. Estimated future cash flows were discounted at a pre-tax rate of 12.6%.

All impairment charges and reversals are included within impairment on the face of the Group income statement.

The carrying value of property, plant and equipment held under finance leases at 31 December 2012 was $187m (2011 $190m). 

No borrowing costs were capitalised during the current or prior year.

Charges over one hotel totalling $89m exist as security provided to the Group’s pension plans.

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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

11.	Assets	sold	and	held	for	sale	

Assets	sold	
During the year ended 31 December 2012, the Group sold an interest in a hotel in the Europe region. 

During the year ended 31 December 2011, the Group sold four hotels, three in the Americas region and one in the AMEA region. The gain on 
disposal mainly related to the sale of the Holiday Inn Burswood in Australia. The other significant disposal was the Hotel Indigo San Diego 
which resulted in an impairment reversal (see note 10) in March 2011 on classification as held for sale.

Consideration
Current year disposals:
  Cash consideration, net of costs paid 
  Management contract value 

Net assets disposed of 
(Loss)/gain	on	disposal	of	assets	from	continuing	operations 

Net	cash	inflow
Current year disposals:
  Cash consideration, net of costs paid 
  Tax 
Prior year disposals:
  Tax 

2012 
$m 

4	
–	
4	
(6)	
(2)	

4	
–	

(3)	
1	

2011 
$m

142
2
144
(107)
37

142
(1)

–
141

Assets	held	for	sale
Two hotels, the InterContinental New York Barclay and the InterContinental London Park Lane, and one associate investment met the held 
for sale criteria of IFRS 5 at 31 December 2012. The InterContinental New York Barclay was held for sale at 31 December 2011.

Assets	and	liabilities	held	for	sale
Non-current assets classified as held for sale:
  Property, plant and equipment 
  Associates 

Liabilities classified as held for sale:
  Deferred tax (note 26) 

2012 
$m 

524	
10	

61	

2011 
$m

217
–
217

60

534	

	106 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
	
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 	
	
 
 
 	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
	
12.	Goodwill

Cost
At 1 January  
Exchange adjustments 
At	31	December	 
Impairment	
At	1	January	and	31	December 
Net	book	value
At	31	December 
At 1 January  

2012 
$m 

233 
1	
234	

2011 
$m

233
–
233

(141)	

(141)

93	
92	

92
92

Goodwill arising on business combinations that occurred before 1 January 2005 was not restated on adoption of IFRS as permitted by IFRS 1.

Impairment charges are included within impairment on the face of the Group income statement and all cumulative impairment losses 
relate to the Americas managed cash-generating unit (CGU) (see below).

Goodwill has been allocated to CGUs for impairment testing as follows:

Asia Australasia franchised and managed operations 
Americas managed operations 

2012 
$m 

93	
141	
234	

Cost 

2011 
$m 

92 
141 
233 

Net book value

2011 
$m

92

92

2012 
$m 

93 

– –

93 

The Group tests goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if there are any indications that an impairment may have arisen.  
The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined from value in use calculations. These calculations use pre-tax cash flow forecasts 
derived from the most recent financial budgets and strategic plans approved by management covering a five-year period or, in the  
absence of up-to-date strategic plans, the financial budget for the next year with an extrapolation of the cash flows for the following four 
years, using growth rates based on management’s past experience and industry growth forecasts. After the five-year planning period, the 
terminal value of future cash flows is calculated based on perpetual growth rates that do not exceed the average long-term growth rates 
for the relevant markets. Pre-tax discount rates are used to discount the cash flows based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital 
adjusted to reflect the risks specific to the business model and territory of the CGU being tested.

Asia	Australasia	goodwill
At 31 December 2012, the recoverable amount of the CGU has been assessed based on the approved budget for 2013 and strategic plans 
covering a five-year period, a perpetual growth rate of 3.5% (2011 3.5%) and a discount rate of 14.3% (2011 13.9%).

Impairment was not required at either 31 December 2012 or 31 December 2011 and management believe that the carrying value of the  
CGU would only exceed its recoverable amount in the event of highly unlikely changes in the key assumptions. 

Americas	goodwill
Goodwill relating to the Americas managed operations was impaired in full in 2009. As goodwill impairment cannot be reversed, there is  
no sensitivity around any assumptions that could lead to further impairment adjustments. 

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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

13.	Intangible	assets

Cost
At 1 January 2011 
Additions 
Disposals 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At 31 December 2011 
Additions 
Reclassification from property, plant and equipment 
Disposals 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At	31	December	2012 
Amortisation	and	impairment
At 1 January 2011 
Provided 
Disposals 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At 31 December 2011 
Provided 
Reclassification from property, plant and equipment 
Disposals 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At	31	December	2012 
Net	book	value	
At	31	December	2012 
At 31 December 2011 
At 1 January 2011 

Software 
$m 

Management 
contracts 
$m 

Other 
intangibles 
$m 

203 
46	
– 
3	
252 
70 
25 
(21) 
(1) 
325	

(120) 
(13) 
– 
(5) 
(138) 
(17) 
(2) 
2 
(8) 
(163)	

162	
114 
83 

231 
2	
– 
(2) 
231 
– 
– 
– 
4 
235	

(106) 
(10) 
– 
– 
(116) 
(10) 
– 
– 
– 
(126)	

109	
115 
125 

109 
31 
(2) 
– 
138 
14 
– 
(3) 
2 
151	

(51) 
(10) 
2 
– 
(59) 
(10) 
– 
3 
(2) 
(68)	

83	
79 
58 

Total 
$m

543
79
(2)
1
621
84
25
(24)
5
711

(277)
(33)
2
(5)
(313)
(37)
(2)
5
(10)
(357)

354
308
266

Software disposals in 2012 include an exceptional write-off of $18m resulting from a re-assessment of the ongoing value of elements of the 
technology infrastructure.
Borrowing costs of $0.3m (2011 $0.4m) were capitalised during the year in respect of software projects.
The weighted average remaining amortisation period for management contracts is 19 years (2011 20 years).

14.	Investment	in	associates	and	joint	ventures

Associates 
$m 

Joint ventures 
$m 

Total 
$m

Cost
At 1 January 2011 
Additions 
Share of profit/(loss) 
Dividends 
At 31 December 2011 
Reclassification 
Additions 
Transfer to non-current assets classified as held for sale 
Share of profit/(loss) 
Dividends 
Share of reserve movement 
At	31	December	2012 
Impairment
At 1 January 2011 
Impairment reversal (see below) 
At	31	December	2011	and	31	December	2012 
Net	book	value 
At	31	December	2012 
At 31 December 2011 
At 1 January 2011 

The impairment reversal arose in the Americas region.

	108 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

48 
11 
2 
(1) 
60 
4 
– 
(10) 
3 
(3) 
5 
59	

(5) 
2 
(3)	

56	
57 
43 

– 
31 
(1) 
– 
30 
(4) 
2 
– 
– 
– 
– 
28	

– 
– 
–	

28	
30 
– 

48
42
1
(1)
90
–
2
(10)
3
(3)
5
87

(5)
2
(3)

84
87
43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 	
	
	
	
 
 	
	
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
14.	Investment	in	associates	and	joint	ventures	continued

The following table summarises the financial information of the Group’s associates and joint ventures:

Associates 

Joint ventures 

Share	of	statement	of	financial	position
Current assets 
Non-current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Non-controlling interests 
Net	assets 

Share	of	revenue	and	profit
Revenue 
Profit/(loss) 

Related	party	transactions
Revenue from related parties 
Amounts owed by related parties 
Loans from related parties 

2012 
$m 

22 
59 
(6) 
(11) 
(8) 
56	

30	
3	

5	
2	
–	

2011 
$m 

9 
70 
(7) 
(15) 
– 
57 

28 
2 

5 
1 
(2) 

2012 
$m 

1 
27 
– 
– 
– 
28 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

2011 
$m 

3 
27 
– 
– 
– 
30 

– 
(1)	

– 
– 
– 

2012 
$m 

23 
86 
(6) 
(11) 

(8) –
84 

30 
3 1

5 5
2 1
– 

Total

2011 
$m

12
97
(7)
(15)

87

28

(2)

The most significant investments are a 30% associate holding in President Hotel and Tower Co Ltd, the owner of the InterContinental Hotel 
Bangkok and the Holiday Inn Bangkok, and a 49% holding in BCRE IHG 180 Orchard Holdings LLC, a joint venture established to develop and 
build a multi-use property in Manhattan, New York, including a Hotel Indigo.

15.	Other	financial	assets

Current
Loans and receivables 
Non-current
Equity securities available-for-sale 
Loans and receivables 

2012 
$m 

6 –

112	
43	

2011 
$m

112
44
156

155	

Available-for-sale financial assets, which are included in the Group statement of financial position at fair value, consist of equity investments in listed 
and unlisted shares. Of the total amount of equity investments at 31 December 2012, $18m (2011 $15m) were listed securities and $94m (2011 $97m) 
unlisted; $59m (2011 $61m) were denominated in US dollars, $24m (2011 $23m) in Hong Kong dollars and $29m (2011 $28m) in other currencies. 
Unlisted equity shares are mainly investments in entities that own hotels which the Group manages. The fair value of unlisted equity shares has 
been estimated using the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines, using either the earnings multiple or net assets 
methodology as appropriate. Listed equity share valuations are based on observable market prices. Dividend income from available-for-sale 
equity securities of $5m (2011 $11m) is reported as other operating income and expenses in the Group income statement.

Loans and receivables consist of trade deposits and restricted cash which are held at amortised cost. A deposit of $37m was made in 2011 to  
a hotel owner in connection with the renegotiation of a management contract. The deposit is non-interest-bearing and repayable at the end of 
the management contract, and is therefore held at its discounted value of $11m (2011 $10m); the discount will unwind to the income statement 
within financial income over the period to repayment. Restricted cash of $29m (2011 $27m) relates to cash held in bank accounts which is 
pledged as collateral to insurance companies for risks retained by the Group.

The movement in the provision for impairment of other financial assets during the year is as follows:

O
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E
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V
I

E
W

I

B
u
s
n
E
s
s
R
E
V
I

E
W

G
O
V
E
R
n
A
n
C
E

s
T
A
T
E
M
E
n
T
s

I

G
R
O
u
P
F
n
A
n
C
A
L

I

P
A
R
E
n
T
C
O
M
P
A
n
Y

I

I

F
n
A
n
C
A
L
s
T
A
T
E
M
E
n
T
s

At 1 January 
Provided – exceptional items  
Reclassification 
Amounts written off 
At	31	December 

2012 
$m 

(25) 
–	
(1)	
–	
(26)	

2011 
$m

(26)
(3)
3
1
(25)

The amount provided as an exceptional item in 2011 related to an available-for-sale equity investment and arose as a result of a significant 
and prolonged decline in its fair value below cost. 

The provision is used to record impairment losses unless the Group is satisfied that no recovery of the amount is possible; at that point the 
amount considered irrecoverable is either written off directly to the income statement or, if previously provided, against the financial asset 
with no impact on the income statement.

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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
	
	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

16.	Inventories

Finished goods 
Consumable stores 

17.	Trade	and	other	receivables

Trade receivables 
Other receivables 
Prepayments 

2012 
$m 

2 2
2 2
 4

2012 
$m 

344	
18	
60	

4

422	

Trade and other receivables are designated as loans and receivables and are held at amortised cost.

Trade receivables are non-interest-bearing and are generally on payment terms of up to 30 days. The fair value of trade and other 
receivables approximates their carrying value.

The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade and other receivables, excluding prepayments, at the end of the reporting period  
by geographic region is:

Americas 
Europe  
Asia, Middle East and Africa 
Greater China 

186	

The ageing of trade and other receivables, excluding prepayments, at the end of the reporting period is:

Not past due	
Past due 1 to 30 days	
Past due 31 to 180 days	
Past due more than 180 days	

Gross 
$m 

223	
74	
69	
43	
409	

Provision	
$m	

–	
(3)	
(3)	
(41)	
(47)	

2012 

Net 
$m 

223	
71	
66	
2	
362	

Gross 
$m 

201 
73 
59 
40 
373 

The movement in the provision for impairment of trade and other receivables during the year is as follows:

At 1 January 
Provided 
Amounts written back 
Amounts written off 
At	31	December 

18.	Cash	and	cash	equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand  
Short-term deposits 

2012 
$m 

83	
64	
29	
362	

Provision 
$m 

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
(40) 
(46) 

2012 
$m 

(46)	
(18)	
10	
7	
(47)	

2012 
$m 

57	
138	
195	

2011 
$m

2011 
$m

299
28
42
369

2011 
$m

170
69
61
27
327

2011

Net 
$m

200
71
56
–
327

2011 
$m

(58)
(15)
7
20
(46)

2011 
$m

51
131
182

Short-term deposits are highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, in various currencies. 

Cash and cash equivalents includes $7m (2011 $2m) that is not available for use by the Group due to local exchange controls. 

	110 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
19.	Trade	and	other	payables

Current
Trade payables 
Other tax and social security payable 
Other payables 
Accruals 

Non-current
Other payables 

2012 
$m 

117	
35	
268	

563	

2011 
$m

126
35
262
284
707

497

289	
709	

Trade payables are non-interest-bearing and are normally settled within an average of 45 days.

Other payables include $623m (2011 $578m) relating to the future redemption liability of the Group’s loyalty programme, of which $108m 
(2011 $105m) is classified as current and $515m (2011 $473m) as non-current. 

O
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20.	Provisions

At 1 January 2011 
Provided 
Utilised 
At 31 December 2011 
Utilised 
At	31	December	2012 

Analysed as:	
  Current	
  Non-current	

Onerous 
management 
contracts 
$m 

Litigation 
$m 

10 
1 
(8) 
3 
(1) 
2	

– 
22 
(11) 
11 
(11) 
–	

2012 
$m 

1	
1	
2	

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V
E
R
n
A
n
C
E

s
T
A
T
E
M
E
n
T
s

Total 
$m

10
23
(19)
14
(12)
2

2011 
$m

12
2
14

I

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A
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C
A
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The onerous management contracts provision relates to the unavoidable net cash outflows that are expected to be incurred under 
performance guarantees associated with certain management contracts. The non-current portion of the provision is expected to be utilised 
over the period to 2020.

The litigation provision was charged in the income statement as an exceptional item in 2011 (see note 5) and related to an action brought 
against the Group in the Americas region. The final balance was settled in March 2012.

21.	Financial	risk	management

Overview
The Group’s treasury policy is to manage financial risks that arise in 
relation to underlying business needs. The activities of the treasury 
function are carried out in accordance with Board approved policies 
and are subject to regular audit. The treasury function does not 
operate as a profit centre. 

The treasury function seeks to reduce the financial risk of the 
Group and manages liquidity to meet all foreseeable cash needs. 
Treasury activities may include money market investments, spot 
and forward foreign exchange instruments, currency options, 
currency swaps, interest rate swaps and options and forward rate 
agreements. One of the primary objectives of the Group’s treasury 
risk management policy is to mitigate the adverse impact of 
movements in interest rates and foreign exchange rates. 

Market	risk	exposure
The US dollar is the predominant currency of the Group’s revenue 
and cash flows. Movements in foreign exchange rates can affect  
the Group’s reported profit, net assets and interest cover. To hedge 
translation exposure, wherever possible, the Group matches  
the currency of its debt (either directly or via derivatives) to the 
currency of its net assets, whilst maximising the amount of US 
dollars borrowed to reflect the predominant trading currency. 

From time to time, foreign exchange transaction exposure is 
managed by the forward purchase or sale of foreign currencies  
or the use of currency options. Most significant exposures of the 
Group are in currencies that are freely convertible.

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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	 
	
	
	
	 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

21.	Financial	risk	management	continued

A general strengthening of the US dollar (specifically a five cent  
fall in the sterling:US dollar rate) would increase the Group’s profit 
before tax by an estimated $2.8m (2011 $3.3m) and increase net 
assets by an estimated $1.8m (2011 decrease of $10.4m). Similarly, 
a five cent fall in the euro:US dollar rate would reduce the Group’s 
profit before tax by an estimated $2.3m (2011 $1.9m) and decrease 
net assets by an estimated $16.1m (2011 $10.3m).

Interest rate exposure is managed within parameters that stipulate 
that fixed rate borrowings should normally account for no less  
than 25% and no more than 75% of net borrowings for each major 
currency. This is usually achieved through the use of interest rate 
swaps. Due to relatively low interest rates and the level of the 
Group’s debt, 100% of borrowings in major currencies were fixed 
rate debt at 31 December 2012.

Based on the year-end net debt position and given the underlying 
maturity profile of investments, borrowings and hedging instruments 
at that date, neither a one percentage point rise in US dollar, euro nor 
sterling interest rates would impact the annual net interest charge  
in the current or prior year.

Liquidity	risk	exposure
The treasury function ensures that the Group has access to 
sufficient funds to allow the implementation of the strategy set  
by the Board. Medium and long-term borrowing requirements  
are met through the $1.07bn Syndicated Facility which expires in 
November 2016, through the £250m 6% bonds that are repayable 
on 9 December 2016 and through the £400m 3.875% bonds 
repayable on 28 November 2022. The $1.07bn Syndicated Facility 
was undrawn at the year end. The £400m 3.875% bonds, which 
were issued during the year under the Group’s £750m Medium 
Term Notes programme, extend the maturity profile and diversify 
the sources of the Group’s debt. Short-term borrowing 
requirements are met from drawings under bilateral bank facilities. 

The Syndicated Facility contains two financial covenants: interest 
cover and net debt divided by earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA). The Group is in 
compliance with all of the financial covenants in its loan documents, 
none of which is expected to present a material restriction on 
funding in the near future. 

At the year end, the Group had cash of $195m which is 
predominantly held in short-term deposits and cash funds which 
allow daily withdrawals of cash. Most of the Group’s funds are  
held in the UK or US, although $7m (2011 $2m) is held in a  
country where repatriation is restricted as a result of foreign  
exchange regulations. 

Credit	risk	exposure
Credit risk on treasury transactions is minimised by operating a 
policy on the investment of surplus cash that generally restricts 
counterparties to those with an A credit rating or better or those 
providing adequate security. 

Notwithstanding that counterparties must have an A credit rating 
or better, during periods of significant financial market turmoil, 
counterparty exposure limits are significantly reduced and 
counterparty credit exposure reviews are broadened to include  
the relative placing of credit default swap pricings.

In respect of credit risk arising from financial assets, the Group’s 
exposure to credit risk arises from default of the counterparty,  
with a maximum exposure equal to the carrying amount of  
these instruments.

Capital	risk	management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that it will be able to 
continue as a going concern. The capital structure consists of  
net debt, issued share capital and reserves totalling $1,382m at 
31 December 2012 (2011 $1,085m). The structure is managed to 
maintain an investment grade credit rating, to provide ongoing 
returns to shareholders and to service debt obligations, whilst 
maintaining maximum operational flexibility. A key characteristic  
of IHG’s managed and franchised business model is that it is highly 
cash generative, with a high return on capital employed. Surplus 
cash is either reinvested in the business, used to repay debt or 
returned to shareholders. The Group’s debt is monitored on the 
basis of a cash flow leverage ratio, being net debt divided by 
EBITDA, with the objective of maintaining an investment grade 
credit rating. 

Hedging
Interest	rate	risk	
The Group hedges its interest rate risk by taking out interest rate 
swaps to fix the interest flows on between 25% and 75% of its net 
borrowings in major currencies, although 100% of interest flows 
were fixed at 31 December 2012. At 31 December 2012, the Group 
did not hold any interest rate swaps (2011 notional principals held  
of $100m swapping floating for fixed). The Group designates  
its interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges (see note 23 for  
further details).

Foreign	currency	risk	
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on income streams 
denominated in foreign currencies. From time to time, the Group 
hedges a portion of forecast foreign currency income by taking out 
forward exchange contracts. The designated risk is the spot foreign 
exchange risk. There were no such contracts in place at either  
31 December 2012 or 31 December 2011. 

Hedge	of	net	investment	in	foreign	operations	
The Group designates its foreign currency bank borrowings  
and currency derivatives as net investment hedges of foreign 
operations. The designated risk is the spot foreign exchange  
risk for loans and short dated derivatives and the forward risk  
for the seven-year currency swaps. The interest on these financial 
instruments is taken through financial income or expense except 
for the seven-year currency swaps where interest is taken to the 
currency translation reserve. 

At 31 December 2012, the Group held currency swaps with a 
principal of $415m (2011 $415m) and short dated foreign exchange 
swaps with principals of EUR75m (2011 EUR75m) and USD170m 
(2011 USD nil) (see note 23 for further details). The maximum 
amount of foreign exchange derivatives held during the year as net 
investment hedges and measured at calendar quarter ends were 
currency swaps with a principal of $415m (2011 $415m) and short 
dated foreign exchange swaps with principals of EUR75m (2011 
EUR100m) and USD350m (2011 USD100m).

The Group trades only with recognised, creditworthy third parties. 
It is the Group’s policy that all customers who wish to trade on credit 
terms are subject to credit verification procedures. 

Hedge effectiveness is measured at calendar quarter ends.  
No ineffectiveness arose in respect of either the Group’s cash  
flow or net investment hedges during the current or prior year.

	112 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

21.	Financial	risk	management	continued

Liquidity	risk
The following are the undiscounted contractual cash flows of financial liabilities, including interest payments: 

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31	December	2012	
Non-derivative financial liabilities:
  Secured bank loans  
  £250m 6% bonds 2016 
  £400m 3.875% bonds 2022 
  Finance lease obligations  
  Trade and other payables  
  Provisions  
Derivative financial liabilities:
  Forward foreign exchange contracts 
  Currency swaps – outflows 

– inflows 

31 December 2011 
Non-derivative financial liabilities:
  Secured bank loans  
  £250m 6% bonds 2016 
  Finance lease obligations  
  Unsecured bank loans  
  Trade and other payables  
  Provisions  
Derivative financial liabilities:

Interest rate swaps  

  Forward foreign exchange contracts 
  Currency swaps – outflows 

– inflows 

Less	than		
1	year	
$m	

Between	1	and	
2	years	
$m	

Between	2	and	
5	years	
$m	

More	than	
5	years	
$m	

–	
24	
25	
16	
709	
1	

(2)	
26	
(24)	

–	
24	
25	
16	
154	
1	

–	
26	
(24)	

5	
453	
75	
48	
191	
–	

–	
467	
(453)	

–	
–	
772	
3,316	
285	
–	

–	
–	
–	

Less than  
1 year 
$m 

Between 1 and 
2 years 
$m 

Between 2 and 
5 years 
$m 

More than 
5 years 
$m 

5 
23 
16 
100 
707 
12 

1 
(3) 
26 
(23) 

– 
23 
16 
– 
123 
1 

– 
– 
26 
(23) 

– 
456 
48 
– 
135 
1 

– 
– 
492 
(456) 

– 
– 
3,332 
– 
324 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

Total	
$m

5
501
897
3,396
1,339
2

(2)
519
(501)

Total 
$m

5
502
3,412
100
1,289
14

1
(3)
544
(502)

Cash flows relating to unsecured bank loans are classified according to the maturity date of the loan drawdown rather than the facility 
maturity date. 

Interest rate swaps are expected to affect profit or loss in the same periods that the cash flows are expected to occur.

Credit	risk
The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum exposure to credit risk. 

Equity securities available-for-sale 
Derivative financial instruments 
Loans and receivables:
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Other financial assets  
  Trade and other receivables, excluding prepayments  

2012 
$m 

112	
2	

195	
49	
362	

2011 
$m

112
3

182
44
327
668

720	

I

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s
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E
s
s
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I

E
W

G
O
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E
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n
A
n
C
E

s
T
A
T
E
M
E
n
T
s

I

I

F
n
A
n
C
A
L
s
T
A
T
E
M
E
n
T
s

I

G
R
O
u
P
F
n
A
n
C
A
L

I

P
A
R
E
n
T
C
O
M
P
A
n
Y

O
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I

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O
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A
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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

21.	Financial	risk	management	continued

Fair	values
The table below compares carrying amounts and fair values of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities. 

Financial	assets
Equity securities available-for-sale*  
Derivatives* 
Loans and receivables:
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Other financial assets 
  Trade and other receivables, excluding prepayments 

Financial	liabilities
£250m 6% bonds 2016 
£400m 3.875% bonds 2022 
Finance lease obligations 
Other borrowings 
Trade and other payables 
Derivatives* 
Provisions 

Carrying 
value	
$m	

Note 

15	
23	

18	
15	
17	

22	
22 
22	
22	
19	
23	
20	

112	
2	

195	
49	
362	

(403)	
(638)	
(212)	
(5)	
(1,272)	
(19)	
(2)	

2012 

Fair	value 
$m 

112	
2	

195	
49	
362	

(456)	
(652) 
(268)	
(5)	
(1,272)	
(19)	
(2)	

Carrying 
value 
$m 

112 
3 

182 
44 
327 

(384) 
– 
(209) 
(98) 
(1,204) 
(39) 
(14) 

2011

Fair value 
$m

112
3

182
44
327

(411)
–
(268)
(98)
(1,204)
(39)
(14)

*  Financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value.

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates book value due to the short maturity of the investments and deposits. Equity 
securities available-for-sale and derivatives are held in the Group statement of financial position at fair value as set out in notes 15 and 23. 
The fair value of other financial assets approximates book value based on prevailing market rates. The fair value of borrowings, excluding 
finance lease obligations and the fixed rate bonds, approximates book value as interest rates reset to market rates on a frequent basis.  
The fair value of the £250m and £400m bonds is based on their quoted market price. The fair value of finance lease obligations is calculated 
by discounting future cash flows at prevailing interest rates. The fair value of trade and other receivables, trade and other payables and 
current provisions approximates to their carrying value, including the future redemption liability of the Group’s loyalty programme.

Fair	value	hierarchy
The Group uses the following valuation hierarchy to determine the carrying value of financial instruments that are measured at fair value:

Level 1:  quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:   other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly  

or indirectly.

Level 3:   techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

Assets
Equity securities available-for-sale	
Derivatives 

Liabilities
Derivatives	

Level	1	
$m	

Level	2	
$m	

Level	3 
$m	

2012	

Total	
$m 

Level 1 
$m 

Level 2 
$m 

Level 3 
$m 

18	
– 

–	
2	

94	
–	

112	

2 –

15 

 3

– 

 –

97 

 3

2011

Total 
$m

112

–	

(19)	

–	

(19)	

– 

(39) 

– 

(39)

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the year and no transfers into and out of Level 3.

	114 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
	
	
21.	Financial	risk	management	continued

The following table reconciles movements in instruments classified as Level 3 during the year:

At 1 January 
Additions 
Repaid 
Valuation (losses)/ gains recognised in other comprehensive income 
Impairment* 
At	31	December 

2012 
$m 

97 
–	
(1)	
(2)	
–	
94	

2011 
$m

84
1
(3)
16
(1)
97

*  The impairment charge recognised in the income statement in 2011 (see note 5) included $2m of losses reclassified from equity.

The Level 3 equity securities relate to investments in unlisted shares which are valued by applying an average price-earnings (P/E) ratio for 
a competitor group to the earnings generated by the investment or by reference to share of net assets. A 10% increase in the average P/E 
ratio would result in a $5m increase (2011 $5m) in the fair value of the investments and a 10% decrease in the average P/E ratio would 
result in a $5m decrease (2011 $5m) in the fair value of the investments. A 10% increase in net assets would result in a $2m increase  
(2011 $3m) in the fair value of the investments and a 10% decrease in net assets would result in a $2m decrease (2011 $3m) in the fair  
value of the investments.

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22.	Loans	and	other	borrowings

Secured bank loans	
Finance lease obligations	
£250m 6% bonds 2016	
£400m 3.875% bonds 2022	
Unsecured bank loans	
Total	borrowings 	

Denominated in the following currencies:
  Sterling	
  US dollars	
  Other	

Current	
$m	

Non-current	
$m	

–	
16	
–	
–	
–	
16	

–	
16	
–	
16	

5	
196	
403	
638	
–	
1,242	

1,041	
196	
5	
1,242	

2012 

Total 
	$m 

5	
212	
403	
638	
–	
1,258	

1,041	
212		
5	
1,258	

Current 
$m 

Non-current 
$m 

5 
16 
– 
– 
– 
21 

– 
16 
5 
21 

– 
193 
384 
– 
93 
670 

384 
286 
– 
670 

G
O
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E
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n
A
n
C
E

s
T
A
T
E
M
E
n
T
s

2011

Total 
$m

5
209
384
–
93
691

384
302
5
691

I

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Secured	bank	loans
The New Zealand dollar mortgage is secured on the hotel property to which it relates. 

Non-current amounts include $5m (2011 $nil) repayable by instalments.

Finance	lease	obligations	
Finance lease obligations, which relate to the 99-year lease (of which 93 years remain) on the InterContinental Boston, are payable  
as follows:

Less than one year 
Between one and five years 
More than five years 

Less: amount representing finance charges  	

Minimum	
lease	
payments	
$m	

16	
64	
3,316	
3,396	
(3,184)	
212	

2012 

Present 
value	of 
payments 
$m 

16	
48	
148	
212	
–	
212	

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
$m 

16 
64 
3,332 
3,412 
(3,203) 
209 

2011

Present 
value of 
payments 
$m

16
48
145
209
–
209

The Group has the option to extend the term of the lease for two additional 20-year terms. Payments under the lease step up at regular 
intervals over the lease term.

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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
	
 
 
 
	
	
 
	
	
 
 
	
 
	
 
 	
 
	
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

22.	Loans	and	other	borrowings	continued

£250m	6%	bonds	2016
The 6% fixed interest sterling bonds were issued on 9 December 2009 and are repayable in full on 9 December 2016. Interest is payable 
annually on 9 December in each year commencing 9 December 2010 to the maturity date. The bonds were initially priced at 99.465% of  
face value and are unsecured. Currency swaps were transacted at the same time the bonds were issued in order to swap the proceeds  
and interest flows into US dollars (see note 23 for further details).

£400m	3.875%	bonds	2022
The 3.875% fixed interest sterling bonds were issued on 28 November 2012 and are repayable on 28 November 2022. Interest is payable 
annually on 28 November in each year commencing 28 November 2013 to the maturity date. The bonds were initially priced at 98.787%  
of face value and are unsecured.

Unsecured	bank	loans
Unsecured bank loans are borrowings under the Group’s Syndicated Facility and its short-term bilateral loan and overdraft facilities. The 
Syndicated Facility comprises a $1.07bn five-year revolving credit facility that matures in November 2016. These facilities contain financial 
covenants and, as at the end of the reporting period, the Group was not in breach of these covenants, nor had any breaches or defaults 
occurred during the year. Borrowings under the facilities are classified as non-current when the facilities have more than 12 months to 
expiry. The facility was undrawn at the year end.

Facilities	provided	by	banks

Committed	
Uncommitted	

Unutilised facilities expire:
  Within one year 
  After two but before five years 

Utilised	
$m	

Unutilised	
$m	

5	
–	
5	

1,070	
96	
1,166	

2012 

Total 
$m 

1,075	
96	
1,171	

Utilised 
$m 

105 
– 
105 

Unutilised 
$m 

970 
79 
1,049 

2012 
$m 

96	
1,070	
1,166	

Utilised facilities are calculated based on actual drawings and may not agree to the carrying value of loans held at amortised cost.

23.	Derivative	financial	instruments

Currency swaps 
Forward foreign exchange contracts 

Analysed as:
  Current assets 
  Non-current liabilities 

2012 
$m 

19	
(2)	
17	

(2) 
19	
17	

2011

Total 
$m

1,075
79
1,154

2011 
$m

79
970
1,049

2011 
$m

39
(3)
36

(3)
39
36

Derivatives are recorded at their fair values, estimated using discounted future cash flows taking into consideration interest and exchange 
rates prevailing on the last day of the reporting period.

	116 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

	
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23.	Derivative	financial	instruments	continued

Currency	swaps
At 31 December 2012, the Group held currency swaps with a principal of $415m (2011 $415m). These swaps were transacted at the same 
time as the £250m 6% bonds were issued in December 2009 in order to swap the bonds’ proceeds and interest flows into US dollars. Under 
the terms of the swaps, $415m was borrowed and £250m deposited for seven years at a fixed exchange rate of £1 = $1.66. The fair value of 
the currency swap comprises two components: $11m (2011 $29m) relating to the repayment of the underlying principal and $8m (2011 
$10m) relating to interest payments. The element relating to the underlying principal is disclosed as a component of net debt (see note 24).  
The currency swaps are designated as net investment hedges.

Interest	rate	swaps
At 31 December 2012, the Group did not hold any interest rate swaps (2011 notional principals held of $100m). These swaps were held to fix 
the interest payable on borrowings under the Syndicated Facility; at 31 December 2011, $100m of US dollar borrowings were fixed at 1.99% 
until May 2012. The interest rate swaps were designated as cash flow hedges.

Forward	foreign	exchange	contracts
At 31 December 2012, the Group held short dated foreign exchange swaps with principals of €75m and $170m (2011 €75m).  
The swaps are used to manage sterling surplus cash and reduce euro and US dollar borrowings whilst maintaining operational flexibility. 
The foreign exchange swaps have been designated as net investment hedges.

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24.	Net	debt

Cash and cash equivalents 
Loans and other borrowings – current 

– non-current 

Derivatives hedging debt values (note 23) 
Net	debt 

Movement	in	net	debt
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Add back cash flows in respect of other components of net debt:

Issue of long-term bonds 

  Decrease in other borrowings 
(Increase)/decrease in net debt arising from cash flows 
Non-cash movements:
  Finance lease obligations 
  Exchange and other adjustments 
(Increase)/decrease in net debt 
Net debt at beginning of the year 
Net	debt	at	end	of	the	year 

2012 
$m 

195	
(16)	
(1,242)	
(11)	
(1,074)	

15	

(632)	
99	
(518)	

(3)	
(15)	
(536)	
(538)	
(1,074)	

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2011 
$m

182
(21)
(670)
(29)
(538)

107

–
119
226

(3)
(18)
205
(743)
(538)

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Net debt includes the exchange element of the fair value of currency swaps that fix the value of the Group’s £250m 6% bonds at $415m.  
An equal and opposite exchange adjustment on the retranslation of the £250m 6% bonds is included in non-current loans and other borrowings. 

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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
		
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 	
	
	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

25.	Retirement	benefits

Retirement and death in service benefits are provided for eligible Group employees in the UK principally by the InterContinental Hotels UK 
Pension Plan. The plan, which is funded and HM Revenue & Customs registered, covers approximately 598 (2011 545) employees, of which 
119 (2011 125) are in the defined benefit section and 479 (2011 420) are in the defined contribution section. The defined benefit section of the 
plan closed to new entrants in 2002 and will close to future accrual for current members with effect from 1 July 2013. New members  
are provided with defined contribution arrangements as will be members of the defined benefit section in July 2013. The assets of the plan  
are held in self-administered trust funds separate from the Group’s assets. In addition, there are unfunded UK pension arrangements for 
certain members affected by the lifetime or annual allowances which will also close to future accrual from 1 July 2013. The Group also 
maintains the following US-based defined benefit plans; the funded InterContinental Hotels Pension Plan, unfunded InterContinental Hotels 
non-qualified pension plans and post-employment benefits schemes. These plans are closed to new members. The Group also operates  
a number of smaller pension schemes outside the UK, the most significant of which is a defined contribution scheme in the US; there is no 
material difference between the pension costs of, and contributions to, these schemes.

In respect of the defined benefit plans, the amounts recognised in the Group income statement, in administrative expenses, are:

Current service cost	
Interest cost on benefit obligation	
Expected return on plan assets	
Operating profit before exceptional items	
Exceptional items – curtailment gain	

2012 
$m 

5	
25	
(28)	
2	
–	
2 

UK 

2011 
$m 

6 
28 
(29) 
5 
(28) 
(23) 

Pension plans

 US and other 

Post-employment 
benefits 

2011 
$m 

– 
1 

2012 
$m 

2011 
$m 

2012 
$m 

1 
9 
(9) 
1 
– 
1 

1 
10 
(9) 
2 
– 
2 

– 
1 
– –
1 1
– –
1 1

2012 
$m 

6 7

35 
(37) 
4 8
– 
4 

Total

2011  
$m

39
(38)

(28)
(20)

The curtailment gain in 2011 arose in respect of the UK pension plan and from the decision to close the defined benefit section to future 
accrual with effect from 1 July 2013. The plan rules were formally amended to reflect this change in September 2011.

The amounts recognised in the Group statement of comprehensive income are:

Actual return on plan assets	
Less: expected return on plan assets	
Actuarial gains/(losses) on plan assets 
Actuarial (losses)/gains on plan liabilities	
Total actuarial gains/(losses)	
Change in asset restriction and liability in respect
of funding commitments*	

2012 
$m 

34	
(28)	
6	
(3)	
3	

(25)	
(22)	

UK 

2011 
$m 

53	
(29)	
24	
(22)	
2	

(11)	
(9)	

Pension plans

 US and other 

Post-employment 
benefits 

2012 
$m 

18 4
(9) 
9 
(16) 
(7) 

– –
(7) 

2011 
$m 

2012 
$m 

2011 
$m 

(9)	
(5)	
(26)	
(31)	

(31)	

– –
– –
– –
5 
5 

– –
5 

(3)	
(3)	

(3)	

2012 
$m 

52 
(37) 
15 
(14) 
1 

(25) 
(24) 

Total

2011 
$m

57
(38)
19
(51)
(32)

(11)
(43)

*  Relates to tax that would be deducted at source in respect of a refund of the surplus taking into account amounts payable under funding commitments.

	118 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
25.	Retirement	benefits	continued

The assets and liabilities of the schemes and the amounts recognised in the Group statement of financial position are:

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Retirement	benefit	assets
Fair value of plan assets	
Present value of benefit obligations	
Surplus in schemes	
Asset restriction and liability in respect
of funding commitments*	
Total retirement benefit assets	

Retirement	benefit	obligations
Fair value of plan assets 
Present value of benefit obligations	
Total retirement benefit obligations 

Total fair value of plan assets	
Total present value of benefit obligations	

2012 
$m 

695	
(507)	
188	

(91)	
97	

–	
(62)	
(62)	

695	
(569)	

UK 

2011 
$m 

551	
(471)	
80	

(63)	
17	

–	
(54)	
(54)	

551	
(525)	

Pension plans

 US and other 

Post-employment 
benefits 

2012 
$m 

2011 
$m 

2012 
$m 

2011 
$m 

2012 
$m 

17 
(15) 
2 4

– –
2 4

132 
(232) 
(100) 

149 
(247) 

16 
(12)	

117	
(221)	
(104)	

133	
(233)	

– –
– –
– –

– –
– –

– –
(25) 
(25) 

– –
(25) 

712 
(522) 
190 

(91) 
99 

132 
(319) 
(187) 

844 
(841) 

(30)	
(30)	

(30)	

Total

2011 
$m

567
(483)
84

(63)
21

117
(305)
(188)

684
(788)

*  Relates to tax that would be deducted at source in respect of a refund of the surplus taking into account amounts payable under funding commitments.

The ‘US and other’ surplus of $2m (2011 $4m) relates to a defined benefit pension scheme in Hong Kong. Included within the ‘US and other’ 
deficit is $2m (2011 $1m) relating to a defined benefit pension plan in the Netherlands.

Assumptions
The principal financial assumptions used by the actuaries to determine the benefit obligation are:

Pension plans

Wages and salaries increases 
Pensions increases 
Discount rate 
Inflation rate 
Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for next year: 
  Pre 65 (ultimate rate reached in 2021) 
  Post 65 (ultimate rate reached in 2024) 
Ultimate rate that the cost trend rate trends to   

2012 
% 

4.5	
3.0	
4.5	
3.0	

UK 

2011 
% 

4.6	
3.1	
4.7	
3.1	

2012 
% 

– –
– –

3.5 

– –

US 

2011 
% 

4.1	

5.0	

Post-employment 
benefits

2012 

% %

4.0 

– –

3.5 

– –

9.0	
11.8	

2011 

4.0

4.1

9.5
12.8
5.0

Mortality is the most significant demographic assumption. The current assumptions for the UK plan are based on the S1NA tables with long 
cohort projections and a 1.25% per annum underpin to future mortality improvements with age rated down by 1.75 years for pensioners and 
1.5 years for non-pensioners. In the US, the current assumptions are based on the RP-2000 IRS PPA @ 2013 Non-Annuitant/Annuitant 
healthy tables for males and females.

Accordingly, assumed life expectancy at retirement age is as follows:

Current pensioners at 65a  – male 

Future pensioners at 65b  – male 

– female 

– female 

a   Relates to assumptions based on longevity (in years) following retirement at the end of the reporting period.

b   Relates to assumptions based on longevity (in years) relating to an employee retiring in 2032.

The assumptions allow for expected increases in longevity.

Pension plans

UK 

2011 
Years 

24	
27	
26	
29	

2012 
Years 

19 
21 
21 
22 

US

2011 
Years

19
21
21
22

2012 
Years 

24	
27	
27	
30	

I

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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

119

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
 
	
 
	
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
 
	
 
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
	
	
 
 	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

25.	Retirement	benefits	continued

Sensitivities
Changes in assumptions used for determining retirement benefit costs and obligations may have a material impact on the income 
statement and the statement of financial position. The main assumptions are the discount rate, the rate of inflation and the assumed 
mortality rate. The following table provides an estimate of the potential impact of each of these variables on the principal pension plans.

Discount rate  – 0.25% decrease 
– 0.25% increase 
Inflation rate  – 0.25% increase 
– 0.25% decrease 

Mortality rate  – one year increase 

Higher/(lower) 
pension cost 
$m 

1.4 
(1.0) 
1.1 
(0.6) 
0.5 

UK 

Increase/ 
(decrease) 
in liabilities 
$m 

20.7 
(19.1) 
17.9 
(15.8) 
8.2 

Higher/(lower) 
pension cost 
$m 

0.2 
(0.2) 
– 
– 
0.3 

US

Increase/ 
(decrease) 
in liabilities 
$m

7.2
(6.8)
–
–
10.1

A one percentage point increase/(decrease) in assumed healthcare costs trend rate would increase/(decrease) the accumulated post-
employment benefit obligations as at 31 December 2012 by approximately $2.4m (2011 $2.8m). 

Movement	in	benefit	obligation 

Benefit obligation at 1 January	
Current service cost	
Members’ contributions	
Interest expense	
Benefits paid	
Curtailment gain	
Actuarial loss/(gain) arising in the year	
Exchange adjustments	
Benefit obligation at 31 December	

Comprising:
  Funded plans	
  Unfunded plans	

Movement	in	plan	assets 

Fair value of plan assets at 1 January	
Company contributions	
Members’ contributions	
Benefits paid	
Expected return on plan assets	
Actuarial gain/(loss) arising in the year	
Exchange adjustments	
Fair value of plan assets at 31 December	

2012 
$m 

525 
5	
1	
25	
(14)	
–	
3	
24	
569	

507	
62	
569	

2012 
$m 

551 
97	
1	
(14)	
28	
6	
26	
695	

UK 

2011 
$m 

512 
6	
1	
28	
(13)	
(28)	
22	
(3)	
525	

471	
54	
525	

UK 

2011 
$m 

475 
40	
1	
(13)	
29	
24	
(5)	
551	

Pension plans

 US and other 

Post-employment 
benefits 

2012 
$m 

233 
1 
– 
9 
(12) 
– 
16 
– 
247 

193 
54 
247 

2011 
$m 

209 
1 
– 
10 
(13) 
– 
26 
– 
233 

181	
52	
233	

2012 
$m 

30 
– –
– –
1 1
(1) 
– –
(5) 3
– –

25 

– –

25 
25 

2011 
$m 

27 

(1)	

30	

30	
30	

Pension plans

 US and other 

Post-employment 
benefits 

2011 
$m 

– 

(1)	

2012 
$m 

133 
10 

– –
(12) 
9 9
9 
– 1

2011 
$m 

130 
11	

(13)	

(5)	

149 

133	

2012 
$m 

– 
1 1
– –
(1) 
– –
– –
– –
– –

2012 
$m 

788 
6 7
1 1

35 
(27) 
– 
14 
24 
841 

700 
141 
841 

2012 
$m 

684 
108 

1 1
(27) 
37 
15 
26 
844 

Total

2011 
$m

748

39
(27)
(28)
51
(3)
788

652
136
788

Total

2011 
$m

605
52

(27)
38
19
(4)
684

	120 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
	
	
 
	
	
 
	
 
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
 
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
	
	
	
 
	
 
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
25.	Retirement	benefits	continued

The plan assets are comprised as follows:

UK	pension	plans
Liability matching investment funds 
Bonds 
Equities 
Hedge funds 
Cash and other	
Total market value of assets 

US	pension	plans
Equities 
Fixed income 
Other 
Total market value of assets	

Value	
$m	

243	
232	
62	
31	
127	
695	

60	
60	
4	
124	

2012 

% 

35	
33	
9	
5	
18	
100	

48	
48	
4	
100	

Value 
$m 

290 
74 
93 
56 
38 
551 

58 
52 
– 
110 

2011

%

53
13
17
10
7
100

53
47
–
100

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The expected overall rates of return on assets, being 4.2% (2011 4.8%) for the UK plan and 6.8% (2011 7.3%) for the US plans, have been 
determined following advice from the plans’ independent actuaries and are based on the expected return on each asset class together with 
consideration of the plans’ asset strategy. In respect of the UK plan, the long-term rate of return assumptions are 3.5% (2011 3.3%) for 
liability matching funds and bonds and 6.4% (2011 7.4%) for equities and other return seeking assets. The UK plan is currently implementing 
a de-risking strategy which is resulting in a move out of return seeking assets into liability matching funds and bonds.

Funding	commitments
The most recent actuarial valuation of the InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan was carried out as at 31 March 2012 and showed a 
deficit of £132m on a funding basis. Under the recovery plan agreed with the trustees, the Group aims to eliminate this deficit by 31 July 
2014 principally through additional Company contributions of £130m. In respect of these additional Company contributions, £10m was paid 
in July 2012, £45m was paid in October 2012, £30m is due for payment in July 2013, £15m is due for payment in July 2014 and £30m will be 
paid into a funding trust on release of a trustee charge over a hotel asset. The amount in the funding trust may be available for release to  
the plan on 31 July 2014 to the extent that a funding deficit remains at that time. The plan is formally valued every three years, or earlier  
with the agreement of the Company and trustees, and future valuations could lead to changes in the amounts payable by the Company.

Company contributions are expected to be $62m in 2013, including known UK additional contributions of £30m.

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History	of	experience	gains	and	losses 

UK	pension	plans
Fair value of plan assets	
Present value of benefit obligations	
Surplus/(deficit) in the plans	
Experience adjustments arising on plan liabilities	
Experience adjustments arising on plan assets	

US	and	other	pension	plans
Fair value of plan assets	
Present value of benefit obligations	
Deficit in the plans	
Experience adjustments arising on plan liabilities	
Experience adjustments arising on plan assets	

US	post-employment	benefits
Present value of benefit obligations	
Experience adjustments arising on plan liabilities	

2012 
$m 

695	
(569)	
126	
(3)	
6	

149	
(247)	
(98)	
(16)	
9	

(25)	
5	

2011 
$m 

551	
(525)	
26	
(22)	
24 

133	
(233)	
(100) 
(26) 
(5) 

(30) 
(3) 

2010 
$m 

475 
(512) 
(37) 
(49) 
21 

130 
(209) 
(79) 
(13) 
3 

(27) 
(7) 

2009 
$m 

426 
(461) 
(35) 
(44) 
(14) 

126 
(197) 
(71) 
(13) 
14 

(20) 
(1) 

2008 
$m

437
(411)
26
55
(57)

112
(185)
(73)
3
(38)

(19)
1

The cumulative amount of net actuarial losses recognised since 1 January 2004 in the Group statement of comprehensive income is $284m 
(2011 $285m). The Group is unable to determine how much of the pension scheme deficit recognised on transition to IFRS of $298m and 
taken directly to total equity is attributable to actuarial gains and losses since inception of the schemes. Therefore, the Group is unable to 
determine the amount of actuarial gains and losses that would have been recognised in the Group statement of comprehensive income 
before 1 January 2004.

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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

121

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
	
	
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
	
	
 
	
	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

26.	Deferred	tax	

At 1 January 2011 
Income statement 
Statement of comprehensive income 
Statement of changes in equity 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At 31 December 2011 
Income statement 
Statement of comprehensive income 
Statement of changes in equity 
Exchange and other adjustments 
At	31	December	2012	

Analysed as:
  Deferred tax assets 
  Deferred tax liabilities 
  Liabilities held for sale 

Property, 
plant and 
equipment 
$m 

Deferred  
gains on 
loan notes 
$m 

205 
19 
– 
– 
(3) 
221 
12 
– 
– 
3 
236	

144 
(7) 
– 
– 
– 
137 
(26) 
– 
– 
3 
114	

Losses 
$m 

(150) 
17 
– 
– 
– 
(133) 
(74) 
– 
– 
(8) 
(215)	

Employee 
benefits 
$m 

Intangible 
assets 
$m 

Other 
short-term 
temporary 
differences 
$m 

(47) 
– 
(12) 
– 
– 
(59) 
6 
(6) 
(4) 
– 
(63)	

35 
1 
– 
– 
2 
38 
(6) 
– 
– 
1 
33	

(182) 
20 
1 
9 
(1) 
(153) 
(1) 
1 
(1) 
(1) 
(155)	

2012 
$m 

(204)	
93	
61	
(50)	

Total 
$m

5
50
(11)
9
(2)
51
(89)
(5)
(5)
(2)
(50)

2011 
$m

(106)
97
60
51

Deferred gains on loan notes includes $55m (2011 $55m) which is expected to fall due for payment in 2016.

The deferred tax asset recognised in respect of losses of $215m (2011 $133m) includes $78m (2011 $104m) in respect of capital losses 
available to be utilised against the realisation of capital gains which are recognised as a deferred tax liability and $137m (2011 $29m) in 
respect of revenue tax losses. Deferred tax assets of $22m (2011 $44m) are recognised in relation to legal entities which suffered a tax  
loss in the current or preceding period. These assets are recognised based upon future taxable profit forecasts for the entities concerned.

Tax losses with a net tax value of $272m (2011 $358m), including capital losses with a value of $140m (2011 $134m), have not been 
recognised. These losses may be carried forward indefinitely with the exception of $11m which expires after four years and $1m which 
expires after eight years (2011 $11m which expires after five years and $1m which expires after six years). Deferred tax assets with a net tax 
value of $32m (2011 $29m) in respect of employee benefits, up to $34m (2011 $34m) in respect of foreign tax credits and $53m (2011 $52m) 
in respect of other items have not been recognised. These losses and other deferred tax assets have not been recognised as the Group does 
not currently anticipate being able to offset these against future profits or gains in order to realise any economic benefit in the foreseeable 
future. However, future benefits may arise as a result of resolving tax uncertainties, or as a consequence of case law and legislative 
developments which make the value of assets more certain.

At 31 December 2012, the Group has not provided deferred tax in relation to temporary differences associated with post-acquisition 
undistributed earnings of subsidiaries as the Group is in a position to control the timing of reversal of these temporary differences and  
it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. The tax which would arise upon reversal of the temporary differences is 
not expected to exceed $20m (2011 $20m).

Other short-term temporary differences relate primarily to provisions, accruals, amortisation and share-based payments.

	122 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
27.	Share-based	payments

Annual	Bonus	Plan	
The IHG Annual Bonus Plan (ABP) enables eligible employees, 
including Executive Directors, to receive all or part of their bonus  
in the form of deferred shares. The deferred shares are released  
on the third anniversary of the award date. Under the terms of the 
current plan, a fixed percentage of the bonus is awarded in the  
form of shares with no voluntary deferral and no matching shares. 
The awards in all of the plans are conditional on the participants 
remaining in the employment of a participating company or leaving 
for a qualifying reason as per the plan rules. Participation in the 
ABP is at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee. The 
number of shares is calculated by dividing a specific percentage of 
the participant’s annual performance-related bonus by the middle 
market quoted prices on the three consecutive dealing days 
immediately preceding the date of grant. A number of executives 
participated in the plan during the year and conditional rights over 
340,924 (2011 528,213) shares were awarded to participants. 

Long	Term	Incentive	Plan	
The Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) allows Executive Directors  
and eligible employees to receive share awards, subject to the 
achievement of performance conditions, set by the Remuneration 
Committee, which are normally measured over a three-year period. 
Awards are normally made annually and, except in exceptional 
circumstances, will not exceed three times salary for Executive 
Directors and four times salary in the case of other eligible 
employees. During the year, conditional rights over 2,698,714  
(2011 3,257,364) shares were awarded to employees under the plan.  
The plan provides for the grant of ‘nil cost options’ to participants  
as an alternative to conditional share awards.

Executive	Share	Option	Plan	
For options granted, the option price is not less than the market 
value of an ordinary share, or the nominal value if higher. The 
market value is the quoted price on the business day preceding the 
date of grant, or the average of the middle market quoted prices on 
the three consecutive dealing days immediately preceding the date 
of grant. A performance condition has to be met before options can 
be exercised. The performance condition is set by the Remuneration 
Committee. The plan was not operated during 2012 and no options 
were granted in the year under the plan. The latest date that any 
options may be exercised is 4 April 2015.

Sharesave	Plan	
The Sharesave Plan is a savings plan whereby employees contract 
to save a fixed amount each month with a savings institution for 
three or five years. At the end of the savings term, employees are 
given the option to purchase shares at a price set before savings 
began. The Sharesave Plan, when operational, is available to all UK 
employees (including Executive Directors) employed by participating 
Group companies provided that they have been employed for at least 
one year. The plan provides for the grant of options to subscribe for 
ordinary shares at the higher of nominal value and not less than 
80% of the middle market quotations of the ordinary shares on the 
three dealing days immediately preceding the invitation date. The 
plan was not operated during 2012 and no options were granted  
in the year under the plan.

US	Employee	Stock	Purchase	Plan	
The US Employee Stock Purchase Plan will allow eligible  
employees resident in the US an opportunity to acquire Company 
American Depositary Shares (ADSs) on advantageous terms.  
The option to purchase ADSs may be offered only to employees of 
designated subsidiary companies. The option price may not be less 
than the lesser of either 85% of the fair market value of an ADS on 
the date of grant or 85% of the fair market value of an ADS on the 
date of exercise. Options granted under the plan must generally be 
exercised within 27 months from the date of grant. The plan was not 
operated during 2012 and at 31 December 2012 no options had been 
granted under the plan. 

Former	Six	Continents	Share	Schemes	
Under the terms of the separation of Six Continents PLC in 2003, 
holders of options under the Six Continents Executive Share  
Option Schemes were given the opportunity to exchange their  
Six Continents PLC options for equivalent value new options  
over IHG shares. As a result of this exchange, 23,195,482 shares 
were put under option at prices ranging from 308.5p to 593.3p.  
The exchanged options were immediately exercisable and are  
not subject to performance conditions. During 2012, 352,115 
(2011 397,943) such options were exercised and 106,699  
(2011 45,655) lapsed, leaving no such options outstanding  
at 31 December 2012 (2011 458,814).

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123

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

27.	Share-based	payments	continued

The Group recognised a cost of $22m (2011 $25m) in operating profit and $1m (2011 $nil) within exceptional administrative expenses related 
to equity-settled share-based payment transactions during the year, net of amounts borne by the System Fund.

The aggregate consideration in respect of ordinary shares issued under option schemes during the year was $10m (2011 $8m).

The following table sets forth awards and options granted during 2012. No awards were granted under the Executive Share Option Plan, 
Sharesave Plan or US Employee Stock Purchase Plan during the year.

Number of shares awarded in 2012 

ABP 

340,924	

LTIP

2,698,714

The Group uses separate option pricing models and assumptions depending on the plan. The following tables set out information about 
awards granted in 2012 and 2011:

ABP 

LTIP

2012
Valuation model 

Weighted average share price 
Expected dividend yield 
Risk-free interest rate 
Volatility* 
Term (years) 

2011 
Valuation model 

Weighted average share price 
Expected dividend yield 
Risk-free interest rate 
Volatility* 
Term (years) 

Binomial 

1,440.0p 
2.95% 

3.0 

ABP 

Binomial 

1,415.0p 
2.14% 

3.0 

  Monte Carlo
 Simulation and  
Binomial
1,440.0p
2.99%
0.59%
31%
3.0

LTIP

  Monte Carlo
 Simulation and  
Binomial
1,281.0p
2.78%
1.88%
39%
3.0

*   The expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price corresponding to the expected life of the share award.

	124 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27.	Share-based	payments	continued

Movements in the awards and options outstanding under the schemes are as follows:

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ABP 
  Number of shares 
thousands 

LTIP 
  Number of shares 
thousands

Outstanding at 1 January 2011 
Granted 
Vested 
Lapsed or cancelled 
Outstanding at 31 December 2011 
Granted 
Vested 
Share capital consolidation 
Lapsed or cancelled 
Outstanding	at	31	December	2012	

Fair	value	of	awards	granted	during	the	year
2012 
2011 

Weighted	average	remaining	contract	life	(years)
At	31	December	2012 
At 31 December 2011 

The above awards do not vest until the performance and service conditions have been met.

Executive	Share	Option	Plan
Outstanding at 1 January 2011 
Exercised 
Lapsed or cancelled 
Outstanding at 31 December 2011 
Exercised 
Lapsed or cancelled 
Outstanding	at	31	December	2012	

Options	exercisable
At	31	December	2012	
At 31 December 2011 

1,274 
528 
(702) 
(150) 
950 
341 
(643) 
(18) 
(8) 
622	

2,199.8¢	
2,141.1¢ 

1.6	
0.9 

11,342
3,257
(3,454)
(2,115)
9,030
2,699
(2,621)
–
(1,948)
7,160

792.5¢
819.7¢

1.2
1.0

Number  
of shares 
thousands 

Range of  
option prices 
pence 

Weighted 
average 
option price 
pence

3,291 
(1,075) 
(46) 
2,170 
(1,365) 
(107) 
698	

308.5-619.8 
308.5-619.8 
422.8 
308.5-619.8 
308.5-619.8 
434.2 
438.0-619.8	

698	
2,170 

438.0-619.8	
308.5-619.8 

489.3
476.5
422.8
497.0
492.8
434.2
514.8

514.8
497.0

Included within the options outstanding under the Executive Share Option Plan are options over nil (2011 458,814, 2010 902,412) shares that have not been recognised in 
accordance with IFRS 2 as the options were granted on or before 7 November 2002. These options, relating to former Six Continents share schemes, have not been subsequently 
modified and therefore do not need to be accounted for in accordance with IFRS 2.

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options vested during the year was 1,409.5p. The closing share price on 
31 December 2012 was 1,707.0p and the range during the year was 1,157.0p to 1,725.0p per share.

Summarised information about options outstanding at 31 December 2012 under the share option schemes is as follows:

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Range of exercise prices (pence)  

Executive	Share	Option	Plan
438.0  
491.8 to 494.2 
619.8 

Number 
outstanding 
thousands 

66 
487 
145 
698 

Options outstanding and exercisable

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contract life 
years 

Weighted 
average 
option price 
pence

0.4 
1.2 
2.3 
1.3 

438.0
493.9
619.8
514.8

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125

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

28.	Issued	share	capital	and	reserves

Equity	share	capital 
Allotted,	called	up	and	fully	paid
At 1 January 2011 (ordinary shares of 1329⁄47p) 
Issued on exercise of share options 
Exchange adjustments 
At 31 December 2011 (ordinary shares of 1329⁄47p) 
Share capital consolidation 
Issued on exercise of share options 
Repurchased and cancelled under repurchase programme 
Exchange adjustments 
At	31	December	2012	(ordinary	shares	of	14194⁄329p	each)	

Number of  
shares 
millions 

Nominal 
value 
$m 

Share 
premium 
$m 

Equity share 
capital 
$m

289 
1 
– 
290 
(19) 
1 
(4) 
 2

268	

61 
– 
– 
61 
– 
1 
(1) 
 6

63	

94 
8 
(1) 
101 
– 
9 
– 
 8

116	

155
8
(1)
162
–
10
(1)

179

 –

On 7 August 2012, the Group announced a planned $1bn return to shareholders comprising a $0.5bn special dividend with share 
consolidation and a $0.5bn share repurchase programme. The share consolidation was approved on 8 October 2012 at a General Meeting 
(GM) of the Company and became effective on 9 October 2012 on the basis of 14 new ordinary shares of 14194 ⁄329p each for every 15 existing 
ordinary shares of 1329⁄47p each. The special dividend of 172.0¢ per share was paid to shareholders on 22 October 2012 at a total cost of 
$505m. Under the authority granted by shareholders at the GM held on 8 October 2012, the share repurchase programme commenced in 
November 2012 resulting in the repurchase of 4,143,960 shares in the period to 31 December 2012 for a total consideration of $107m. 
Transaction costs relating to shareholder returns of $2m, net of tax, have been charged to retained earnings.

No shares were repurchased in 2011.

The authority given to the Company at the GM held on 8 October 2012 to purchase its own shares was still valid at 31 December 2012.  
A resolution to renew the authority will be put to shareholders at the AGM on 24 May 2013.

The balance classified as equity share capital includes the total net proceeds (both nominal value and share premium) on issue of the 
Company’s equity share capital, comprising 14194 ⁄329p shares. The share premium reserve represents the amount of proceeds received  
for shares in excess of their nominal value.

The Company no longer has an authorised share capital.

The nature and purpose of the other reserves shown in the Group statement of changes in equity on pages 86 and 87 of the Financial 
Statements is as follows:

Capital	redemption	reserve
This reserve maintains the nominal value of the equity share capital of the Company when shares are repurchased or cancelled.

Shares	held	by	employee	share	trusts
Comprises $48.0m (2011 $26.5m) in respect of 1.8m (2011 1.5m) InterContinental Hotels Group PLC ordinary shares held by employee 
share trusts, with a market value at 31 December 2012 of $50m (2011 $26m).

Other	reserves
Comprises the merger and revaluation reserves previously recognised under UK GAAP, together with the reserve arising as a consequence 
of the Group’s capital reorganisation in June 2005. Following the change in presentational currency to the US dollar in 2008 (see page 90), 
this reserve also includes exchange differences arising on the retranslation to period-end exchange rates of equity share capital, the capital 
redemption reserve and shares held by employee share trusts.

Unrealised	gains	and	losses	reserve
This reserve records movements in the fair value of available-for-sale financial assets and the effective portion of the cumulative net 
change in the fair value of the cash flow hedging instruments related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

The fair value of cash flow hedging instruments outstanding at 31 December 2012 was $nil (2011 $nil).

Currency	translation	reserve
This reserve records the movement in exchange differences arising from the translation of foreign operations and exchange differences  
on foreign currency borrowings and derivative instruments that provide a hedge against net investments in foreign operations. On adoption 
of IFRS, cumulative exchange differences were deemed to be $nil as permitted by IFRS 1.

The fair value of derivative instruments designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations outstanding at 31 December 2012 
was a $17m net liability (2011 $36m).

The currency translation reserve includes a cumulative loss of $35m relating to non-current assets classified as held for sale.

	126 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
29.	Operating	leases

During the year ended 31 December 2012, $64m (2011 $64m) was recognised as an expense in the Group income statement in respect of 
operating leases, net of amounts borne directly by the System Fund. The expense includes contingent rents of $19m (2011 $18m).

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

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Due within one year 
One to two years 
Two to three years 
Three to four years 
Four to five years 
More than five years 

2012 
$m 

47	
34	
25	
22	
22	
237	
387	

2011 
$m

46
41
32
23
21
255
418

In addition, in certain circumstances the Group is committed to making additional lease payments that are contingent on the performance 
of the hotels that are being leased.

The average remaining term of these leases, which generally contain renewal options, is approximately 19 years (2011 19 years).  
No material restrictions or guarantees exist in the Group’s lease obligations. 

Total future minimum rentals expected to be received under non-cancellable sub-leases are $10m (2011 $14m).

30.	Capital	and	other	commitments

Contracts placed for expenditure on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets not provided 
for in the Group Financial Statements 

2012 
$m 

81 

2011 
$m

14

The Group has also committed to invest up to $60m in two investments accounted for under the equity method of which $37m had been 
spent at 31 December 2012.

31.	Contingencies

Contingent liabilities not provided for in the Group Financial Statements 

2012 
$m 

1 8

2011 
$m

In limited cases, the Group may provide performance guarantees to third-party hotel owners to secure management contracts.  
The maximum unprovided exposure under such guarantees is $50m (2011 $42m). 

From time to time, the Group is subject to legal proceedings the ultimate outcome of each being always subject to many uncertainties 
inherent in litigation. In particular, the Group is currently subject to an Office of Fair Trading enquiry in the UK and class action law suits in 
the US. The Group has also given warranties in respect of the disposal of certain of its former subsidiaries. It is the view of the Directors 
that, other than to the extent that liabilities have been provided for in these Financial Statements, it is not possible to quantify any loss to 
which these proceedings or claims under these warranties may give rise, however, as at the date of reporting, the Group does not believe 
that the outcome of these matters will have a material effect on the Group’s financial position.

32.	Related	party	disclosures

Total	compensation	of	key	management	personnel
Short-term employment benefits 
Post-employment benefits  
Termination benefits	
Equity compensation benefits 

2012 
$m 

20.0	
0.8	
0.6	
8.6	
30.0	

2011 
$m

18.8
0.8
1.4
8.1
29.1

There were no other transactions with key management personnel during the year ended 31 December 2012 or the previous year.

Related party disclosures for associates and joint ventures are included in note 14.

Key management personnel comprises the Board and Executive Committee.

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Notes to the Group Financial Statements 

127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued

33.	System	Fund

The Group operates a System Fund (the Fund) to collect and administer assessments and contributions from hotel owners for specific use 
in marketing, the Priority Club Rewards loyalty programme and the global reservation system. The Fund and loyalty programme are 
accounted for in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page 94 of the Financial Statements. 

The following information is relevant to the operation of the Fund:

Income:* 
  Assessment fees and contributions received from hotels   
  Proceeds from sale of Priority Club Rewards points 
Key elements of expenditure:* 
  Marketing 
  Priority Club 
  Payroll costs 
Net surplus for the year*	
Interest payable to the Fund 

*  Not included in the Group income statement in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies.

The payroll costs above relate to 4,431 (2011 3,885) employees whose costs are borne by the Fund.

The following liabilities relating to the Fund are included in the Group statement of financial position:

Cumulative short-term net surplus 
Loyalty programme liability 

674	

2012 
$m 

1,106	
144	

250	
250	
221	
12	
2	

2012 
$m 

51	
623	

2011 
$m

1,025
128

203
232
182
19
1

2011 
$m

39
578
617

The net change in the loyalty programme liability and Fund surplus contributed an inflow of $57m (2011 $66m) to the Group’s cash flow 
from operations.

34.	Events	after	the	reporting	period

On 22 January 2013, the Group announced that it will receive $31m in liquidated damages under an agreement with a hotel owner that will 
result in eight hotels leaving the IHG System on 1 March 2013. The payment is expected at the end of February 2013.

35.	Principal	operating	subsidiary	undertakings

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC was the beneficial owner of all of the equity share capital, either itself or through subsidiary 
undertakings, of the following companies during the year:

Six Continents Limiteda

Hotel Inter-Continental London Limiteda

IHG Hotels Limiteda

Six Continents Hotels, Inc.b

Inter-Continental Hotels Corporationb

111 East 48th Street Holdings, LLCb

InterContinental Hotels Group Resources, Inc.b

InterContinental Hong Kong Limitedc

Société Nouvelle du Grand Hotel SAd

The companies listed above include those which principally affect the amount of profit and assets of the Group.

a  Incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.

b  Incorporated in the US.

c  Incorporated in Hong Kong.

d  Incorporated in France.

	128 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
	 
 
 
	
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
Parent Company Financial Statements

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In this section we present the balance sheet of our parent company,  
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, and the related notes supporting the  
parent company balance sheet for 2012.

130 

 Parent Company  
Financial Statements
Parent company balance sheet
 Notes to the Parent Company 
Financial Statements

133   

134   

 Statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities
 Independent Auditor’s 
Report to the members

Investments

131  1  Accounting policies
131  2  Directors
131  3 
131  4  Debtors
 Creditors 
131  5 
132  6 
Share capital
132  7  Movements in reserves
133  8 

 Reconciliation of movements  
in shareholders’ funds
Profit and dividends

133  9 
133  10  Contingencies

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives 

Notes to the Group Financial Statements and Parent Company Financial Statements 

129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Parent Company Financial Statements

Parent	company	balance	sheet

31	December	2012 

Fixed	assets
Investments 
Current	assets
Debtors 
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 
Net	current	liabilities 
Total	assets	less	current	liabilities	
Creditors: amounts falling due after one year 	
Net	assets 

Capital	and	reserves
Called up share capital 
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Share-based payment reserve 
Profit and loss account  
Equity	shareholders’	funds 

Signed on behalf of the Board

Tom	Singer	
18 February 2013

Note 

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m

3	

4	
5	

5	

6	
7	
7	
7	
7	

2,951	

2,934

16	
(1,440)	
(1,424)	
1,527	
(644)	
883	

39	
72	
7	
184	
581	
883	

18
(1,960)
(1,942)
992
(249)
743

39
66
6
167
465
743

No profit and loss account is presented for InterContinental Hotels Group PLC as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.  
Profit on ordinary activities after taxation amounts to £610m (2011 £264m).

Notes on pages 131 to 133 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

	130 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

	
	 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
	
	
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements

1.	Accounting	policies

Basis	of	accounting
The Financial Statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and on a going concern basis. They have been drawn up  
to comply with applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom (UK GAAP). These accounts are for the Company and are not 
consolidated financial statements.

Fixed	asset	investments
Fixed asset investments are stated at cost plus deemed capital contributions arising from share-based payment transactions less any 
provision for impairment. The Company records an increase in its investments in subsidiaries equal to the share-based payments charge 
recognised by its subsidiaries with a corresponding credit to equity. Details of the Group’s share-based payments are set out in note 27  
of the Group Financial Statements on pages 123 to 125.

Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received less directly attributable transaction costs. They are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost. Finance charges, including the transaction costs and any discount or premium on issue, are 
charged to the profit and loss account using the effective interest rate method. 

Borrowings are classified as due after more than one year when the repayment date is more than 12 months from the balance sheet date.

Financial	risk	management	policies
Financial risk management policies are set out in note 21 of the Group Financial Statements on pages 111 and 112.

Capital	risk	management
The Group’s capital risk management policy is set out in note 21 of the Group Financial Statements on page 112.

Related	party	transactions
The Company takes advantage of the exemption under FRS 8 and does not disclose transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries.

2.	Directors

Average number of Non-Executive Directors  

Remuneration costs 

2012 

7	

2012 
£m 

1 1

2011

8

2011 
£m

Detailed information on the emoluments, pensions, option holdings and shareholdings for each Non-Executive Director is shown in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 59 to 78.

3.	Investments

At 1 January 2012 
Share-based payments capital contribution   
At	31	December	2012 

£m

2,934
17
2,951

The Company is the beneficial owner of all of the equity share capital of InterContinental Hotels Limited. The principal operating subsidiary 
undertakings of that company are listed in note 35 of the Group Financial Statements.

4.	Debtors

Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings   
Corporate taxation 

5.	Creditors

Amounts	falling	due	within	one	year
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings 
Amounts	falling	due	after	more	than	one	year
£250m 6% bonds 2016	
£400m 3.875% bonds 2022	

2012 
£m 

5	
11	
16	

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m

5
13
18

2011 
£m

1,440	

1,960

249	
395	
644	

249
–
249

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Parent Company Financial Statements and Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements 

131

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued

5.	Creditors	continued

The 6% fixed interest sterling bonds were issued on 9 December 2009 and are repayable in full on 9 December 2016. Interest is payable 
annually on 9 December in each year commencing 9 December 2010 to the maturity date. The bonds were initially priced at 99.465% of  
face value and are unsecured.

The 3.875% fixed interest sterling bonds were issued on 28 November 2012 and are repayable on 28 November 2022. Interest is payable 
annually on 28 November in each year commencing 28 November 2013 to the maturity date. The bonds were initially priced at 98.787% of 
face value and are unsecured.

6.	Share	capital

Allotted,	called	up	and	fully	paid	
At 1 January 2012 (ordinary shares of 1329⁄47p each) 
Share capital consolidation 
Issued on exercise of share options 
Repurchased and cancelled under repurchase programme 
At	31	December	2012	(ordinary	shares	of	14194⁄329p	each)	

Number  
of shares 
millions 

290 
(19) 
1 
(4) 

268	

£m

39
–
1
(1)
39

On 7 August 2012, the Group announced a planned $1bn return to shareholders comprising a $0.5bn special dividend with share 
consolidation and a $0.5bn share repurchase programme. The share consolidation was approved on 8 October 2012 at a General Meeting 
(GM) of the Company and became effective on 9 October 2012 on the basis of 14 new ordinary shares of 14194⁄ 329p each for every 15 existing 
ordinary shares of 1329⁄47p each. The special dividend of 108.4p per share was paid to shareholders on 22 October 2012 at a total cost of 
£315m (see note 9). Under the authority granted by shareholders at the GM held on 8 October 2012, the share repurchase programme 
commenced in November 2012 resulting in the repurchase of 4,143,960 shares in the period to 31 December 2012 for a total consideration  
of £67m. Transaction costs relating to shareholder returns of £1m, net of tax, have been charged to retained earnings.

No shares were repurchased in 2011.

The authority given to the Company at the GM held on 8 October 2012 to purchase its own shares was still valid at 31 December 2012.  
A resolution to renew the authority will be put to shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 May 2013.

The Company no longer has an authorised share capital.

The aggregate consideration in respect of ordinary shares issued under option schemes during the year was £7m (2011 £5m).

Options	to	subscribe	for	ordinary	shares
At 1 January 2012 
Exercised* 
Lapsed or cancelled 
At	31	December	2012	

Option exercise price per ordinary share (pence) 
Final exercise date 

*   The weighted average option price was 492.8p for shares exercised under the Executive Share Option Plan.

7.	Movements	in	reserves	

Thousands

2,170
(1,365)
(107)
698

438.0-619.8
4 April 2015

At 1 January 2012 
Premium on allotment of ordinary shares 
Repurchase of shares 
Transfer to capital redemption reserve 
Transaction costs relating to shareholder returns 
Profit after tax 
Share-based payments capital contribution   
Dividends 
At	31	December	2012	

	132 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Share 
premium 
 account 
£m 

Capital 
redemption  
reserve 
£m 

Share-based 
payments  
reserve 
£m 

Profit and 
 loss account 
£m

66 
6 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
72	

6 
– 
– 
1 
– 
– 
– 
– 
7	

167 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
17 
– 
184	

465
–
(66)
(1)
(1)
610
–
(426)
581

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
8.	Reconciliation	of	movements	in	shareholders’	funds

Earnings available for shareholders 
Dividends 

Issue of ordinary shares 
Repurchase of shares 
Transaction costs relating to shareholder returns 
Share-based payments capital contribution   
Net	movement	in	shareholders’	funds 
Shareholders’ funds at 1 January 
Shareholders’	funds	at	31	December 

2012 
£m 

610	
(426)	
184	
7	
(67)	
(1)	
17	
140	
743	
883	

2011 
£m

264
(92)
172
5
–
–
19
196
547
743

9.	Profit	and	dividends

Profit on ordinary activities after tax amounts to £610m (2011 £264m).

A final dividend, declared in the previous year, of 24.7p (2011 22.0p) per share was paid during the year, amounting to £72m (2011 £63m).  
An interim dividend of 13.5p (2011 9.8p) per share was paid during the year, amounting to £39m (2011 £29m). A special interim dividend  
of 108.4p per share was paid during the year, amounting to £315m. A final dividend of 27.7p (2011 24.7p) per share, amounting to £74m 
(2011 £71m), is proposed for approval at the AGM. The proposed final dividend is payable on shares in issue at 22 March 2013.

The audit fee of £0.02m (2011 £0.02m) was borne by a subsidiary undertaking in both years.

10.	Contingencies

Contingent liabilities of £nil (2011 £65m) in respect of guarantees of the liabilities of subsidiaries have not been provided for in the  
Financial Statements.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

In	relation	to	the	Parent	Company	Financial	
Statements
The following statement, which should be read in conjunction with 
the Independent Auditor’s Report set out on the following page, is 
made with a view to distinguishing for shareholders the respective 
responsibilities of the Directors and of the auditor in relation to the 
Parent Company Financial Statements.

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Parent Company 
Financial Statements and Directors’ Remuneration Report in 
accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP).

The Directors are required to prepare financial statements for  
each financial year which present fairly the financial position of  
the Company and the financial performance of the Company for  
that period.

In preparing these Financial Statements, the Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable 

and prudent;

•  state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been 
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the Financial Statements; and

•  prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis 
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 
continue in business.

The Directors have responsibility for ensuring that the Company 
keeps accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy 
the financial position of the Company and which enable them to 
ensure that the Parent Company Financial Statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006. 

The Directors have general responsibility for taking such steps  
as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the 
Company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity  
of the corporate and financial information included on the  
Group’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing  
the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

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Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements and Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

We have audited the Parent Company Financial Statements of 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC for the year ended 31 December 
2012 which comprise the parent company balance sheet and the 
related notes 1 to 10. The financial reporting framework that has 
been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body,  
in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 
Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 
Company’s members those matters we are required to state to 
them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest 
extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility 
to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members  
as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions  
we have formed.

Respective	responsibilities	of	Directors	and	auditor
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
set out on page 133, the Directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the Parent Company Financial Statements and for being satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and 
express an opinion on the Parent Company Financial Statements in 
accordance with applicable law and International Standards on 
Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with 
the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope	of	the	audit	of	the	Financial	Statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the Financial Statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the Financial Statements are free from 
material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This 
includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are 
appropriate to the parent company’s circumstances and have been 
consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness 
of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the 
overall presentation of the Financial Statements. In addition, we 
read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual 
Report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited 
Financial Statements. If we become aware of any apparent material 
misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications  
for our report.

Opinion	on	Financial	Statements
In our opinion the Parent Company Financial Statements:

•  give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs as  

at 31 December 2012;

•   have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 

Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

•   have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 

Companies Act 2006.

Opinion	on	other	matters	prescribed	by	the		
Companies	Act	2006
In our opinion:

•  the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has 
been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 
2006; and

•  the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial 

year for which the Financial Statements are prepared is 
consistent with the Parent Company Financial Statements.

Matters	on	which	we	are	required	to	report		
by	exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters  
where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if,  
in our opinion:

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent 

company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 
received from branches not visited by us; or

•   the Parent Company Financial Statements and the part of the 

Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or 

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit.

Other	matter
We have reported separately on the Group Financial Statements  
of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC for the year ended 
31 December 2012.

Alison	Duncan	(Senior	statutory	auditor)	
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor 
London 
18 February 2013

Notes:

1.  The maintenance and integrity of the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC website  
is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not 
involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no 
responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the Financial Statements 
since they were initially presented on the website.

2.  Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination  

of Financial Statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

	134 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

Other information

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In this section we present a glossary of terms used in the Annual Report and  
Financial Statements 2012 and some analyses of our share ownership at the end of 2012.

We also provide a range of information designed to be helpful to shareholders and  
contact details for the Company and for a number of service providers. 

136  Glossary
137  Shareholder profiles
138  Investor information
139  Dividend history 
139  Five year history 
140  Financial calendar
140  Contacts
141  Forward-looking statements

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Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, singapore

Independent Auditor’s Report and Other information  

135

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carbon	Disclosure	  the CDP is a global, voluntary questionnaire  

  management	contract 

Other information

Glossary

adjusted 

 excluding the effect of exceptional items 
and any relevant tax. 

average	daily	rate 

 rooms revenue divided by the number of 
room nights sold. Also known as average 
room rate.

basic	earnings	per	  profit available for IHG equity holders  

ordinary	share	

	divided by the weighted average number  
of ordinary shares in issue during the year. 

capital	expenditure 

 purchases of property, plant and 
equipment, intangible assets, associate 
and joint venture investments and other 
financial assets.

Project	(CDP)	

cash-generating	units 

comparable	RevPAR 

	which allows organisations to disclose 
their carbon emissions and steps that they 
are taking to reduce them. 

 the smallest identifiable groups of assets 
that generate cash inflows that are largely 
independent of the cash inflows from other 
assets, or groups of assets.

 a comparison for a grouping of hotels that 
have traded in all months in both financial 
years being compared. Principally 
excludes new hotels, hotels closed for 
major refurbishment and hotels sold in 
either of the two years.

constant	currency 

 a current year value translated using the 
previous year’s exchange rates. 

contingencies 

 liabilities that are contingent upon the 
occurrence of one or more uncertain  
future events. 

continuing	operations 

 operations not classified as discontinued. 

currency	swap	

derivatives 

	 discontinued	operations 

	an exchange of a deposit and a borrowing, 
each denominated in a different currency,  
for an agreed period of time.

 a financial instrument used to reduce risk, 
the price of which is derived from an 
underlying asset, index or rate.

 hotels or operations sold or those 
classified as held for sale when the results 
relate to a separate line of business, 
geographical area of operations, or where 
there is a co-ordinated plan to dispose  
of a separate line of business or 
geographical area of operations. 

exceptional	items 

 items which are disclosed separately 
because of their size or nature.

extended	stay 

fee	based	margins 

fee	revenue 

 hotels designed for guests staying for 
periods of time longer than a few nights  
and tending to have a higher proportion of 
suites than normal hotels (eg, Staybridge 
Suites, Candlewood Suites).

 operating profit as a percentage of revenue, 
excluding revenue and operating profit 
from owned and leased hotels, managed 
leases and significant liquidated damages.

 Group revenue excluding revenue from 
owned and leased hotels, managed leases 
and significant liquidated damages.

franchisee 

 operator who uses a brand under licence 
from the brand owner (eg, IHG).

franchisor 

 brand owner (eg, IHG) who licenses brands 
for use by operators.

goodwill 

 the difference between the consideration 
given for a business and the total of the  
fair values of the separable assets and 
liabilities comprising that business.

	136 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

hedging 

 the reduction of risk, normally in relation  
to foreign currency or interest rate 
movements, by making offsetting 
commitments. 

IFRS 

 International Financial Reporting 
Standards.

interest	rate	swap 

managed	leases 

market	capitalisation 

 an agreement to exchange fixed for  
floating interest rate streams (or vice  
versa) on a notional principal.

 properties structured for legal reasons  
as operating leases but with the same 
characteristics as management contracts.

 a contract to operate a hotel on behalf  
of the hotel owner.

 the value attributed to a listed company  
by multiplying its share price by the  
number of shares in issue. 

midscale 

 hotels in the three/four star category  
(eg, The Holiday Inn brand family).

net	debt 

 borrowings less cash and cash equivalents, 
including the exchange element of the fair 
value of currency swaps hedging the 
borrowings. 

occupancy	rate 

 rooms occupied by hotel guests,  
expressed as a percentage of rooms  
that are available.

pipeline 

 hotels/rooms that will enter the Group’s 
System at a future date. A new hotel  
only enters the pipeline once a contract  
has been signed and the appropriate fees 
paid. In rare circumstances, a hotel will  
not open for reasons such as the financing 
being withdrawn.

revenue	per  rooms revenue divided by the number of  

available	room  room nights that are available (can be  

(RevPAR) 

 mathematically derived from occupancy  
rate multiplied by average daily rate).

room	count 

 number of rooms franchised, managed, 
owned or leased by IHG.

rooms	revenue 

 revenue generated from the sale of  
room nights.

royalty	revenues 

 rooms revenue that a franchisee pays to 
the brand owner for use of the brand name.

	 subsidiary	undertaking 

 a company over which the Group exercises 
control.

System	size 

 the number of hotels/rooms franchised, 
managed, owned or leased by IHG.

technology	income 

total	gross	revenue 

Total	Shareholder	
Return	(TSR) 

 income received from hotels under 
franchise and management agreements  
for the use of IHG’s proprietary  
reservations system.

 total rooms revenue from franchised 
hotels and total hotel revenue from 
managed, owned and leased hotels.

the theoretical growth in value of a  
 shareholding over a period, by reference  
to the beginning and ending share price, 
and assuming that gross dividends, 
including special dividends, are reinvested 
to purchase additional units of the equity.

UK	GAAP 

 United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice.

working	capital 

 the sum of inventories, receivables and 
payables of a trading nature, excluding 
financing and taxation items.

	
		
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Other information

Shareholder profiles

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Shareholder	profile	by	type	as	at	31	December	2012

Category of shareholdings 
■	 Private individuals 
■	 Nominee companies 
■	 Limited and public limited
   companies 
■	 Other corporate bodies 
■	 Pension funds, insurance 
   companies and banks 
Total 

Number of 
shareholders 

47,077 

2,383 

221 

145 

12 
49,838 

Percentage 
total of 
shareholders 

94.46 

4.78 

0.44 

0.30 

0.02 
100 

Number of 
ordinary 
shares 

17,059,256 

242,910,573 

1,421,014 

6,731,137 

203,091 
268,325,071 

Percentage
of issued
share capital 
See chart’

6.36

90.53

0.53

2.51

0.07
100

Shareholder	profile	by	size	as	at	31	December	2012

Range of shareholdings 
■	 1 – 199 
■	 200 – 499 
■	 500 – 999 
■	 1,000 – 4,999 
■	 5,000 – 9,999 
■	 10,000 – 49,999 
■	 50,000 – 99,999 
■	 100,000 – 499,999 
■	 500,000 – 999,999 
■	 1,000,000 and above 
Total 

Number of 
shareholders 

Percentage 
total of 
shareholders 

31,692 

9,528 

4,508 

3,168 

260 

355 

97 

145 

33 

52 
49,838 

63.59 

19.12 

9.05 

6.36 

0.52 

0.71 

0.19 

0.29 

0.07 

0.10 
100 

Number of 
ordinary 
shares 

2,032,132 

3,050,566 

3,153,476 

5,896,590 

1,830,791 

8,068,630 

7,311,296 

32,377,070 

24,839,873 

179,764,647 
268,325,071 

Percentage
of issued
share capital 
See chart’

0.76

1.14

1.17

2.20

0.68

3.00

2.72

12.07

9.26

67.00
100

Shareholder	profile	by	geographical	location	as	at	31	December	2012

Country/Jurisdiction 
■	UK 
■	Rest of Europe 
■	USA (including ADRs) 
■	 Rest of World 
Total 

Percentage
of issued

share capital1 
See chart’

51.0

11.8

32.6

4.6
100

1   The geographical profile presented is based on an analysis of shareholders (by manager) of 40,000 shares or above where geographical ownership is known.  

This analysis only captures 89.3% of total issued share capital. Therefore, the known percentage distributions have been multiplied by 100⁄89.3 (1.120) to achieve  
the figures shown in the table above.

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Glossary and Shareholder profiles 

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Other information

Investor information

Website	and	electronic	communication
As part of the Company’s commitment to reducing the cost and 
environmental impact of producing and distributing printed documents 
in very large quantities, IHG’s Annual Report and Annual Review have 
been made available to shareholders through the Company’s website 
www.ihgplc.com/investors under financial library. 

Shareholders may appoint electronically a proxy to vote on their behalf 
on any poll that is to be held at the forthcoming Annual General 
Meeting. Shareholders who hold their shares through CREST may 
appoint proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment 
service, by using the procedures described in the CREST Manual. 

Shareholder	Hotel	Discount	Promotion

IHG offers discounted hotel stays (subject to availability) for 
registered shareholders through a dedicated, controlled access 
website. For further details please contact the Company Secretariat 
department on 01895 512 000 or email companysecretariat@ihg.com

Corporate	Responsibility	Report

IHG updates its online Corporate Responsibility Report regularly, 
covering progress on a range of environmental, social and community 
issues. This can be viewed at www.ihgplc.com/responsibility

IHG	Shelter	in	a	Storm	Programme

The IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme enables IHG to support our 
hotels and surrounding communities, employees and guests when 
a disaster strikes, by providing immediate and vital assistance. 

If you would like to make a donation to the programme, you can do 
so online via a secure payment page www.ihgshelterinastorm.com

Registrar

For information on a range of shareholder services including 
enquiries concerning individual shareholdings, notification of a 
shareholder’s change of address and amalgamation of shareholder 
accounts (in order to avoid duplicate mailing of shareholder 
communications), shareholders should contact the Company’s 
Registrar, Equiniti, on 0871 384 2132†* (calls from within the UK)  
or +44 (0) 121 415 7034 (calls from outside the UK).

Dividend	services

Dividend	Reinvestment	Plan	(DRIP)
The Company offers a DRIP for shareholders to purchase additional 
IHG shares with their cash dividends. For further information about 
the DRIP, please contact our Registrar helpline on 0871 384 2268†*. 
A DRIP application form and information booklet are available at  
www.shareview.co.uk/products/pages/applyforadrip.aspx

Bank	mandate
We encourage shareholders to have their dividends paid directly 
into their UK bank or building society account to ensure efficient 
payment and funds being cleared on the payment date 

Shareholders who would like their dividends to be paid directly into 
their account should contact our Registrar.

Overseas	payment	service
It is also possible for shareholders to have their dividends paid 
direct to their bank account in a local currency. Charges are 
payable for this service. Further information is available at  
www.shareview.co.uk/shareholders/pages/overseaspayments.aspx

Out	of	date/unclaimed	dividends	
If you think that you have out of date dividend cheques or unclaimed 
dividend payments please contact our Registrar.

Individual	Savings	Account	(ISA)

Equiniti offers a Stocks and Shares ISA where IHG shares can  
be invested. For further information please contact Equiniti  
on 0871 384 2244†*.

Share	dealing	services

Equiniti offers the following share dealing facilities: 

Postal	dealing	
For more information call 0871 384 2248†*. 

Telephone	dealing	
Call 0845 603 7037†•. 

Internet	dealing
Log on to www.shareview.co.uk

Changes	to	the	base	cost	of	IHG	shares

Details of all the changes to the base cost of IHG shares held since 
April 2003 to December 2012, for UK Capital Gains Tax purposes, 
may be found on the Company’s website www.ihgplc.com/investors 
under shareholder centre/tax information.

Missing	shareholders

Working with ProSearch (an asset reunification company), we 
continue to look for shareholders who have not kept their contact 
details up-to-date. We have funds waiting to be claimed and are 
committed to doing what we can to pay these to their rightful 
owners. For further details please contact ProSearch on  
01732 741 411 or email info@prosearchassets.com

Shareholder	security

Many companies have become aware that their shareholders have 
received unsolicited telephone calls or correspondence concerning 
investment matters. These are typically from ‘brokers’ who target 
UK shareholders, offering to sell them what often turn out to be 
worthless or high-risk shares in US or UK investments. These 
operations are commonly known as ‘boiler rooms’. More detailed 
information on this or similar activity can be found on the Financial 
Services Authority website www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Details of any share dealing facilities that the Company endorses 
will be included in Company mailings.

American	Depositary	Receipts	(ADRs)

The Company’s shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange 
in the form of American Depositary Shares, evidenced by ADRs and 
traded under the symbol ‘IHG’.

Each ADR represents one ordinary share. All enquiries regarding 
ADR holder accounts and payment of dividends should be directed 
to JPMorgan Chase & Co, our authorised ADR depositary bank 
(contact details shown on page 140).

Form	20-F	

The Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the US and files with 
the SEC an Annual Report on Form 20-F. The Form 20-F can be 
found on the Company’s website www.ihgplc.com/investors under 
shareholder centre/ADR holders or by visiting the SEC’s website 
www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml

†   Calls cost 8p per minute plus network extras. 
*   Lines are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday,  

excluding UK public holidays.

•   Lines are open from 8.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday,  

excluding UK public holidays.

	138 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Share	price	information	

The latest share price is available in the financial press. Further details of the share price may be found on the Company’s website  
www.ihgplc.com/investors

Share price 2012: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC v FTSE 100 

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1,800

1,700

1,600

1,500

1,400

1,300

1,200

1,100

1,000

900

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Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC – Share price

FTSE 100 – Index 

Source: Datastream

Dividend history

The table below details the interim and final dividends per share (pence) and per ADR (cents), excluding special dividends and capital returns, paid by IHG since 2003.

2012	
2011 
2010 
2009 
2008* 
2007 
2006 
2005 
2004 
2003  

pence 
13.50	
9.80 
8.00 
7.30 
6.40 
5.70 
5.10 
4.60 
4.30 
4.05 

Interim dividend  

Final dividend  

Total dividend

cents 
21.0	
16.0 
12.8 
12.2 
12.2 
11.5 
9.6 
8.1 
7.7 
6.8 

pence 
27.70	
24.70 
22.00 
18.70 
20.20 
14.90 
13.30 
10.70 
10.00 
9.45 

cents 
43.0	
39.0 
35.2 
29.2 
29.2 
29.2 
25.9 
18.7 
19.1 
17.4 

pence 
41.20	
34.50 
30.00 
26.00 
26.60 
20.60 
18.40 
15.30 
14.30 
13.50 

cents
64.0
55.0
48.0
41.4
41.4
40.7
35.5
26.8
26.8
24.2

*   IHG changed the reporting currency of its Group accounts from sterling to US dollars effective from the half-year results as at 30 June 2008. Starting with the interim 

dividend for 2008, all dividends have first been determined in US dollars and converted into sterling immediately before announcement.

Five year history

Revenue	
Operating profit before exceptional items	
Profit/(loss) before tax	
Basic earnings per share from total operations (cents)	
Adjusted earnings per share from total operations (cents)	

2012 
Total 
operations 
$m 
1,835*	
614*	
556	
189.5	
141.5	

2011 
Total 
operations 
$m 
1,768† 
559† 
532 
159.2 
130.4 

2010 
Total 
operations 
$m 
1,628 
444 
397 
101.7 
98.6 

2009 
Total 
operations 
$m 
1,538 
363 
(64) 
74.7 
102.8 

2008 
Total 
operations 
$m
1,897
549
316
91.3
120.9

 *  Includes one significant liquidated damages receipt in 2012 of $3m in The Americas.

†  Includes two significant liquidated damages receipts in 2011; $10m in The Americas and $6m in Asia, Middle East and Africa.

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Investor information, Dividend history and Five year history 

139

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
Other information

Financial calendar

Interim dividend of 13.5p per share (21.0¢ per ADR): 
Special dividend of 108.4p per share ($1.72 per existing ADR): 
Financial year end  

Payment date 
Payment date 

Preliminary announcement of annual results 
Final dividend of 27.7p per share (43.0¢ per ADR):  

Ex-dividend date 
Record date 

Announcement of first quarter interim management statements  
Annual General Meeting 
Final dividend of 27.7p per share (43.0¢ per ADR):  
Announcement of interim results  
Interim dividend:  
Announcement of third quarter interim management statements  
Financial year end  

Payment date 

Payment date 

Preliminary announcement of annual results  

2012
28 September
22 October
31 December

2013
19 February
20 March
22 March
8 May
24 May
31 May
6 August
October
5 November
31 December

2014
February

Contacts

Registered	office
Broadwater Park  
Denham  
Buckinghamshire  
UB9 5HR

Telephone  +44 (0) 1895 512 000 

Fax 

+44 (0) 1895 512 101

www.ihgplc.com

For general information  
about the Group’s business 
please contact the Corporate 
Affairs department at the  
above address. For all other 
enquiries please contact the 
Company Secretariat department 
at the above address.

Registrar
Equiniti 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing  
West Sussex  
BN99 6DA 

ADR	depositary
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. 
PO Box 64504 
St. Paul  
MN 55164-0504  
USA

Telephone   +1 800 990 1135  

Telephone   0871 384 2132*†  

(US calls) (toll free) 

(UK calls) 

 +44 (0) 121 415 7034  
(non-UK calls) 

www.shareview.co.uk 

 *For those with hearing difficulties  
a text phone is available on  
0871 384 2255† for UK callers with 
compatible equipment.

 †Calls cost 8p per minute plus network 
extras. Lines are open from 8.30am to 
5.30pm Monday to Friday, excluding 
UK public holidays.

 +1 651 453 2128  
(non-US calls) 

Email 
jpmorgan.adr@wellsfargo.com

www.adr.com

Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP

Investment	bankers
Bank of America Merrill Lynch 
Goldman Sachs

Solicitors
Freshfields Bruckhaus  
Deringer LLP

Stockbrokers
Bank of America Merrill Lynch 
Goldman Sachs

Priority	Club	Rewards
If you wish to enquire about,  
or join Priority Club Rewards, 
IHG’s loyalty programme,  
visit www.priorityclub.com  
or telephone: 
0871 226 1111∞ (in Europe) 
+1 888 211 9874 (in US and 
Canada) (toll free)

+1 800 272 9273 (in Mexico)  
(toll free)

+1 801 975 3063 (English)  
(in Central and South America) 
(toll charges apply)

+1 801 975 3013 (Spanish)  
(in Central and South America) 
(toll charges apply)

+63 2 857 8788 (from most 
countries in Asia Pacific)  
(toll charges apply)

+86(0) 20 3419 8282 
(Mandarin and Cantonese) 
(in China and Hong Kong) 
(toll charges apply)

+971 4 429 0530 (in Middle East 
and Africa) (toll charges apply)

 ∞Telephone calls to this number are 
charged at 10p per minute. Standard 
network rates apply. Calls from 
mobiles will be higher.

For	further	investor	information	visit	www.ihgplc.com/investors

	140 

IHG Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012

 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other information

Forward-looking statements

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¤The Holiday Inn® brand received 
the highest numerical score 
among mid-scale full service 
hotels in the proprietary  
J.D. Power and Associates  
2011-2012 North America Hotel 
Guest Satisfaction Index StudySM. 
Study based on responses from 
61,716 guests measuring seven 
mid-scale full service hotels and 
measures opinions of guests 
who stayed in a hotel June 2011-
May 2012. Proprietary study 
results are based on experiences 
and perceptions of consumers 
surveyed August 2011-May 2012. 
Your experiences may vary.  
Visit jdpower.com.

Both the Annual Report and Financial 
Statements 2012 and the Annual Review and 
Summary Financial Statement 2012 contain 
certain forward-looking statements as defined 
under US legislation (Section 21E of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) with respect  
to the financial condition, results of operations 
and business of InterContinental Hotels Group 
and certain plans and objectives of the Board of 
Directors of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC 
with respect thereto. Such statements include, 
but are not limited to, statements made in the 
Chairman’s Statement and in the Chief 
Executive’s Review. These forward-looking 
statements can be identified by the fact that they 
do not relate only to historical or current facts. 
Forward-looking statements often use words 
such as ‘anticipate’, ‘target’, ‘expect’, ‘estimate’, 
‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘goal’, ‘believe’, or other words of 
similar meaning. These statements are based  
on assumptions and assessments made by 
InterContinental Hotels Group’s management in 
light of their experience and their perception of 
historical trends, current conditions, expected 
future developments and other factors they 
believe to be appropriate. 

By their nature, forward-looking statements  
are inherently predictive, speculative and involve 
risk and uncertainty. There are a number of 
factors that could cause actual results and 
developments to differ materially from those 
expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking 
statements, including, but not limited to:  
the risks of the effect of political and economic 

developments; the risk of events that adversely 
impact domestic or international travel; the risks 
of the hotel industry supply and demand cycle; 
the Group’s dependency on a wide range of 
external stakeholders and business partners; 
the risks related to identifying, securing and 
retaining franchise and management agreements; 
the risks in relation to changing technology and 
systems; the Group’s reliance on the reputation 
of its brands and the protection of its intellectual 
property rights; the risks involved in the Group’s 
reliance upon its proprietary reservations 
system and the risk of its failure and increased 
competition in reservations infrastructure; the 
risks related to information security and data 
privacy; the risks associated with safety, security 
and crisis management; the ability to acquire  
and retain the right people, skills and capability 
to manage growth and change; compliance  
with existing and changing regulations across 
numerous countries, territories and jurisdictions; 
the risk of litigation; the risks related to 
corporate responsibility; the risks associated 
with the Group’s financial stability and its ability 
to borrow and satisfy debt covenants; the risks 
associated with funding risks in relation to the 
defined benefits under the Group’s pension 
plans; and the risks associated with the Group’s 
ability to maintain adequate insurance.

The main factors that could affect the business 
and financial results are described in the 
Business Review of the Annual Report and 
Financial Statements 2012 and also in the 
Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Designed and produced  
by Corporate Edge 

Print management by  
H H Associates Ltd

Printed by CPI Colour

This Report is printed on 
Satimatt Green which is 
manufactured with 75% 
recycled fibre and 25% virgin 
fibre, FSC® certified. Our 
printer is also FSC and Carbon  
Neutral accredited.

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Financial Calendar, Contacts and Forward-looking statements 

141

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC 
Broadwater Park, Denham, 
Buckinghamshire UB9 5HR 
United Kingdom

Tel +44 (0) 1895 512 000 
Fax +44 (0) 1895 512 101
Web www.ihgplc.com 
Make a booking at www.ihg.com