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InterContinental Hotels Group

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FY2013 Annual Report · InterContinental Hotels Group
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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

Annual Report  
and Form 20 -F 2013 

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InterContinental Davos,  
Switzerland

1777

1946

It all began in 1777 when William Bass opened  
a brewery in Burton-on-Trent in the UK.  
Bass made its move into the hotel industry  
in 1988, buying Holiday Inn International.  
By 2003 the business had changed from 
domestic brewer to international hospitality 
retailer: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.

InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts
In April 1946 Juan Trippe, the founder of  
Pan American Airways, had a vision to bring 
high-quality hotel accommodation to the  
end of every Pan Am flight route. This led to  
the first InterContinental being opened in  
1949, the Hotel Grande in Belém, Brazil.  
From here InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 
expanded steadily to become the world’s first 
truly international luxury hospitality brand.  
The brand’s ethos is to provide insightful, 
meaningful experiences that enhance our  
guests’ feeling that they are in a global club. 
Bass acquired the InterContinental brand in 
1998, adding it to our brand portfolio.

Front cover 
Crowne Plaza Resort, Xishuangbanna,  
People's Republic of China

178 hotels; 60,103 rooms open 
51 hotels in the pipeline

Contents

Overview:
2   The IHG story
4   Chairman’s statement
6   Chief Executive Officer’s review

Strategic Report:
10   Industry overview
12   Industry performance in 2013
14   IHG at a glance
16   Our business model
17   Our preferred brands
18   Our strategy for high-quality growth
20    Winning Model
28    Targeted Portfolio
30    Disciplined Execution
34  Risk management
38  Key performance indicators (KPIs)
40  Performance

Governance:
56  Chairman’s overview
57   Board of Directors biographies
60  Executive Committee biographies
61   Corporate Governance
66    Audit Committee Report
68     Corporate Responsibility Committee 

Report

69    Nomination Committee Report
72   Directors’ Report
74    Directors’ Remuneration Report
78    Directors’ Remuneration Policy
87     Annual Report on Directors' 

Remuneration

Group Financial Statements:
100    Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
101   Independent Auditor’s UK Report 

103   Independent Auditor’s US Report 
104    Group Financial Statements 
111    Accounting policies 
117    Notes to the Group Financial 

Statements

Parent Company Financial Statements:
156    Parent Company Financial Statements
157    Notes to the Parent Company  

Financial Statements

Additional Information:
164    Group information
173   Shareholder information
183   Exhibits
184   Form 20-F cross-reference guide 
186   Glossary 
188   Forward-looking statements

Overview  1

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThe IHG story

2013 marked 10 years since InterContinental Hotels 
Group PLC (IHG) became a standalone company. 
Today, we are one of the world’s leading hotel 
companies with almost 4,700 hotels in nearly 100 
countries and territories, and a portfolio of nine 
preferred brands that have a deep history and 
heritage. Highlighted below are just some of the 
milestones, achievements and innovations that  
have come to define IHG and our family of brands.

2003  
InterContinental  
Hotels Group PLC
On 1 October 2002, Six Continents PLC 
announces a proposed separation of the 
Group’s hotels and soft drinks business 
(to be called InterContinental Hotels 
Group PLC) from the retail business  
(to be called Mitchells & Butlers plc), 
and the return of £700m of capital to 
shareholders. The process completes 
on 15 April 2003 – InterContinental 
Hotels Group PLC becomes a separate 
company listed on the LSE and NYSE.

1983  
Crowne Plaza®  
Hotels & Resorts
Launch of the Crowne Plaza brand, 
focused on business travellers.

1946  
InterContinental®  
Hotels & Resorts
The founder of Pan American 
Airways has a vision to bring 
high-quality hotel accommodation 
to the end of every Pan Am flight 
route. This leads to the first 
InterContinental hotel opening 
in Belém, Brazil in 1949. Bass 
acquires the InterContinental 
brand in 1998, adding it to our 
brand portfolio.

1965  
Holidex®
Launch of HOLIDEX, the world’s 
first computerised hotel 
reservation system – the first 
programme to connect directly 
with travel agents and airlines.

1997  
Staybridge Suites®
Launch of the Staybridge Suites 
brand – IHG’s extended-stay brand 
for travellers who spend an 
extended time away from home 
and prefer a warm, home-like and 
community environment. 

1777  
The story begins...
It all begins in 1777 when 
William Bass opens a brewery 
in Burton-on-Trent in the UK. 
Bass makes its move into the 
hotel industry in 1988, buying 
Holiday Inn International.  
The conglomerate sells Bass 
Brewers and the Bass name 
in 2000 and changes its name 
to Six Continents PLC.

1952  
Holiday Inn®
Kemmons Wilson’s vision of an 
innovative hotel brand people 
could trust leads to the first 
Holiday Inn opening in Memphis, 
Tennessee in 1952. Bass acquires 
part of the business in 1988 and  
the remainder in 1990.

2 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

1990  
Holiday Inn Express®
Launch of the Holiday Inn Express 
brand aimed at smart travellers. 

2003  
Candlewood 
Suites®
Acquisition of the  
Candlewood Suites brand 
– IHG’s extended-stay 
brand in North America 
aimed at providing guests 
with a relaxed, casual and 
home-like environment  
at a great value.

2004  
Hotel Indigo®
Launch of Hotel Indigo, 
IHG’s boutique brand, 
with the first Hotel 
Indigo opening  
in Atlanta, US in 2004.

2007  
Holiday Inn Resort®
As part of the $1bn Holiday Inn 
relaunch, Holiday Inn Resort,  
a new sub-brand of Holiday Inn, 
is developed, offering the 
perfect destination for family 
fun and relaxation.

2005  
Britvic disposal
IHG announces the 
disposal of its 100% 
holding in the soft 
drinks business, 
Britvic plc.

2012  
HUALUXE® Hotels  
and Resorts
Launch of the HUALUXE brand, 
as the world’s first international 
hotel brand designed specifically 
to suit the taste and sensibilities 
of the Chinese guest.

2006  
Room to be yourself
Our employer brand giving 
people Room to be yourself 
is launched.

2012  
EVEN™ Hotels
Launch of the EVEN brand, 
which meets the large and 
growing demand for a hotel 
brand to help wellness-minded 
travellers maintain their balance 
on the road.

2013  
IHG® Rewards Club
Originally launched in 1983 as Priority Club® 
Rewards, our loyalty programme is the oldest 
and largest in the industry. In July 2013, we 
relaunched the programme as IHG Rewards 
Club, offering enhanced benefits for members, 
including free internet access across all our 
hotels globally.

2006  
IHG® Academy
Launch of IHG Academy,  
a pioneering collaboration 
between IHG hotels and offices 
and education providers and/or 
community organisations 
providing local people with skills 
development and employment 
opportunities in IHG hotels and 
corporate offices.

2009  
IHG Green Engage®
Launch of IHG Green Engage,  
our online system to help us 
measure, monitor, manage 
and report on energy,  
carbon, water and waste to 
develop and operate more  
sustainable hotels.

2012  
London 2012 Olympic  
and Paralympic Games
In 2012, Holiday Inn and  
Holiday Inn Express are the 
official hotel provider to the 
London 2012 Olympic and 
Paralympic Games.

2008  
Holiday Inn Club 
Vacations®
Announcement of the 
Holiday Inn Club Vacations 
brand, a result of an 
alliance between IHG and 
the family of Orange Lake 
Resorts, Kemmons Wilson 
and the Wilson family. 

2011 
IHG® Shelter in a  
Storm Programme
Launch of the IHG Shelter in a Storm 
Programme, equipping our hotels to 
respond quickly and effectively in times 
of disaster, providing vital assistance 
and shelter to the local community  
and our employees.

Overview  3

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONChairman’s statement

2013 was another strong year for IHG. Despite what 
continued to be challenging macroeconomic conditions 
around the world, we delivered on our strategy and 
reported good growth in our operating profit and 
earnings per share. 

“  We are delighted to have 
delivered another year  
of strong performance  
in 2013, my first year 
as Chairman of IHG.”

+9%: 70.0¢

Total full-year dividend  
(sterling equivalent of 43.2p) 

+3.8%

Revenue per available room*
686,873 rooms (4,697 hotels)  
operating in the IHG System

+4%

Fee revenue†
Driven by 3.8% of RevPAR growth  
and 1.6% net IHG System size growth

*   Total IHG System rooms revenue divided  
by the number of room nights available.

†   Group revenue excluding owned and leased  

hotels, managed leases and significant liquidated 
damages. Growth stated at constant currency.

4 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

In last year’s Annual Report, I shared my 
perspective and initial impressions of 
IHG. I have not been disappointed. I have 
continued to be deeply impressed by the 
skills, dedication and energy of our people, 
our award-winning brand portfolio and  
our relentless focus on delivering our 
strategy. On behalf of the Board, I would 
therefore like to extend my sincere thanks 
to our 350,000 colleagues around the 
world who have strived to put our guests  
at the heart of everything they do with 
pride and dedication.

Responsible Business

Being a responsible business is an integral 
part of delivering on our strategy. It is not 
only reflected in our culture, but also in 
our approach to governance and doing 
the right thing. Our commitment to serve 
the local communities in which we 
operate is stronger than ever and we 
recently launched stretching Corporate 
Responsibility (CR) targets to reflect this. 
You can find more information on our CR 
programmes and targets on page 32.

A robust and effective system of internal 
controls and risk management processes 
is an essential part of IHG’s governance 
structure and a key part of being a 
responsible business. More detail on our 
approach to risk management can be found 
on pages 34 to 37.

Shareholder returns and 
financial position

IHG has an excellent track record of 
delivering sustainable and attractive 
returns for shareholders. Last year we 
announced a $350 million special dividend, 
which was paid alongside the ordinary 
interim dividend on 4 October 2013. We also 
bought back $283 million of shares in the 
year, in addition to the $107 million bought 
back in 2012, leaving $110 million of our 
existing $500 million share buyback 
programme to complete. Once complete, 

total funds returned to shareholders since 
our 2003 demerger, excluding ordinary 
dividends, will amount to $8.0 billion. 

I am also pleased to announce that the Board 
is recommending a 9 per cent increase to the 
final dividend for 2013 resulting in a full-year 
dividend of 70 cents (43.2 pence) per share, 
up 9 per cent on 2012. 

We continue to honour our commitment 
to maintaining an efficient balance sheet 
whilst retaining an investment grade credit 
rating through the cycle. This approach has 
delivered significant value for investors. 
Over the three-year period to 31 December 
2013, IHG’s annualised total shareholder 
return (TSR) was 22 per cent, compared 
with 9 per cent for the FTSE 100 as a whole.

Board

I have been impressed by the strength  
and diversity of the IHG Board. We have a 
very strong balance of skills, knowledge, 
experience and diversity among our 
Directors. Critical to the success of the 
business is ensuring we maintain this 
breadth and balance of skills to suit both  
the existing shape of the business and to 
support our future growth. We have, for 
example, recognised that consumer facing 
technology will continue to be an important 
part of our business and that we need to 
strengthen ourselves accordingly. We have 
therefore taken the decision to look to 
further enhance the Board by appointing an 
additional Non-Executive Director with 
strong experience in this area. Equally 
important, is ensuring the Board has 
absolutely the right processes in place to 
ensure it is operating as efficiently and 
effectively as possible, and is helping to set 
the agenda for the business to succeed both 
in the short and long term. This will continue 
to be a priority in 2014 and beyond. 

Reflecting these commitments, this year, 
we announced a number changes to 
the Board. 

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa, Mexico

Holiday Inn Express Bogota, Colombia

Hotel Indigo Tel Aviv – Diamond District, Israel

We welcomed two new independent 
Non-Executive Directors to the Board. 
Jill McDonald joined IHG on 1 June 2013 
and Ian Dyson joined on 1 September 
2013. Jill has a wealth of experience in 
franchising and marketing and Ian has a 
range of experience in senior executive 
and finance roles. Both Jill and Ian are 
members of the Audit and Nomination 
Committees and Ian is also a member  
of the Remuneration Committee. 

David Kappler will be stepping down from 
the Board and his roles as Chairman of the 
Audit Committee and Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director in 2014. David joined 
IHG’s Board in June 2004 and has been  
a great asset to the business and an 
invaluable support to me in my first year  
as Chairman. Ian Dyson will take over as 
Chairman of the Audit Committee with 
effect from 1 April 2014. David will retire 
from the Board on 31 May 2014 and Dale 
Morrison, who has been an independent 
Non-Executive Director of IHG since June 
2011, will become the Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director, ensuring a smooth 
transition of David’s duties.

We said goodbye to Tom Singer, who stepped 
down from his position as Chief Financial 
Officer and the Board on 1 January 2014.  
Tom played a key role in the success of the 
Group since he joined IHG’s Board and 
Executive Committee in September 2011.  
We thank him for his contribution and wish 
him the best for the future. 

I am pleased to welcome Paul  
Edgecliffe-Johnson to the Board. Paul was 
appointed Chief Financial Officer on  
1 January 2014, becoming a member  
of IHG’s Board and Executive Committee  
at that time. Paul joined IHG in August  
2004 and has worked in a number of senior 
roles across the Group, most recently as 
Chief Financial Officer of IHG’s Europe and 
Asia, Middle East and Africa regions. 

Governance

High standards of corporate governance 
are fundamental to the way IHG operates. 
The Board is committed to ensuring that 
we not only operate effectively, but that 
each Director is committed to the role and 
continues to make a valuable contribution 
to the business. 

This year we commissioned a formal 
evaluation of the Board from an independent 
consultant. The findings from the evaluation 
are outlined on page 65. 

Our Annual Report this year includes, 
for the first time, our US Annual Report 
on Form 20-F reporting requirements, 
as well as taking into consideration the 
new requirements of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code and changes to UK 
legislation, providing all reporting 
information in a single report. 

Remuneration

Recruiting and retaining an outstanding 
executive leadership team is critical to 
ensuring that IHG succeeds over both  
the short and long term. Our Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy is designed to help 
achieve this objective. The policy requires  
a significant proportion of remuneration  
to be linked to the delivery of both strong 
financial and operational results and 
market-beating performance. Details of  
the policy are set out in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 74 to 97.  
We believe that our policy, which is largely 
unchanged from last year, is aligned with 
best practice and remains fit for purpose.

We have historically tried to make the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report as 
transparent and easy to read as possible, 
and were pleased to receive the PwC 
Building Public Trust Award for Executive 
Remuneration Reporting in the FTSE 100  
for our 2012 Directors’ Remuneration 
Report. In preparation for the first binding 
shareholder vote on our Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy in the 2013  
Directors’ Remuneration Report,  

we have worked hard to present both the 
policy and the reward paid to our Board in  
an open and accessible way, as well as 
complying with the regulatory requirements.

Outlook

We remain confident in the long-term 
growth prospects of the hotel industry. 
This reflects our belief that we will 
continue to see an increase in demand  
for hotels over the next few decades.  
This belief is supported by the positive 
socio-economic, demographic and 
technological changes that we see  
across the globe which will ultimately 
mean record numbers of people join  
the travel market each year. 

As a result, we start 2014 with confidence 
that the business will continue to deliver 
high-quality growth and generate long-term 
value to all stakeholders. Our significant 
scale, broad geographical exposure as well 
as our strong understanding of the industry 
and how it is evolving, particularly in terms 
of consumer trends and technological 
innovation, means we are well-positioned 
for future growth. This will allow us to 
continue to deliver attractive shareholder 
returns whilst further enhancing our guest 
propositions to create brands which are 
truly preferred.

Patrick Cescau
Chairman

Overview  5

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer’s review

2013 marked our tenth year as a standalone company. During this 
period, we have delivered market-leading shareholder returns,  
more than doubled our fee revenues and significantly increased  
returns on capital employed. Our focus on high-quality growth 
delivered by our Winning Model, underpinned by Disciplined Execution, 
has enabled us to drive a good revenue and profit performance again  
in 2013, despite the ongoing challenging economic conditions in some  
of our markets. 

“ 2013 marked IHG’s 

IHG’s Winning Model

tenth anniversary as  
a standalone company, 
and was another year  
of strong performance.”

+10%: $668m*

Operating profit before exceptional items

+2%: $21.6bn†

Total gross revenue in IHG’s System
Revenue up 4% to $1,903m*

6.4m

New IHG Rewards Club members  
added (total members 77.4m)

IHG’s Winning Model is our framework  
for delivering superior value creation 
through our brands, our people and our 
systems. We deliver preferred experiences 
for guests through our targeted brand 
propositions, consistently delivered by  
over 350,000 talented colleagues across 
the world. Our brands are brought to life  
by our people and last year we launched 
two new training programmes for hotel 
General Managers to ensure the strongest 
possible connection between what each 
brand stands for and the delivery of the 
brand experience at the front line, 
encouraging General Managers to  
behave like Brand Managers.

Our brands already deliver superior  
and consistent experiences, which we 
measure by continuous guest satisfaction 
surveys, and which, in 2013 told us that  
we drove increased guest satisfaction 
globally across each of our brands.  
This drives revenue per available room 
(RevPAR) premiums and, in turn, better 
returns for our owners. We are very  
proud of the large number of industry 
awards our brands win and are focused 
on ensuring that they stay relevant to  
the changing needs of our guests.

To help do this, we conduct extensive, 
industry-leading research to ensure we 
have the best possible understanding of 
our guests’ needs. This unique insight is 
allowing us to better differentiate our 
hotel experiences and is a key driver of 
our ability to continue to grow ahead of 
the market. 

Furthermore, our annual Trends Report 
demonstrates the insight and consumer 
understanding that helps us adapt to, and 
stay ahead of, the latest trends both within 
the hospitality industry and more widely. 
This year’s report, 'Creating Moments of 
Trust' – the key to building successful 
brand relationships in the Kinship 
Economy’, suggests that the rise of 
technology-aided personalisation means 
that to continue to win and maintain guest 
loyalty in the future, hotels need to deliver 
global, local and personalised appeal for 
their guests. 

Hotel brands that are able to become  
truly ‘3D’ – by delivering local, global and 
personal experiences through trusted 
global brands – will build the trust that  
is needed to sustain lasting relationships  
with guests and outperform in the future.  
This marks a step-change in the thinking 
that has dominated the travel and 
hospitality industry over the last two 
decades, a period during which hotel 
brands have traditionally concentrated  
on being 2D – solely global and local. 

An important part of building trust is offering 
a strong loyalty programme that is tailored 
to guests needs. To enable us to better meet 
the different needs and occasions of our 
guests and to strengthen our proposition  
to owners, on 1 July 2013, we relaunched  
our loyalty programme with a new name:  
IHG Rewards Club. This name clearly 
communicates to consumers that all of  
our brands are part of the same IHG brand 
family. No other hotel loyalty programme 
gives its members more places to use their 
points than IHG, and from July 2013, we also 
added new benefits, including being the first 
hotel company to offer free internet to 
members in all our hotels globally.

*   Includes three liquidated damages receipts in  
2013; $31m in The Americas, $9m in Europe  
and $6m in AMEA.

†   Total room revenue from franchised hotels and 
total hotel revenue from managed, owned and 
leased hotels (not all attributable to IHG).

6 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

InterContinental London Park Lane, London, UK

InterContinental New York Barclay, New York, US

InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, California, US

Being a responsible business is part of 
IHG’s DNA and it underpins our business 
practices, enabling us to make a positive 
contribution to the communities in which 
we operate, as well as building trust and 
preference for our brands. Having already 
met our previous Corporate Responsibility 
targets in 2012, in September 2013, we 
announced new ones for the five years 
from 2013 to 2017. These revolve around 
three core programmes; IHG Green 
Engage, IHG Academy and IHG Shelter in a 
Storm Programme. These are all tightly 
tied to our Winning Model, which ensures 
they are sustainable with full support from  
our owners.

Looking forward, IHG’s strategy for 
high-quality growth gives us the confidence 
that we will outperform an industry which 
is set for good growth for many years to 
come, and as such we will continue to drive 
superior returns for our shareholders.

Richard Solomons
Chief Executive Officer

Our strong brand portfolio and loyalty 
programme are underpinned by our 
channel management strategy which is 
aimed at delivering the highest quality 
revenues to IHG hotels at the lowest 
possible cost. Only the largest companies 
who understand these trends, and are able 
to deliver consistent, locally relevant and 
differentiated guest experiences, will win 
in this environment. 

IHG is focused on delivering guest needs 
across the entirety of their journey, which 
we break down into five distinct steps: 
Dream, Plan, Book, Travel and Share.  
Our strategy is led by our multi-lingual 
websites and mobile apps, call centres, 
global sales force, strong brand portfolio 
and 77.4 million member loyalty 
programme. These provide compelling 
experiences that allow guests to use the 
most appropriate channel for their needs.  
In 2013, IHG’s direct and indirect systems 
and channels delivered 69 per cent of  
total room revenues to our hotels.

Targeted Portfolio

IHG has hotels in nearly 100 countries and 
territories around the world. Our growth 
strategy is focused primarily on the largest 
and/or fastest growing markets in which 
IHG has a strong existing brand presence, 
where our scale and revenue delivery 
systems confer the greatest benefits, and 
where the growth opportunities available 
are aligned to our asset-light business 
model. With a five per cent share of  
global hotel industry rooms supply and  
a 12 per cent share of the active industry 
hotel pipeline, we are well-positioned to 
continue to take share into the future. 

During 2013, we opened 237 hotels and 
signed a further 444 hotels into our 
pipeline, the highest number for five  
years, reinforcing our already strong  
brand distribution platform and with it the 
promise of further high-quality growth.

Our commitment to an asset-light model 
continues to be core to our strategy and is 
key to the resilience of our income stream. 
During 2013, we completed the disposal  
of the InterContinental London Park Lane 
and agreed to dispose of an 80 per cent 
interest in InterContinental New York 
Barclay, both with long-term, valuable 
management contracts. This has driven  
up IHG’s return on capital employed, 
reduced the capital intensity of the 
business whilst forming a relationship  
with a great new owner. 

In February 2014, we signed an agreement 
to sell the InterContinental Mark Hopkins 
San Francisco.

Disciplined Execution

Successful delivery of our strategy for 
high-quality growth requires Disciplined 
Execution. IHG is focused on leveraging our 
scale to drive efficiencies whilst investing 
behind the growth of the business. Talent is 
key to our success and our investment in 
strengthening our employer brand has 
been recognised externally through a 
number of accolades, including being 
awarded 3rd place in The Sunday Times  
25 Best Big Companies To Work For in  
the UK.

Overview  7

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
 
Holiday Inn Pattaya,  
Thailand

Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam, 
Thailand

Holiday Inn Resort Goa, 
India

1952

1991

2007

Holiday Inn Express®
Launched in 1991, Holiday Inn Express hotels are 
geared towards the smart business or leisure 
traveller who appreciate value but don’t want to 
compromise on efficiency and style. 

Holiday Inn Resort®
In 2007, the Holiday Inn brand began a $1 billion 
relaunch and as part of this, Holiday Inn Resort 
brand was launched offering the perfect 
destination for family fun and relaxation.

2,258 hotels; 214,597 rooms open 
473 hotels in the pipeline

38 properties; 8,818 rooms open  
14 properties in the pipeline

Holiday Inn®
In 1951, Kemmons Wilson recognised a need  
for clean, comfortable and affordable places for 
families to stay; he opened the first Holiday Inn 
hotel in Memphis, Tennessee in 1952. Today, the 
brand offers the perfect mix of business and 
pleasure for today’s comfort-seeking traveller by 
providing an inviting, familiar atmosphere where 
guests can relax and enjoy themselves.

1,168 hotels; 212,058 rooms open  
249 hotels in the pipeline

8 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Strategic Report

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orlando – Orange Lake Resort, 
Florida, US

2008

Contents

Holiday Inn Club Vacations®
Holiday Inn Club Vacations properties offer villas 
for families in holiday destinations in the US.  
The sub-brand of the Holiday Inn brand was 
launched in 2008 by IHG as part of a strategic 
alliance with the family of Orange Lake Resorts,  
the Kemmons Wilson family, who continue  
to own and operate the resorts today. 

10 properties; 3,701 rooms open  
1 property in the pipeline

10   Industry overview
12   Industry performance in 2013
14   IHG at a glance
16   Our business model
17   Our preferred brands 
18   Our strategy for high-quality growth
20    Winning Model
28    Targeted Portfolio
30    Disciplined Execution
34  Risk management
38  Key performance indicators (KPIs)
40  Performance

The Strategic Report (pages 10 to 53) was approved by the 
Board on 17 February 2014.

George Turner, Company Secretary

Strategic Report  9

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGlobal industry RevPAR growth (2013 v 2012)

4.4%

4.5%

3
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

IHG’s KPIs are set out on pages 38 and 39.

IHG’s 2014 Trends Report (see page 20 and  
www.ihgplc.com/trends_report) identified that consumers  
trust brands with a heritage and they value the comfort and 
security established global brands provide. However the  
collision of globalisation, localisation and personalisation  
means that brands need to stay relevant by becoming ‘3D’ – 
managing their global, local and personal assets simultaneously.

US Industry Annual Revenues Indexed to 2005

150

140

130

120

110

100

90

80

70

60

50

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Industry

Independents

Big brands

Source: Smith Travel 
Research (STR).

Note: 
• Independents are hotels   
  not assigned to a brand 
  per STR. 

• Big brands are any brand  
  affiliated with the parent   
  company of Hilton, IHG,    
  Marriott, Wyndham,  
  Choice, Accor or Starwood.

Whilst an owner-operated hotel enables the owner to have full 
control over hotel operation, it requires high capital investment.  
In contrast, for hotel brand owners, a managed or franchised 
model enables quicker rooms growth due to the lower capital 
investment, but this requires strong relationships with third-party 
hotel owners.

IHG's business model is set out on page 16.

Where the industry is now 

The global hotel industry

The global hotel industry comprises approximately 14.6 million 
rooms, according to Smith Travel Research, and these are broadly 
segmented into branded (multiple hotels under the same brand 
name) and independent (non-branded) hotels. Growth in demand  
is driven by economic growth and an increasing trend for domestic 
and global travel resulting in part from favourable demographics 
and globalisation of travel.

There are a number of key industry metrics which are widely 
recognised and used to track performance. These include revenue 
per available room (RevPAR), average daily rate and rooms supply 
growth. These are amongst the key performance measures actively 
monitored by IHG. IHG also monitors macroeconomic indicators 
such as gross domestic product (GDP) trends, which is a leading 
indicator in hotel industry trends.

The branded hotel market

Smith Travel Research estimates that the branded hotel market 
accounts for 51.5% of the total hotel market. However, this market 
is fragmented in terms of key brand players with the top five 
branded hotel companies (of which IHG is one) accounting for only 
41% of the total branded hotel market in terms of open rooms and 
72% of the development pipeline (hotels in planning and under 
construction but not yet open). However, as can be seen in the 
graph on the right, globally, the branded hotel market is increasing 
its share of the total hotel market, due to the advantages a brand 
can bring to hotel performance over that of independent hotels. 
Branded hotels have shown an increased resilience through the 
economic cycles, with the big branded players showing clear 
revenue outperformance, as well as benefiting from advantages  
in terms of economies of scale across a broad portfolio of hotels. 

In the US, around 70% of the industry supply is branded. In fast 
developing markets, such as China and India, branded penetration 
is lower, at around 20 to 30%. However, this is expected to increase 
significantly over the coming decades as branded hotels gain 
traction due to the advantages of reliability, guest safety and 
security and consistency of standards that large global 
brands bring. 

The different business models within the hotel industry

The global hotel industry operates under a number of different 
business models, depending on whether a hotel is branded or 
independent. The four models typically seen are owned, leased, 
managed or franchised: 

•	 Owned hotels are owned and operated by an owner who bears 
all the costs associated with the hotel but also benefits from  
all of the income; 

•	 a leased model is similar, except that the owner-operator of  
a hotel does not have outright ownership of the hotel but pays 
rental fees to the ultimate owner of the property; 

•	 under a managed model, the owner of a hotel will use a  

third-party manager to operate the hotel on its behalf and will 
pay the manager management fees and, if the hotel is operated 
under a third-party brand name, brand licensing fees; and

•	 a franchised hotel is owned and operated by an owner under a 

third-party brand name and the owner will pay a brand licensing 
fee to the brand owner. 

10 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Industry overview 
Where the industry is heading

Short–term drivers and global trends

Short-term industry trends are shaped by differing economic, 
political or physical factors impacting local geographical markets. 
Since the economic crisis of 2008/09, GDP growth has returned to 
key economies, leading to an increase in disposable income and an 
increase in demand for hotel rooms. Typically, the industry would 
meet this demand through an increase in the supply of rooms. 

In developed markets, recent industry revenue growth has  
been driven largely by an increase in the room rate as occupancy 
levels have returned to previous peak levels, but the growth  
in supply of rooms has been below the long-term average.  
In emerging markets, growth has been as a result of both an 
increase in room rate and the supply of rooms. The industry is  
also impacted in the short-term by local market economic or 
political factors.

Long-term drivers and global trends 

In the long term, growth in the hotel industry is driven by a number 
of trends:

Economic
The travel and hotel industries have benefited substantially from 
long-term macroeconomic trends. Global GDP growth in the last  
10 years of circa 4% per annum has contributed to increasing 
disposable income and a greater number of middle-class 
households, particularly in emerging markets such as Greater  
China, with a greater propensity to travel. 

Over the long term, global economic growth and more sophisticated 
financial markets in emerging countries has led to a 1.8% increase  
in global total hotel rooms supply over the last eight years.

Improvements in physical infrastructure, particularly in emerging 
markets, have allowed hotels to more effectively meet the needs  
of guests and to open up new destinations for travel. 

Demographic
During the last 10 years the typical traveller demographic has 
changed. Travellers travel for a variety of reasons and no longer 
travel for a singular purpose, such as only business or leisure. 
Across the globe, the type of traveller can range from single people 
to multi-generation families. The younger workforce is driving 
more diverse and informal working patterns, with an expectation 
that hotels will cater for flexible working arrangements. A growing 
ageing population with the desire, and means to travel, is expected  
to significantly increase travel flows and lead to an overall increase 
in demand for travel services. 

Technology
Technology has played an important role in shaping the travel 
industry. A decade ago, internet access and the role of digital 
technology in planning, booking and experiencing travel was very 
limited. Today, the reach and role of digital technology is very different. 
The internet, increasingly accessed through mobile devices,  
has established itself in developed markets as the preferred  
method to research, plan and book travel. In emerging markets, 
online purchasing and international travel are relatively new to 
travellers, and therefore personal interactions remain key, making 
the role of the traditional travel agent important. Industry experts 
estimate that about 12 to 15% of tickets and rooms are booked 
online in China and of that online market, approximately 70 to 80% 
are booked through third-party intermediaries. 

The development of social networking and photo sharing has 
changed the way in which people think about travel, with the sharing  
of travel experiences, reviews and recommendations having a 
greater impact on travel decision-making. These recommendations, 
combined with the ability to compare prices and review the richer 
information that is available online, allow travellers to make 
informed decisions and book their travel options with greater  
control and immediacy, leading to an increase in travel to a variety  
of destinations. 

IHG’s 2014 Trends Report (see page 20) found that the rapid rise  
of technology-enabled personalisation is helping to shape the 
experience guests want when they travel. It also found that 
personalised brand experiences which resonate with the local 
culture are particularly important for the fast-growing number  
of international travellers from emerging markets.

Changing technological trends and changes in consumer behaviour 
will continue to shape the industry. 

Social
Other trends also present new opportunities to travel. Increased 
competition and capacity amongst airlines, lower air fares and 
more relaxed travel and immigration restrictions in many regions 
have made international travel a viable option for an increasing 
number of people. 

Competitors
These long-term drivers and global trends are changing the 
competitive landscape within the travel industry. Competitors are 
no longer simply branded or independent hotels, but now include 
travel intermediaries and companies offering alternative lodging 
solutions and search options, providing inspiration for travel  
ideas and aggregating a range of travel solutions. Many of these 
businesses are also not subject to regulations such as fire and  
life safety, food safety and local industry regulations, which apply 
to traditional hotel operators. 

Source: Smith Travel Research for industry facts.

Strategic Report  11

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONIndustry performance in 2013

Crowne Plaza Edinburgh – The Roxburghe, UK

InterContinental The Willard Washington D.C., US

Overall, global industry RevPAR 
increased by 4.4% in 2013 and 
IHG’s global RevPAR grew  
3.8%. As would be anticipated, 
performance varied across 
regions and across segments  
(see page 29), with each facing 
different economic, social and 
physical conditions. 

RevPAR is a KPI – see page 38. 

IHG’s performance globally and in each  
of our regions during 2013 is detailed on 
pages 40 to 50.

Source: Smith Travel Research for 
industry facts.

12 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

The Americas

Europe

Industry
The hotel industry performed strongly in the 
region. RevPAR grew by 6.6% with average 
daily rate increasing by 5%. On the supply 
side, the number of rooms only increased by 
0.8%. Although RevPAR growth was strong, 
it was not consistent across all segments, 
with the luxury, upper upscale and upscale 
segments performing best.

The overall dynamic remains favourable  
in the US, with industry demand achieving 
record highs and supply growth still  
below the 2% per annum historic average. 
Reflecting this, US RevPAR increased 5.4% 
during 2013 with average daily rate growing 
3.9% and occupancy also continued to grow. 
On a negative note, the US government’s 
reduced travel over 2012 and 2013 and 
complete shutdown in the fourth quarter  
of 2013, meant that some cities, such as 
Washington D.C., were impacted. However, 
this did not outweigh the positive economic 
trends that contributed to greater demand  
in the industry.

IHG’s Americas region
IHG’s comparable RevPAR increased  
4.3% with 2.6% rate growth. The region  
is predominantly represented by the  
US, where comparable RevPAR was up  
4.2%. Our upscale and luxury brands 
(InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and  
Hotel Indigo) outperformed the industry.  
In the midscale segment, Holiday Inn and 
Holiday Inn Express maintained a rate 
premium to the segment. However, 
RevPAR grew at a lower rate than the 
market, reflecting the superior RevPAR 
performance versus the market in  
recent years and higher absolute  
RevPAR. Quality remained a focus,  
and 17,968 rooms left the IHG System. 
Overall the number of rooms open in  
the region increased by 1,807 rooms. 

Industry
Despite continuing challenging economic 
conditions in the eurozone, overall the 
industry performed well with RevPAR 
increasing 3.2% and average daily rate  
1.5%. The number of rooms across the 
industry increased by only 0.9%. Europe is  
a diverse region and the industry figures 
were driven by the larger markets, in 
particular the UK and Germany. 

In the UK, RevPAR grew 3.9%, 
predominantly led by occupancy growth, 
although average daily rate grew 
marginally (0.2%). The UK provinces,  
after a relatively protracted period of 
weakness, performed particularly well. 
London’s RevPAR growth was positive in 
2013, despite an unprecedented level of 
new rooms and 2012 figures elevated  
by the London 2012 Olympic and 
Paralympic Games.

Economic growth in Germany has tended to 
be more stable in the recent past. Although 
RevPAR for Germany did increase by 1.7%, 
the industry is highly dependent upon trade 
fairs, which are not consistent in number  
or size year-on-year. Overall, there were 
fewer trade fairs in 2013 compared to 2012 
and RevPAR growth was positive but not as 
high as the growth seen in 2012. 

IHG’s Europe region
IHG’s comparable RevPAR increased 1.7% 
led by a 1.5 percentage point increase in 
occupancy. RevPAR growth was resilient  
in our priority markets, despite tough 
comparatives. In London, we outperformed 
the market, although across the UK we  
were marginally below market. Overall, 
comparable UK RevPAR increased by 3%. In 
Germany, RevPAR grew 0.8% reflecting  
a weaker trade fair calendar in key cities, 
particularly Berlin and Dusseldorf.  
In France, RevPAR grew 2.6%, with 5.3% 
growth at our owned InterContinental  
Paris Le Grand.

 
 
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, Maldives

Crowne Plaza Resort, Xishuangbanna, People’s Republic of China

Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA)

Greater China

IHG System

Industry
AMEA is a diverse geographical region 
comprising many individual country 
markets. Overall RevPAR increased 6.1%, 
led by a 5% growth in average daily rate.  
The number of rooms available across  
the industry increased by 2.6%. 

Strong growth was seen in Southeast 
Asia, where RevPAR grew 7.9% driven 
by continued strength in Indonesia and 
Thailand; Japan, where RevPAR grew 
by 11.4%; and in the Middle East, where 
RevPAR growth of 5.5% was achieved  
despite continuing geopolitical unrest. 

In India, 2013 was a challenging year with 
pricing challenges as a result of rooms 
supply growth of 4.6% leading to a 
RevPAR decline of 3.3%. 

In Australasia, RevPAR was up 3.9% driven  
by average daily rate up 2.7%, reflecting 
strong economic conditions in Australia. 

IHG’s AMEA region
IHG is represented widely across the region, 
both geographically and by brand, and 
comparisons across the industry are hard  
to make. In addition, almost all of our net 
room growth is located in developing 
markets, where initial RevPAR expectations 
are on average about 30% of the level 
achieved by a mature hotel in that region. 
Even after three to five years, hotels in these 
markets are expected to achieve around 
70% of the absolute RevPAR of primary  
city hotels. Comparable RevPAR increased 
6.1% in the year but, reflecting new hotels 
in the developing markets, total RevPAR 
growth was 2.8%. Overall strong trading  
in Southeast Asia and Japan led the 
performance with RevPAR up 9.9% and  
9.6% respectively. In Australasia, RevPAR 
increased by 4.5%. In the Middle East, 
RevPAR was up 3.2%, driven by good 
performance in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, 
offset by geopolitical unrest impacting our 
business in Egypt and Lebanon.

Industry
Hotel industry RevPAR in Greater China  
as lower than industry expectations  
ith full-year RevPAR declining by 4.2%.  
The RevPAR decline was predominantly  
led by a reduced average daily rate  
(an annual reduction of 3.1%), combined  
with a reduction in occupancy levels.  
Overall demand for rooms increased  
over the year, but occupancy rates were  
impacted by supply growth of 4.6%. 

The industry was impacted by a number of 
factors in 2013 including natural disasters, 
slower macroeconomic conditions as  
reflected in GDP growth of only 7.7%  
(the softest pace of expansion since  
1999) and the impact of the China-Japan  
territorial island dispute. Despite the  
challenges, travel and tourism continue  
to be a strategic pillar of the Chinese  
government’s five-year plan and the  
continuing growth of the middle-classes  
and a shift in emphasis to a consumption  
led economy are all positive factors for  
the medium to long-term prospects.

IHG’s Greater China region
IHG’s comparable RevPAR increased 1%  
as the scale and strength of our business  
drove a significant outperformance  
compared to the industry throughout 2013.  
IHG has brands across multiple price  
points and hotels in 70 cities which  
positions us well across the region.  
Conditions were difficult, but we opened  
7,669 rooms and added 15,000 rooms to our  
pipeline, including seven HUALUXE hotels  
taking our pipeline of this key new brand  
to 21 hotels. From a growth perspective,  
almost 70% of the hotels in the pipeline are  
under construction. As with AMEA, much  
of the room growth is located in developing  
tier 2 and tier 3 cities with lower initial  
RevPAR expectation when compared to  
primary city hotels.

We continued to grow the IHG System size  
in 2013 (hotels franchised, managed,  
owned or leased under IHG’s brands –  
see Our business model on page 16).

As at 31 December 2013, we had 686,873  
open IHG hotel rooms (4,697 hotels)  
in nearly 100 countries and territories 
around the world.

Openings in 2013 v 2012

2013

2012

35,467 rooms (237 hotels) in 
33 countries and territories

33,922 rooms (226 hotels) in
26 countries and territories

Removals in 2013 v 2012

2013

2012

24,576 rooms (144 hotels)

16,288 rooms (104 hotels)

As part of our ongoing commitment to 
maintaining only high-quality hotels in  
our brands, we removed 24,576 rooms  
(144 hotels) during the year, an increase 
from 2012, actively strengthening the 
quality of our estate across our brand 
portfolio, particularly Holiday Inn. 

Information on our preferred brands is set out on 
pages 17 and 20.

IHG pipeline

As at 31 December 2013, we had  
180,461 rooms (1,120 hotels) in the 
development pipeline (hotels in planning 
and under construction but not yet opened;  
a contract for these has been signed  
and the appropriate fees paid); the largest 
pipeline in the industry. 

Signed into our pipeline in 2013 v 2012

2013

2012

65,461 rooms (444 hotels) in 
38 countries and territories
53,812 rooms (356 hotels) in
33 countries and territories 

Net rooms supply is a KPI – see page 38. 

Strategic Report  13

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
IHG at a glance*

Where we operate
We operate in nearly 100 countries 
and territories globally.

Details of our Targeted Portfolio are set out on pages 28 and 29.

Our business model
3,977

Franchised hotels

711

Managed hotels

9

Owned and leased hotels

Our business model is detailed on page 16.

Our strategy for  
high-quality growth

We focus on delivering high-quality growth, which for  
us means delivering consistent, sustained growth in  
cash flows and profits over the longer term. We do this  
by staying focused on our Targeted Portfolio and building 
preferred brands, driven by a deep understanding of 
guests’ needs. IHG’s Winning Model, combined with a 
Targeted Portfolio underpinned by Disciplined Execution, 
will drive superior returns for IHG’s shareholders.

Details on our performance globally and in each of our regions 
is set out on pages 40 to 50.

*All facts and figures as at 31 December 2013.

† Includes three liquidated damages receipts in 2013;  
$31m in The Americas, $9m in Europe and $6m in AMEA.

◊ Includes one significant liquidated damages receipt in 2012; 
$3m in The Americas.

The Americas
Revenue

2013

2012

$916m†

$837m◊

Operating profit before 
exceptional items

2013

2012

$550m†

$486m◊

Our brand  
portfolio

Hotels

Rooms

178

60,103

391

108,891

55

6,199

1,168

2,258

212,058

214,597

38

8,818

10

3,701

196

21,518

312

29,778

–

–

–

–

Total

4,697∞

686,873∞

Rooms (hotels) in the pipeline

16,860 (51)

28,369 (94)

6,807 (51)

46,958 (249)

54,744 (473)

3,163 (14)

120 (1)

8,728 (80)

6,914 (80)

880 (5)

6,804 (21)

180,461 (1,120)

14 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Europe
Revenue

2013

2012

$400m†

$436m

Operating profit before 
exceptional items

2013

2012

$105m†

$112m

Asia, Middle East 
& Africa (AMEA)
Revenue

2013

2012

$230m†

$218m

Operating profit before 
exceptional items

2013

2012

$86m†

$88m

Greater China
Revenue

2013

2012

$236m

$230m

Operating profit before 
exceptional items

2013

2012

$82m

$81m

Group

$1,903m†

Total revenue

$668m†

Total operating profit before 
exceptional items

70.0¢ (43.2p)

2013 Full-year dividend

35,467

New rooms opened globally in 2013

65,461

New rooms signed into pipeline in 2013

Our brand  

portfolio

Hotels

Rooms

178

60,103

391

108,891

55

6,199

1,168

2,258

212,058

214,597

38

8,818

10

3,701

196

21,518

312

29,778

–

–

–

–

Total

4,697∞

686,873∞

Rooms (hotels) in the pipeline

16,860 (51)

28,369 (94)

6,807 (51)

46,958 (249)

54,744 (473)

3,163 (14)

120 (1)

8,728 (80)

6,914 (80)

880 (5)

6,804 (21)

180,461 (1,120)

∞ Includes 21,210 rooms (91 hotels) which are unbranded.

Strategic Report  15

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONOur business model

Our business model

As at 31 December 2013:

Franchised
We operate 3,977 hotels under franchise 
agreements (84.67%)

Managed
We manage 711 hotels (15.14%)

Owned and leased
We own and lease 9 hotels (less than 1%)

*IHG often employs the General Manager only.

Brand 
ownership

Marketing and 
distribution

Employees

Hotel 
ownership

IHG capital
intensity

IHG  
income

IHG

IHG

IHG

IHG

Third-party

Third-party

Low

IHG

IHG

IHG & 
Third-party*

Third-party

Low

IHG

IHG

High

Fee % of 
rooms 
revenue

Fee % of total 
revenue plus 
% of profit

All revenues 
and profits

Managed and franchised model 

Capital expenditure

Our business model is focused on franchising and managing 
hotels, rather than owning them, enabling us to grow at an 
accelerated pace with limited capital investment. Currently,  
88 per cent of our Group operating profit (before regional and 
central overheads and exceptional items) is derived from 
franchised and managed operations. This business model  
allows us to focus on building preferred brands based on guests’ 
needs, and on strong delivery systems, such as our branded  
hotel websites and call centres. Our model allows us to create 
greater returns for owners whilst leaving asset management  
and real estate to our local third-party owners with the  
necessary expertise. 

We adapt this business model by market as necessary, for example, 
in some markets we have in place managed leases to allow our 
business to grow. Managed leases are properties structured for 
legal reasons as operating leases but with the same characteristics 
as management contracts. In other markets we choose 
partnerships and joint ventures where appropriate. 

A key characteristic of the franchised and managed business 
model is that it is highly cash generative, with a high return on 
capital employed. The asset-light approach means IHG benefits 
from the reduced volatility of fee-based income streams, 
as compared with the ownership of assets, resulting in a  
high-quality income stream. It enables us to focus on growing  
our fee revenues (Group revenue excluding owned and leased 
hotels, managed leases and significant liquidated damages)  
and fee margins (operating profit as a percentage of revenue, 
excluding revenue and operating profit from owned and leased 
hotels, managed leases and significant liquidated damages).

Dependent upon the market maturity, owner preference and,  
in certain cases, on the particular brand, hotels can be franchised 
or managed. For example, in the US, a mature market, IHG operates 
a largely franchised business, working together with our owners to 
deliver preferred brands. In contrast, in Greater China, IHG operates 
a predominantly managed business where IHG is responsible for 
operating the hotel on behalf of its owners.

Fee revenues and Fee margins are KPIs – see pages 38 and 39.

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.

We have committed up to $150 million to assist with the launch  
of our EVEN Hotels brand to demonstrate the success and 
economics of the brand. In 2013, IHG acquired three existing  
hotels which are being converted to EVEN Hotels, the first of  
which are due to open in 2014. In the future, we would look to 
recycle this capital, just as we previously did for both the 
Staybridge Suites and Hotel Indigo brands. 

Asset disposals

As part of our asset-light approach, in May 2013, we disposed of 
our leasehold interest in InterContinental London Park Lane for 
gross cash proceeds of £301.5 million ($469 million). IHG secured  
a 30-year management contract on the hotel, with three 10-year 
extension options at IHG’s discretion, giving an expected contract 
length of 60 years. 

In December 2013, we announced our agreement to dispose of 
80 per cent of our interest in the InterContinental New York  
Barclay for $240 million and retain the remaining 20 per cent  
in a joint venture with a total circa $175 million refurbishment.  
Under the agreement, IHG will secure a 30-year management 
contract on the hotel, with two 10-year extension options at  
IHG’s discretion, giving an expected contract length of 50 years.

In February 2014, the Group signed an agreement to sell the 
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco for $120 million in 
cash and enter into a long-term management contract on the hotel.

Our breakdown by managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels for 
each region is set out on pages 40 to 50.

The System Fund
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 System Fund.  
The System Fund also receives proceeds from the sale of  
IHG Rewards Club points (see page 50 for further information). 

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. Total income for the System Fund in 2013 was $1.35 billion 
(2012: $1.25 billion) and these funds are used to pay for marketing, 
the IHG Rewards Club loyalty programme and the global 
reservation system. The System Fund is planned to operate at 
break even and does not result in a profit or loss for IHG.

16 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

 
Our preferred brands

Our portfolio of complementary and 
differentiated brands consistently 
deliver on guests’ needs.

Information on how we deliver our preferred 
brands is set out on page 20.

1,168 hotels open

249 hotels  
in the pipeline

Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts

Offers the perfect mix of business and pleasure 
for today’s comfort-seeking traveller by 
providing an inviting, familiar atmosphere 
where guests can relax and enjoy themselves. 

InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts

Holiday Inn Resort®

178 hotels open

51 hotels 
in the pipeline

Our international luxury brand is located in  
most of the world’s key cities and many resort 
destinations across more than 60 countries 
worldwide. The brand’s ethos is to provide 
insightful, meaningful experiences that enhance 
our guests’ feeling that they are in a global club.

38 hotels open 

14 hotels  
in the pipeline

Offers leisure guests fun and relaxation in some 
of the world’s best holiday destinations, with the 
peace of mind of a trusted brand name.

21 hotels  
in the pipeline

HUALUXE® Hotels and Resorts

Holiday Inn Club Vacations®

Launched in March 2012 as the first luxury 
international hotel brand where every element 
has been designed specifically to suit the tastes 
and sensibilities of the Chinese guest. It focuses 
on the unique aspects of Chinese etiquette, the 
importance of rejuvenation, status recognition, 
local customs and heritage. 

10 properties open

1 property  
in the pipeline

Formed as IHG’s timeshare brand as part of  
a strategic alliance with the family of Orange 
Lake Resorts under an exclusive licensing  
and marketing agreement. The portfolio is a 
collection of resorts in the US, offering spacious 
villa accommodation for families in great 
vacation destinations.

Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts

Holiday Inn Express®

391 hotels open

94 hotels  
in the pipeline

The brand supports career-focused travellers, 
putting them in control of their travel experience 
so they can be on top of their work and at the 
top of their game. 

2,258 hotels open 

473 hotels  
in the pipeline 

Aimed at smart business or leisure travellers 
who appreciate value without compromising  
on efficiency and style. 

Hotel Indigo®

Staybridge Suites®

55 hotels open 

51 hotels  
in the pipeline

IHG’s boutique brand, artfully combines the 
modern design and intimate service associated 
with a boutique hotel with the peace of mind and 
ease of staying with one of the world’s largest 
branded hotel companies. Each Hotel Indigo 
hotel reflects the local culture, character and 
history of the surrounding area. 

196 hotels open

80 hotels  
in the pipeline

IHG’s extended-stay brand for business and 
leisure travellers who are spending an extended 
time away from home and prefer a warm, 
home-like and community environment. 

EVEN™ Hotels & Resorts

Candlewood Suites®

5 hotels  
in the pipeline

Launched in February 2012, the brand was 
created to meet the large and growing demand 
for a hotel brand to help wellness-minded 
travellers maintain their balance on the road. 

312 hotels open

80 hotels  
in the pipeline

IHG’s extended-stay brand in North America 
aimed at providing guests with a relaxed, casual 
and home-like environment at a great value. 

Strategic Report  17

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONOur strategy for high-quality growth

We focus on delivering high-quality growth,  
which for us means delivering consistent, sustained 
growth in cash flows and profits over the longer 
term. We do this by staying focused on our Targeted 
Portfolio and building preferred brands, driven  
by a deep understanding of guests’ needs.

IHG’s Winning Model, combined with a Targeted 
Portfolio underpinned by Disciplined Execution,  
will drive superior returns for IHG’s shareholders.

Value creation:

Winning Model

Preferred brands 
delivered through 
our people 

Superior owner 
proposition

5

1

4

 Effective 
channel 
management 

3

2

Build and 
leverage 
scale 

Strong brand 
portfolio & loyalty 
programme 

Disciplined Execution

Scale and 
efficiency of 
operations

 Investment in 
developing great 
talent and technology 
platforms 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

 Preferred brands delivered through our people 
Our portfolio of nine complementary, differentiated 
preferred brands are brought to life by our people 
who deliver on each of our brand promises.  
See pages 17 and 20 to 23.

 Build and leverage scale 
For each of our brands, we aim to deliver high-quality 
growth with scale positions in the most attractive 
geographic markets. In key cities in our priority markets, 
we aim to build scale through our market share in that 
location. See page 24.

 Strong brand portfolio & loyalty programme 
By building a strong brand portfolio and loyalty 
programme, IHG is able to offer an unparalleled choice  
for guests and owners. See page 24.

 Effective channel management 
We focus on delivering against a guest’s needs across the 
entirety of their journey. We manage all our booking 
channels to provide a compelling experience that allows 
a guest to make the choice of the most appropriate 
booking channel for their needs. See page 25.

 Superior owner proposition 
IHG is committed to delivering a compelling and 
preferred offer to our owners through a combination of 
strong owner relationship management, particularly 
through the IHG Owners Association, and effective 
operational support through our tools and services. 
See pages 26 and 27.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
We measure our performance through a holistic  
set of selected KPIs which monitor our success in 
achieving our strategy and measure the progress 
of the Group to deliver high-quality growth.  
See pages 38 and 39.

Management of our principal risks
See pages 36 and 37 for how IHG manages its  
principal risks and uncertainties.

18 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

 Superior 
shareholder returns

Targeted Portfolio

Attractive markets

Highest opportunity segments

Managed and franchised model

 Commitment  
to responsible 
business practices

Our purpose is to 
create Great Hotels 
Guests Love®

Attractive markets 
Our growth strategy is focused on markets which are the 
largest and/or fastest growing, markets in which IHG has 
strong existing brand presence or an opportunity to build a 
brand presence, and markets that are aligned to our business 
model. See page 28.

Highest opportunity segments 
We target our portfolio in the largest consumer segments 
with greatest growth opportunity and in those parts of the 
market where our scale and revenue delivery systems confer 
greatest benefits. See page 29.

Managed and franchised model 
We focus our business model on franchising and managing 
hotels, thereby enabling us to concentrate on building strong, 
preferred brands based on relevant guest needs.  
See page 16.

Scale and efficiency of operations
We leverage our global and regional scale to maximise the 
efficiency of our operations, driving process improvements, 
tightly managing our costs proportionate to our revenues and 
evolving our corporate infrastructure and corporate support 
functions. See page 30.

Investment in developing great talent and technology platforms 
We support the delivery of the Winning Model by investing in 
the development of talent and technology platforms that 
provide the foundation for future growth. See page 30.

Commitment to responsible business practices 
Responsible business is part of IHG’s DNA and at the heart of 
everything we do. We believe that doing the right thing in the 
right way enables us to make a positive contribution to the 
communities where we operate and gives us competitive 
advantage by enhancing and protecting the reputation of our 
brands and empowering our people. See pages 31 to 33.

Strategic Report  19

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONIHG’s 2014 Trends Report

IHG’s 2014 Trends Report, ‘Creating Moments of Trust’ –  
the key to building successful brand relationships in the 
Kinship Economy’, highlights the need for hotel brands to be 
‘3D’ (3 dimensional), managing their global, local and personal 
assets simultaneously, in order to win future guests. 

This primary research is based on a study of 7,000 international 
travellers worldwide and uncovers critical success criteria for 
global brands delivering localised and personalised guest 
experiences, enabled by technology.

www.ihgplc.com/trends_report

Global
Coherence

TRUST

Local
Relevance

Personal
Differences

Winning Model

IHG’s Winning Model is our framework for delivering 
superior value creation through our brands, our 
people and our systems. 

5

1

4

2

3

Preferred brands delivered through  
our people 

Our portfolio of nine preferred brands (set out on page 17) are brought 
to life by our people who deliver on each of our brand promises. 

Preferred brands

Our portfolio of brands comprises complementary, differentiated 
brands that clearly and consistently deliver on guests’ needs.

Building a portfolio of preferred brands that resonate with our  
guests, and therefore our owners, is crucial. The value is seen 
through our guests wanting to stay with us and pay more to do  
so thereby driving RevPAR and delivering better returns on 
investment for our owners.

For IHG, a hotel brand is a promise of a consistent, relevant and 
differentiated hospitality experience:

•	  our guests focus on this from a location, product and service 

perspective, all for the right value; and 

•	  our owners focus on this in terms of revenue delivery, relevant 
and purposeful brand standards and the broader support they 
receive from being part of a global brand.

Our research into guest needs and the guest occasions (described 
on page 29) and our consumer insight research helps us gain a 
deeper understanding of what travellers around the world want 
from their relationships with hotel brands (as set out on the right), 
and together assist us in defining our brands. 

We use our guest satisfaction measurement tool, Guest HeartBeat,  
to measure brand preference and guest satisfaction. We are 
always looking to find ways to improve Guest HeartBeat scores  
and meet guest expectations. 

RevPAR and Guest HeartBeat are KPIs – see pages 38 and 39 – and are 
performance measures for our incentive plans – see pages 74 to 97. 

The principal risks associated with Preferred brands, Owner proposition 
and Reputation and brand protection are set out on pages 36 and 37.

20 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

TARGETED PORTFOLIO   DISCIPLINED EXECUTIONWINNING MODELWinning Ways:

Do the 
right thing

Aim higher

Work better 
together

Joyce Zhuang
International Mobility Manager, IHG

Show we care

Celebrate difference

Our people

In order to deliver our preferred brands, IHG recognises the 
importance of the people who work across its hotels to deliver 
differentiated brand experiences and the brand promise for our guests. 

Our people strategy
Our expanding business requires us to continually look for additional 
colleagues to work in IHG hotels and deliver our preferred brands.  
To meet the challenges that are associated with recruitment,  
our people strategy is designed around attracting, retaining and 
developing the very best talent in the industry to service the needs  
of our guests, to engage and energise the talented and passionate 
people who work in our hotels and corporate offices, and to bring our 
brands to life every single day, creating Great Hotels Guests Love. 

The four pillars of our people strategy are: 

1. Developing a BrandHearted culture
Each of our brands offers a distinct promise to our guests and 
being BrandHearted means putting our brands at the heart of 
everything we do. 

2. Making IHG a great place to work
We are dedicated to building a strong employer brand in order to 
attract the best possible talent to meet our strategic objectives: 

•	 we ask our people to live our Winning Ways (set out above),  

a set of behaviours that define how we interact with our guests 
and colleagues; and 

•	 we offer our people our Room to be yourself commitment, 

which is brought to life by four promises.

Room to be yourself:
•	 Room to have a great start: This assists us in recruiting the right 
people for each brand and role. We offer new recruits a structured 
orientation programme to provide them with an understanding of 
IHG’s strategy and values.

•	 Room to be involved: We use various channels, including 

conferences, team meetings and our intranet site (refreshed in 
2013), to communicate with employees on matters relating  
to the Group’s business and performance and share information 
on people, policies and news across IHG. We also provide our 
employees opportunities to give regular feedback to ensure  
IHG meets expectations and delivers on its commitments. 
Twice a year, we ask our employees and those working in our 
managed hotels (excluding our joint venture hotels) to 
participate in an Employee Engagement survey. 

•	 Room to grow: We promise our people all the support, 

experience and training they need to perform at their best  
and provide various development opportunities. 

•	 Room for you: We understand it is important to recognise 

achievements and communicate these throughout our business.

Our Employee Engagement survey score is a KPI – see page 38 – and a 
performance measure for our annual incentive plan – see pages 74 to 97.

Our people

Given our franchised and managed business model, IHG does  
not employ all those who work in IHG hotels. 

Who are our employees?
We employ all those working at our corporate offices and at our 
owned and leased hotels (including managed lease hotels) and the 
costs of these are borne by IHG. We typically employ the General 
Manager and in some cases, other hotel workers at  
our managed hotels, but the costs of these employees are not 
borne by IHG. We do not employ any persons working at our 
franchised hotels. 

IHG employed 8,179 people worldwide during the year ended 
31 December 2013, whose costs were borne by the Group. Of these, 
94 per cent were employed on a full-time basis and 6 per cent 
were employed on a part-time basis. 

The geographic distribution of the average number of these 
employees over the last three years is shown in the table to the right.

Americas 
Europe
AMEA
Greater China
Central
Total

2013

2012

2011

2,548
1,602
1,545
1,083
1,401
8,179

2,552
1,866
1,195
1,051
1,317
7,981

2,895
1,574
1,195
1,000
1,292
7,956

In addition, as at 31 December 2013, the Group’s employees included 
4,615 (2012: 4,431, 2011: 3,885) employees who worked directly on  
behalf of the System Fund and whose costs are borne by the System 
Fund (explained on page 16). In line with IHG’s business model, IHG also 
employs 578 (2012: 587, 2011: 577) General Managers who work in our 
managed hotels and whose costs of $135m (2012: $132m, 2011: $125m) 
are borne by those hotels, and, in the US predominantly, there are 
12,588 (2012: 12,494, 2011: 14,596) other hotel workers in our managed 
hotels who have contracts or letters of service with IHG whose costs  
of $376m (2012: $430m, 2011: $448m) are borne by those hotels.

When the Group’s entire estate is taken into account (including those 
working in our franchised and managed hotels) over 350,000 people 
worked globally across all IHG’s brands as at 31 December 2013. 

Strategic Report  21

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONInterContinental Ningbo, People’s Republic of China

3. Delivering world-class People Tools to our owners and hotels
To deliver our preferred brands throughout all of our hotels, 
we developed a set of People Tools, industry-leading best practices 
tailored specifically for our brands, to assist hotel management  
and human resources teams hire, train, involve and recognise 
colleagues. They work to help increase employee retention, 
performance, guest satisfaction, drive efficiencies and increase 
revenue for our owners. In 2013, we launched an e-learning 
module for our People Tools, available in three languages.

4. Building a strong leadership and performance culture 
We build strong leadership from the top and our Board and 
Executive Committee leadership and governance processes  
are set out on pages 56 to 76.

The Group performance culture in our corporate offices is aligned 
with our strategic priorities for our senior executives, as shown  
in our incentive plan measures, explained in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 74 to 97.

The principal risks associated with People, talent and culture are set out on 
pages 36 and 37.

2013 initiatives and events
These included:

•	 the launch of a bespoke Facebook page in India, a new IHG 
careers page on Russia’s number one social media site 
and a country–specific careers website in Greater China;

•	 a ‘Winning in IHG’ workshop was held in Singapore, which 
shared best practice learnings from our AMEA region 
to assist other colleagues from other regions;

•	 our annual Celebrate Service week was held to say thank you 
to all those working at our hotels and corporate offices; and

•	 development of our online peer-to-peer recognition tool, 
Bravo!, as an app to download on a mobile phone or tablet.

Case Study – Talent in Greater China
With over 200 open hotels and 170 hotels in the pipeline,  
IHG leads the market in terms of system size and hotel 
signings in Greater China. People are our single biggest  
asset and we have over 50,000 people working across our 
hotels and in the next three years, we will create circa 30,000  
jobs. To assist with this, we leverage our scale in Greater 
China to provide our people with opportunities to grow their 
careers within IHG and offer them a variety of locations,  
roles and different experiences to assist in retaining talent.

As an example, 70 per cent of our General Manager vacancies 
are filled internally and they are developed through our 
training programmes (for example see page 26). We also 
support the career development of the management team in 
hotels providing a structured way to help them map their 
career paths across hotel functions accompanied with 
learning guides. To assist with our recruitment at the entry 
level, at the end of 2013, we had 30 IHG Academy programmes  
with local schools and over 2,300 participants undertook 
placements with IHG. We also started the IHG Management 
Trainee programme and I-Grad Future Leaders programme, 
for new graduates from across our hotels in Greater China.

Leveraging our scale, we will continue to invest heavily in 
developing our people across all levels of the organisation  
and attract new talent across the region.

22 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

TARGETED PORTFOLIO   DISCIPLINED EXECUTIONWINNING MODEL 
Number of persons 
of each gender on our  
Board of Directors

Number of employees of each 
gender who are part of our 
senior leadership population  
at our corporate offices and 
central reservation offices  
and employed by the Group

Number of employees of  
each gender who are senior 
managers employed by the 
Group (including directors  
of subsidiaries)

Number of employees  
of each gender who are 
employed by the Group and 
whose costs are borne by  
the Group

Female
4 (31%)

Female
10 (21%)

Female
25 (21%)

Female
3,649 (45%)

Male
9 (69%)

Male
38 (79%)

Male
92 (79%)

Male
4,530 (55%)

Celebrating diversity and inclusion
As 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. 

In 2013, we introduced a new Global Diversity and Inclusion  
Policy to further our commitment in this area. We also made 
progress in our Talent Review processes, enabling us to increase 
local representation in emerging markets, gender balance in  
our leadership teams and international representation in our 
global functions. 

In 2014, we will continue to focus on these areas by strengthening 
the support available internally and also by working with suppliers 
who comply with our Global Diversity and Inclusion Policy and 
principles set out therein. 

We reviewed the composition of our global management teams and 
have set out the following objectives:

•	 to maintain at least 25 per cent female representation on  

our Board;

•	 to strengthen female representation in our global senior 

leadership population, with a target of reaching 25 per cent in 
three years; and

•	 to sustain a healthy balance of gender in the whole  

employee organisation.

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity to all 
employees without discrimination and providing an inclusive 
environment. Every effort is made to ensure that applications  
for employment from disabled employees are fully and fairly 
considered and that disabled employees have equal opportunities 
in training and promotion.

Our Board’s commitment to supporting diversity is set out on  
page 62.

External recognition 
Our brands and our employer brand have won many awards 
in 2013, including:

•	 the Holiday Inn brand won the Best Mid-Market Hotel 
Brand in the World and Asia Pacific by the readers of 
Business Traveller for the 13th successive year in 2013; 

•	 the Holiday Inn brand was ranked Highest in Guest 

Satisfaction Among Mid-Scale Full Service Hotel Chains  
in the US, for the third year in a row by J.D. Powers and 
Associates (see page 188);

•	 Market Metrix Hospitality Index named Staybridge Suites 

brand as one of the Top 10 Brands in Customer Satisfaction 
globally in quarter 3 and quarter 4; 

•	 Market Metrix Hospitality Index named Candlewood Suites 

brand as Best Midscale Hotel Brand in the Americas 
region for three consecutive quarters (quarters 2, 3 and 4);

•	  InterContinental Hotels & Resorts was awarded a total of 
22 accolades at the 2013 World Travel Awards, including 
the World’s Leading Hotel Brand for the seventh time and 
the fifth consecutive year;

•	  InterContinental Hotels & Resorts won Best Business 
Hotel Chain Worldwide at the 2013 Business Traveller 
Awards;

•	  Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund was named Best 
Boutique Hotel at the TTG China Travel Awards 2013;

•	 IHG was ranked third in 2013 The Sunday Times 25 Best  

Big Companies To Work For in the UK;

•	 IHG was listed in TheJobCrowd’s The Top Companies For 

Graduates To Work For in 2013/14;

•	 IHG was named in the 2013 World’s Learning Elite for the 

third consecutive year; and

•	 IHG was named in the China Best Employer Awards.

Strategic Report  23

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION5

1

4

2

3

5

1

4

2

3

Build and leverage scale

For each of our brands, we aim to deliver high-quality growth 
through building scale positions in the most attractive geographic 
markets. In key cities, we build scale through increasing our 
market share of rooms in that location. As our brands focus on  
a range of occasion segments meeting guest needs in different 
ways (see page 29), we use our consumer research to target the 
right brands for each location. 

Increased scale enables us to drive more revenue and create cost 
synergies for both IHG and our owners. More hotels in an area 
encourages guests to use our direct reservation channels to search 
and book our hotels and provides corporate customers with good 
coverage of key locations. We can also centralise and co-ordinate 
operational support, national or city-level marketing campaigns 
and deliver efficient procurement practices, including negotiating 
reduced commission rates with online travel agencies. 

Net rooms supply, Total gross revenue, Fee revenues, RevPAR, System 
contribution to revenue and Fee margins are KPIs – see pages 38 and 39. 

The principal risks associated with Owner proposition are set out on 
page 37.

Case study – IHG Voice 
IHG Voice is a premium pay-for-performance solution available  
to all of our hotels for managing local telephone reservations. 
The solution transfers reservation enquires made to a specific 
hotel to experienced sales operatives with expert local and 
regional knowledge, located in a number of core locations in 
each region.

The specially trained sales agents use the proven reservation 
booking methods of our award-winning central reservations 
offices, ensuring that guests are able to make the right booking  
for their needs and for any given occasion. It also maximises 
cross-sell opportunities. If a particular hotel is unable to meet a 
guest’s needs then the guest is provided with alternate suitable  
IHG hotel suggestions. The service therefore maximises guest 
bookings to the IHG System, delivering incremental revenue  
to the hotel with improved average daily rate and RevPAR, 
whilst providing a superior booking experience for the guest.

The IHG Voice reservations solution means that hotels can 
concentrate on focusing their attention on providing a great 
guest service and experience for those staying at their hotel.  
By driving operational efficiencies and using technology in  
this way, the service also allows IHG to drive a low cost of sale 
without compromising the quality of the channel.

24 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Strong brand portfolio  
& loyalty programme

By building a strong brand portfolio and loyalty programme,  
IHG is able to offer an unparalleled choice for guests and owners. 
Our nine complementary brands are connected through a leading 
loyalty programme. IHG’s loyalty programme was relaunched on  
1 July 2013 with a new name: IHG Rewards Club (previously Priority 
Club Rewards), reflecting the history of innovation, reliability and 
integrity that is at the heart of IHG. The name, IHG Rewards Club, 
clearly identifies all our brands together under the IHG family and 
has driven a 10 percentage point increase in the awareness of IHG 
as a brand family.

Through our strong brands and loyalty programme we are able to:

•	 cross-sell each of our brands, recognising that guests stay 

across our brand portfolio, depending on their needs and the 
occasion (see page 29);

•	 strengthen our owner proposition by increasing the number and 
winning the loyalty of our guests, thereby driving higher RevPAR 
premiums and increasing total gross revenue (see page 26); and

•	 encourage more direct bookings, increasing revenue for IHG’s 

owners (see page 25).

In 2013, IHG Rewards Club delivered around 38.2 per cent of total 
rooms revenue to our hotels; part of our system contribution to 
revenue (explained on page 25).

The principal risks associated with Preferred brands and Reputation 
and brand protection are set out on pages 36 and 37.

IHG® Rewards Club is the world’s first and largest hotel loyalty 
programme, with 77.4 million members globally. It offers 
industry-leading benefits and increased opportunity for points 
redemption across our portfolio. As part of the relaunch,  
IHG Rewards Club offered enhanced benefits for members 
including free internet access across all hotels globally.

IHG Rewards Club has been named Best Hotel Rewards 
Program in the World for eight years running by Global Traveler 
magazine and Program of the Year by the Freddie Awards for 
the Middle East and Asia/Oceania for 2013

TARGETED PORTFOLIO   DISCIPLINED EXECUTIONWINNING MODEL5

1

4

2

3

Effective channel management

Our channel management strategy aims to deliver the highest quality 
revenues to IHG hotels at the lowest possible cost, recognising that 
the guest experience changes along the entirety of their travel 
journey. Guests use multiple devices and new technology to 
personalise their travel experience – from choosing where they want 
to go, to what they want to do and, of course, where they want to stay. 
Our focus is therefore to deliver against a guest’s needs across the 
entirety of this journey, which we break down into five distinct steps: 
Dream, Plan, Book, Travel, and Share.

We use our systems and technology to drive demand for our hotels, 
manage revenue per booking and encourage guest loyalty, thereby 
delivering the highest quality revenues to IHG hotels at the lowest 
possible cost and maximising owner returns. However, we recognise 
that guest trends, technology and the competitive environment  
are continually evolving. It is therefore important that we keep 
abreast of new technologies and systems to keep pace with these  
to continue to deliver a consistent, locally relevant and differentiated 
guest experience.

In 2013, IHG’s direct and indirect systems and channels delivered 
69 per cent of total rooms revenue to our hotels (system 
contribution to revenue).

Our booking systems and channels
Our multi-lingual web and mobile sites, call centres and global 
sales force allow guests to use the channel most appropriate for 
their needs, to plan and book our hotels. We also recognise that 
social media has an important role to play as part of the booking 
process as a method of advocacy and influence. As a result, we 
have changed the way we communicate with our guests, using 
social marketing innovations to make connections between hotels 
and guests and, through our Guests Rating and Review tool, 
providing our guests a forum to share their thoughts.

Web and mobile
Web-based bookings now account for over $3.5 billion of IHG’s  
total rooms revenue to our hotels. As hotels and other booking 
competitors continue to invest in the online experience, we expect 
direct web sales to continue growing at the expense of traditional 
reservation services.

Mobile technology is also a growing booking and guest channel.  
We were the first major hotel chain to offer branded mobile apps 
across all our brands. Mobile visits accounted for over 30 per cent 
of our website visits, while over 50 per cent of our emails are 
opened via a mobile device. We continue to innovate in this area  
in line with advancing technology. 

Reservations centres
We operate 12 central reservations offices globally, with 13 
different language capabilities to help potential guests and IHG 
Rewards Club members with queries they may have in their travel 
planning and to make bookings. In 2013, our global call centres 
answered more than 21 million calls, and accounted for almost  
$2 billion total rooms revenue to our hotels.

Travel agents
IHG works with a number of third-party distribution partners  
to support revenue delivery to our hotels, including online travel 
agencies (OTAs). OTAs represent a role within IHG’s distribution 
strategy, most specifically around infrequent, comparison-shopping 
leisure travellers. Therefore, IHG, on behalf of its owners,  
has leveraged its global footprint to secure deals with the lowest 
aggregate cost of sale for our owners, increasing their revenue.

Sales force
Our global sales teams are dedicated to securing profitable deals 
with corporate clients and travel agents and leveraging our 
technology platform to connect hotels to global distributions 
systems, in ways that independent hotels and small chains cannot 
do cost-effectively. In 2013, they helped our circa 2,130 corporate 
accounts understand and plan for their future corporate travel.

Total gross revenue, System contribution to revenue and RevPAR are 
KPIs – see pages 38 and 39. 

The principal risks associated with Channel management and 
technology platforms are set out on page 36.

IHG Rewards Club
We leverage our relaunched loyalty programme,  
IHG Rewards Club, (further explained on page 24) with  
77.4 million members around the world, to encourage  
more direct bookings. In 2013, this delivered around  
38.2 per cent of total rooms revenue to our hotels.

Strategic Report  25

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION2013 IHG Americas 
Investors & Leadership 
Conference, Las Vegas, 
Nevada, US

5

1

4

2

3

Superior owner proposition

IHG is committed to delivering a compelling and preferred offer to our 
hotel owners through a combination of strong owner relationship 
management and effective operational support. 

We recognise the importance of owners in a managed and 
franchised business model and we therefore focus on building 
excellent relationships with our owners, through the IHG  
Owners Association. 

We compete with other hotel brands when an owner chooses a 
brand for their hotel and we have therefore developed a strong 
owner proposition and a range of tools and services to drive 
revenues and make us the first choice for owners.

IHG continues to focus on delivering value to owners by pricing  
our fees in a way that reflects the services, tools and brand value that 
we deliver and we therefore drive a competitive branded fee structure 
to support owners in achieving premium returns. As explained on 
page 16, a franchised and managed business model requires us to 
focus on fee revenues and fee margins (both KPIs).

Guests, employees and owners are increasingly looking for 
confirmation that the business they interact with share their  
values and act responsibly. We are therefore committed to 
responsible business practices, and our corporate responsibility 
programmes are integrated with our business and our owner 
proposition. As set out on page 27, this is also a key priority area 
for the IHG Owners Association and are therefore KPIs for IHG. 

Our owner offer

For our KPIs see pages 38 and 39. 

Our owners are provided with a range of tools and services to 
assist them in all areas of their operations, for example, providing 
them with access to our revenue systems which work to drive 
higher revenue streams to hotels, and our booking and reservation 
channels, to increase guest bookings (thereby increasing system 
contribution to revenue and total gross revenue, explained on page 
25). This is one part of our broader online Hotel Solutions site 
enabling owners to search for, identify and get assistance with a 
large range of hotel-based issues, such as human resources and 
reservations. This network of knowledge is accessible by all IHG 
hotels worldwide and ensures that IHG continues to deliver 
solutions for our owners’ needs.

We also manage brand consistency risk for our owners by focusing 
on driving brand standards – an important set of guidelines for 
each brand that support the delivery of a consistent branded hotel 
and guest experience and thereby assist in increasing guest 
satisfaction (measured through Guest HeartBeat) and driving 
brand preference and growth in RevPAR (both KPIs).

At our 2013 annual Owners Conference in Las Vegas, we had over 
5,500 owners and General Managers attending and we took the 
opportunity to inform these key stakeholders about our future 
strategy and receive their feedback.

The principal risks associated with Owner proposition are set out on 
pages 36 and 37. 

IHG Owners Association

The IHG Owners Association represents the interests of nearly  
2,000 of our owners who together own 3,000 IHG hotels globally.  
We work together to improve total revenue for our hotels and 
RevPAR, further strengthen IHG’s brands and enhance the  
guest experience. 

As set out in the Chairman of the IHG Owners Association’s message 
on page 27, we have worked together with the IHG Owners Association 
in 2013 to make further progress on our agreed priorities. 

Progress against IHG Owners Association Priority 4: 
To develop the strongest General Manager talent  
in the industry 
We have invested heavily in our approach to hiring,  
training and developing General Managers. To assist  
with this, we launched: 

•	 General Manager Programme: This helps new General 
Managers become great brand ambassadors, deliver 
preferred brands, inspire their teams and achieve  
great results. The programme offers branded selection 
tools to assist owners and recruiters hire the right  
General Managers for the right brand and hotel and 
thereafter provides a General Manager with a tailored 
learning experience.

•	 Journey to Brand Manager – General Manager 

Professional Development Programme: This helps 
experienced General Managers to focus on how a General 
Manager can consistently deliver the brand experience to 
drive results and maximise the profitability of our hotels. 

26 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

TARGETED PORTFOLIO   DISCIPLINED EXECUTIONWINNING MODELIHG Owners Association  
Chairman’s message

Finally, and my personal focus, was the refresh of the  
approach to brand standards. Strong standards, consistently 
applied, deliver the brand promise and we have worked with  
IHG to simplify and clarify the brand standards. IHG started with 
the Holiday Inn Express brand, and took each and every standard 
through a rigorous review. At the end, more than 40,000 words 
were removed from the Holiday Inn Express Standards’ manual 
for The Americas region and an industry-leading online resource 
has been created, enabling owners and General Managers to 
quickly find and implement the standards. IHG will adopt a similar 
approach for all the other brands.

Looking ahead, the IHG Owners Association will continue its 
mission to help each owner find success with IHG hotel brands.  
We will continue to focus on increasing profitable revenue, 
decreasing operating expenses, and maximising our  
relationship with IHG.

Buggsi Patel 
2014 Chairman
IHG Owners Association 

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

The IHG Owners Association works together with IHG to create 
long-term value for owners.

Last year in the Annual Report 2012, the 2013 IHG Owners 
Association Chairman, Mike Hembree, noted that the IHG 
Owners Association was changing its ways of working with  
IHG to better focus on how we work together. In autumn 2012,  
the following five key priorities around which we would strive  
to organise our work were agreed between IHG’s Executive 
Committee (see page 65) and the IHG Owners Association:

1.  deliver the strongest brand portfolio in the industry;

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

 deliver the strongest set of tools in the industry;

 develop the strongest approach to standards in the industry;

 develop the strongest General Manager talent in the 
industry; and

 maintain the strongest reputation for doing business the  
right way. 

As the 2014 IHG Owners Association Chairman, I am proud to 
note that our new ways of working have reaped solid results.

Together, we launched a new professional development 
programme for existing and new Holiday Inn brand family  
General Managers. Our officers and volunteer leaders played  
an instrumental part in developing the programme, giving an 
owner perspective on what a General Manager needs to become a 
successful Brand Manager. This new programme is now rolling out 
through all IHG brands, and I am confident that they will all see the 
same success that we have seen in the Holiday Inn brand family. 

We have worked with IHG to drive brand preference and have 
encouraged owners to use IHG’s guest satisfaction measurement 
tool, Guest HeartBeat, as a measure of how well we are 
delivering against guests’ expectations. Hotels with higher  
Guest HeartBeat scores for overall experience tend to see  
higher RevPAR and we are therefore continuing to find ways  
to improve Guest HeartBeat scores and meet guest expectations.

Strategic Report  27

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONTargeted Portfolio

We are focused on a Targeted Portfolio operating:

•	 in the most attractive markets for IHG;

•	 in the highest opportunity segments based on 

guests’ occasion needs; and

•	 an asset-light business model, which means we 
focus on franchising and managing hotels rather 
than owning them.

Hotel Indigo Tianjin Haihe, People’s Republic of China

Attractive markets

Our growth strategy is focused on the largest and/or fastest 
growing markets in which IHG has strong existing brand  
presence or an opportunity to build a brand presence,  
where our scale and revenue delivery systems confer the  
greatest benefits and markets which are aligned to our  
asset-light business model. In these markets, we seek to 
take market share through our portfolio of brands, in the  
right locations, according to guest demand. 

US

According to Smith Travel Research, the US is the largest  
market for branded hotels, with 3.4 million rooms, accounting for 
70 per cent of all US rooms available. The segment in the US with  
the greatest share is midscale, with 1.34 million branded hotel  
rooms, and IHG’s Holiday Inn brand family (comprising Holiday Inn 
Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Holiday Inn Resort 
and Holiday Inn Express) is the largest in this segment. As at  
31 December 2013, we had a total of 391,580 rooms (3,244 hotels) 
open and 63,860 rooms (604 hotels) in the pipeline across the 
region. Of the open ones, the Holiday Inn brand family comprised 
271,936 rooms (2,483 hotels). 

Greater China

In Greater China, IHG continues to build on a position of  
strength. Having entered the market early (2014 will mark  
our 30th anniversary in the region), we continue to develop our 
relationships with key local owners and grow our presence rapidly. 
In a country with 790,670 branded hotel rooms (Smith Travel 
Research), IHG has over 68,545 rooms (208 hotels) open and  
54,590 rooms (174 hotels) in our development pipeline.  
Our pipeline reflects our strategy to deepen our penetration in  
key cities such as Beijing and Guangzhou, ensuring we have  
more hotels in key resort locations such as Sanya, and targeting 
tier 2 and tier 3 cities with a growing middle-class demographic. 

India

During 2013, we continued to increase our presence in India 
particularly through Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express,  
opening a total of 818 rooms (5 hotels) and signing 1,404 rooms  
(9 hotels) into our pipeline. Accordingly, as at 31 December 2013, 
we had a total of 3,152 open rooms (18 hotels) and 9,088 rooms  
(45 hotels) in the pipeline. 

28 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States

These countries present opportunities for new construction  
and conversions as well as strong demand for branded hotels,  
and in 2013, we signed 1,737 rooms (10 hotels) into our development 
pipeline. As at 31 December 2013, the total number of open rooms 
was 5,283 (19 hotels) with 3,883 rooms (17 hotels) in the pipeline.

Our priority markets

In November 2013, we stated our 10 priority markets, which include 
a number of key emerging markets and more developed markets 
– US, Middle East, Germany, UK, Canada, Greater China, India, 
Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Mexico and 
Indonesia. Information on our priority markets can be found at  
www.ihgplc.com/investors.

Outside our priority markets

Outside our priority markets, we focus on building presence in key 
gateway cities and resorts where our brands can generate revenue 
premiums from high business and leisure demand. For example,  
in 2013, we opened an InterContinental hotel in Osaka, our first 
InterContinental to open in Japan for over 15 years, and an 
InterContinental in Lagos, Nigeria. We also announced a 15-hotel 
multiple development agreement in Australia for the Holiday Inn 
Express brand. 

Our performance across the Group and in each of our regions is set out 
on pages 40 to 50.

Future developments

As the industry continues to grow, IHG faces increased competition 
from other global branded hotel companies and other providers  
of accommodation (discussed in the Industry overview section  
on pages 10 and 11). We recognise this and have developed our 
Winning Model, which underpinned by Disciplined Execution, 
enables us to continue to deliver high-quality growth. 

For details on our Winning Model see pages 18 and 20 to 27 and 
Disciplined Execution see pages 18, 19 and 30 to 33.

Our KPIs, including Net rooms supply, are set out on pages 38 and 39.

See pages 36 and 37 for how IHG manages its principal risks.

TARGETED PORTFOLIO   DISCIPLINED EXECUTIONWINNING MODELCrowne Plaza Barcelona – Fira Center, Spain

Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island, People’s Republic of China

Highest opportunity segments 

Typically, the traditional hotel industry segment definitions are 
focused on the price point and the offer (luxury, upscale, midscale 
and economy). However, we recognise that guests choose hotels  
on the basis of a range of needs and the same guest may stay across 
more than one hotel segment, dependent upon the occasion and 
their needs. We are therefore refining our approach, so that we 
position and tailor our hotels to meet those guest needs, as defined 
by the occasion they are travelling for and their need for travelling. 

Guest occasion

We have segmented the market into nine globally relevant  
and differentiating categories of guest occasion (set out below), 
which have differing strengths dependent upon the geographical 
location. By understanding these guest occasions, we are able  
to deliver a number of core basic guest needs that are brand 
agnostic and serve to deliver a baseline level of consistency  
across all our brands, whilst also focusing on the nine identified 
guest occasions, so that each of our brands delivers the relevant 
guest experience for the occasion. 

Brand

Guest occasion

Our portfolio of brands is targeted around these differing  
occasion segments, focusing on those which we believe have  
the greatest growth opportunity and strongest resilience to 
the industry/economic cycle. We also concentrate on those  
areas where our scale and revenue delivery systems confer 
greatest benefits. 

As shown below, each of IHG’s brands is focused on some of  
these guest occasions and each brand seeks to address the  
needs of these in a unique way, through the eyes of its target 
guests, to bring the guest experience to life.

We have also identified that to be successful in the future, a brand 
needs to provide a global, local and personal experience to build 
trust – see page 20 and the 2014 IHG Trends Report available at 
www.ihgplc.com/trends_report.

RevPAR and Guest HeartBeat are KPIs – see pages 38 and 39.

Mixing business with pleasure; Short break experience; Social identity.

Building business interactions.

Business productivity; Building business interactions.

Business productivity; Romantic getaway; Short break experience.

Wellbeing.

Family time; Mixing business with pleasure; Social identity.

Rest and go.

Business productivity.

Business productivity.

Information on each of our preferred brands can be found on page 17.

Strategic Report  29

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
Disciplined Execution

Successful delivery of our strategy for high-quality 
growth requires Disciplined Execution comprising:

•	 scale and efficiency of operations;

•	 investment in developing great talent and 

technology platforms; and

•	 commitment to responsible business practices.

Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido, People’s Republic of China

Scale and efficiency of operations

With almost 687,000 rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories 
around the world, we leverage our global and regional scale to 
maximise the efficiency of our operations. We focus on driving 
efficient operational processes and tightly managing our costs 
proportionate with our revenues to:

•	 drive fee margin growth whilst investing in a strong platform  

for the future;

•	 offer our owners access to market-leading capabilities and 
practices that significantly contribute to hotel performance;

•	 maximise the investments we make in building preferred brands 
(assisting us to increase guest satisfaction which we monitor 
through Guest HeartBeat); and

•	 strengthen our revenue delivery system (to increase system 

contribution to revenue).

Investment in developing great talent 
and technology platforms

We support the delivery of the Winning Model by investing in the 
development of talent and technology platforms that provide the 
foundation for future growth. 

Development of great talent

We know that our brands are brought to life by the people working in 
our hotels who support the consistent delivery of the brand promise 
in each hotel. Talent is key to our success, both at a corporate level 
and in our hotels. We continue to invest in systems and tools to 
develop our people in the corporate environment and at our hotels 
and our People Tools (explained on page 22) are available for our 
owners and hotels. 

Our people strategy is detailed on pages 21 to 23.

Development of great technology platforms

Keeping up with new technologies and systems is also key to our 
success. IHG invests across a range of technology platforms to 
ensure that our revenue delivery and guest experience systems  
are at the forefront of innovation in the industry. This includes 
investment in reservation technology platforms, guest-facing 
booking channels and new mobile services, as well as investment  
to support the guest experience in hotels such as the development  
of digital check-in services and the provision of wifi internet access. 

Locally tailored systems
We also invest in technology to ensure our revenue delivery systems 
and guest experiences are tailored to local markets based on 
knowledge of local market conditions and travellers.  

30 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

We continue to drive process improvements and cost-saving initiatives:

•	 our strong multi-lingual guest support team in the Philippines 
supports global reservations, sales and guest relations and 
loyalty marketing;

•	 over 500 business support roles have been moved to our 

Business Service Centre in Gurgaon, India, providing centralised 
accounting services for IHG corporate offices and owned and 
managed hotels; and

•	 the hardware for our central reservations system is managed  

by IBM, one of our largest corporate clients.

Information on how we build and leverage scale can be found on page 24.

For example, in Greater China we have made various technology 
investments to drive and convert demand and enhance the guest 
experience, including being the first international hotel company  
to launch a standalone Chinese website and being the only 
international hotel company in Greater China working with Alipay, 
the leading local payment system, to integrate their system into 
our website. This is of critical importance in a market where credit 
cards are not the primary means for paying online and enables  
us to offer more prepaid products for our guests.

Information on our Effective channel management strategy can be 
found on page 25.

Case study – Revenue Management
Our innovation in revenue management tools and techniques is  
one particular example of our investment in technology platforms. 
IHG Revenue Management is a core strategic tool that brings 
together available rooms, rates and marketing at the hotel level, 
co-ordinating with our channels to drive reservations to our hotels 
at the right price.

This expertise is available to hotels through the IHG PERFORM 
service, a pricing system designed to increase RevPAR and 
deliver profitable rate recommendations to a hotel. The IHG 
PERFORM system integrates local demand forecasting, 
competitive data analysis and price sensitivity modelling to 
recommend optimum pricing for each day based on the market 
dynamics and guest type for each hotel. This enables IHG  
hotels to effectively price their rooms within the context of  
a highly dynamic competitive market environment.

TARGETED PORTFOLIO   DISCIPLINED EXECUTIONWINNING MODELCommitment to responsible  
business practices
Responsible business is part of IHG’s DNA and is at the heart of 
everything we do. Doing the right thing in the right way enables us to 
make a positive contribution to the communities where we operate and 
gives us a competitive edge by enhancing and protecting the reputation 
of our brands. It also ensures that we act in a manner which is mutually 
beneficial for our business, and all of our stakeholders, employees, 
guests, corporate customers and owners, who are also increasingly 
considering whether the businesses they interact with, share their 
values and act responsibly. It also helps us deliver profitable growth and 
create shared value, thereby ensuring that we are preferred by guests, 
employees and owners in the long term. 

This is why, for us, our commitment to responsible business practices is 
an essential part of our Disciplined Execution and underpins our strategy. 

For IHG, responsible business comprises five key elements (explained 
below), all of which assist us in seizing the opportunities behaving 
responsibly gives us to innovate, protect the environment, creating job 
opportunities and help foster community resilience. We therefore not only 
have specific responsible business KPIs, but our responsible business 
practices are also an important driver to both the Employee Engagement 
and Guest HeartBeat KPIs. 

Our KPIs are set out on pages 38 and 39.

The principal risks associated with Reputation and brand protection 
are set out on pages 36 and 37.

Our responsible business 
practices comprise:

Governance and leadership
Our Chairman, the Board and its Committees provide a strong leadership and 
governance structure, promoting responsible business behaviours by maintaining 
high standards of corporate governance, corporate responsibility, internal controls 
and risk management and compliance with law and regulation.

Information on our Board and governance processes can be found on pages 56 to 73.

 Trusted preferred brands
We ensure that we have a reputation for delivering a consistent and superior guest 
experience, providing a safe and secure environment and proactively engaging with 
our communities. Our brands are valuable assets and doing business responsibly 
enhances their reputation, building trust and brand preference.

Information on our brands can be found on pages 17 and 20 and information on our approach 
towards health, safety and security can be found on page 35.

People
A core part of being a responsible business is our commitment to ensuring that the 
actions of all those working at IHG maintain and enhance our trusted reputation by 
operating an ethical business. To help our people put this ethos into practice we 
continually keep under review our internal programmes, policies and training. 

Information on our people strategy can be found on pages 21 to 23 and internal programmes, 
policies and training on page 32.

Delivery
We have in place an effective system of internal controls and risk management to 
identify, assess, prioritise and mitigate risks to our business, guests and employees 
and enable us to achieve our shared objectives, which is an essential part of being a 
responsible business. 

Information on our risk management practices and systems of internal controls can be found on 
pages 34 to 37 and 70.

Corporate Responsibility (CR)
Our three flagship CR programmes – IHG Green Engage, IHG Academy and IHG  
Shelter in a Storm Programme – aim to proactively manage the environmental impacts 
of our operations, to provide people skills and job opportunities in the communities 
where we operate and to support our hotels, colleagues, guests and communities in 
times of disaster. 

Information on our approach to CR can be found on page 32.

Strategic Report  31

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCorporate responsibility 2013 to 2017 five-year targets:

•	  Reduce our carbon footprint per 

occupied room by 12% across our 
entire estate (against a 2012 baseline)

•	  Reduce water use per occupied 
room by 12% in water-stressed  
areas (against a 2012 baseline)

•	  Contribute a total of $10 million to 
communities through monetary 
donations and in-kind support, 
including funds deployed through the 
IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme

•	  Track and report supply chain diversity

•	  Provide skills and improved 

•	  Integrate Corporate Responsibility 

employability to 20,000 people 
through the IHG Academy 

criteria into the selection and evaluation 
process for all preferred suppliers

For our 2013 performance against these 
targets, which are KPIs, see page 39.

 To view our Corporate Responsibility 
Report: www.ihgplc.com/responsibility 
IHG Planet CR Facebook page:  
www.facebook.com/ 
IHGCorporateResponsibility

Internal programmes, policies and training 

Corporate Responsibility (CR)

We have in place a range of programmes, policies and training, 
which we regularly keep under review and which are communicated 
via e-learning and face-to-face training modules in order to raise 
understanding of key legal and regulatory areas. These include our 
Code of Conduct, environment, supporting our community, human 
rights, competition, anti-bribery, data privacy and crisis management 
policies and brand safety standards. 

During 2013, we focused our efforts on driving the best use of the 
tools we provide. In September, we released our external targets 
(set out above) to measure our impact on a global and local level 
over a five-year period from 2013 to 2017. We aim to create more 
sustainable communities and better lives through our hotel 
operations and to achieve this we focus our activities in areas 
integrated with the way we operate our business.

Code of Conduct
In 2013, we refreshed our Code of Conduct, which is applicable 
to all Directors, officers and employees and available on the 
Company’s website at www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate 
governance. It consolidates and clarifies expected standards of 
behaviour, and communicates the ethical values of the Group. 

A confidential disclosure channel also provides employees with a 
means to report any ethical concerns they may have.

Human rights
As part of putting the human rights policy into practice, in 2013 we 
set up a cross-functional working group to ensure we are focused 
on the key areas of human rights relevant to our business, such as 
making sure we provide decent working conditions for all of our 
employees, and ensuring the rights of the local people where we 
operate are protected. We are working to raise further awareness 
of our human rights approach in our hotels around the world and 
will continue to add to our suite of training materials over the next 
year to support these efforts. During the year, we continued to 
work with the International Tourism Partnership’s Human 
Trafficking Working Group to address the issue of human 
trafficking with other hotel companies. We are also a signatory of 
the UN Global Compact, aligning our operations and strategies 
with the 10 universal principles that include commitments to 
human rights and labour standards. We are currently working with 
our internal Procurement team to further embed our human rights 
policy and vendor code of conduct in our contracts. 

1. Environmental sustainability 
We have committed our hotel estate to designing, building and 
operating more environmentally sustainable hotels through IHG 
Green Engage, our online system to measure, monitor, manage 
and report on energy, carbon, water and waste. 

2. Sustainable communities 
To reinforce our mission to create shared value in our communities, we:

•	 provide local people with skills development and employment 

opportunities through the IHG Academy, a pioneering 
collaboration between IHG hotels and offices and education 
providers and for community organisations; and

•	 provide donations for shelter and vital assistance and  

guidance on the actions our hotels can take to support their 
communities when disaster strikes through the IHG Shelter  
in a Storm Programme. As part of this programme, we have 
established IHG Shelter Fund for our fundraising activities.

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

For information on IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme visit  
www.ihgshelterinastorm.com.

Our activities are supported by the Board through the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee, whose Report can be found on page 68.

•	  IHG Green Engage can help 

•	 301 IHG Academy programmes  

•	  During 2013, $1.2 million was  

hotels become 10 to 25% more 
energy efficient

in 50 countries 

raised for the IHG Shelter Fund 

•	 6,391 participants benefited  

•	  As part of IHG’s fundraising  

•	 2,646 hotels enrolled in IHG Green 

from the IHG Academy in 2013 

Engage – over half of our global hotels

event, Race around the World,  
IHG colleagues raised $442,116  
for the IHG Shelter Fund

32 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

TARGETED PORTFOLIO   DISCIPLINED EXECUTIONWINNING MODELIHG’s global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

Reporting boundary

Global – corporate offices and  
managed, owned and leased hotels

Global – corporate offices and franchised, 
managed, owned and leased hotels

Measure
Scope 1 Direct emissions
Scope 2 Indirect emissions
Total GHG emissions (tCO2e)
IHG’s chosen intensity measurement GHG emissions per occupied 
room (kgCO2e per occupied room)
Scope 1 Direct emissions
Scope 2 Indirect emissions
Total GHG emissions (tCO2e)
IHG’s chosen intensity measurement GHG emissions per occupied 
room (kgCO2e per occupied room)

20131

20121

424,329
1,561,135
1,985,464

516,586
1,638,160
2,154,746

56

64.5

1,327,416
3,358,380
4,685,796

1,342,670
3,241,159
4,583,829

31.2

32

1 Reporting period commencing on 1 October and ending on 30 September.

Global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

Scope
We are required to report on the GHG emissions from our corporate 
offices and managed, owned and leased hotels where we have 
operational control under the Companies Act 2006. We have also 
chosen to report on our GHG emissions from corporate offices and 
all of our hotels as our GHG emissions reduction target is based 
upon this.

We report Scope 1 and 2 emissions as defined by the GHG protocol 
as follows:

•	 Scope 1 (Direct emissions): combustion of fuel and operation of 

facilities; and 

•	 Scope 2 (Indirect emissions): electricity, heat, steam and cooling 

purchased for own use.

Methodology 
We have worked with Best Foot Forward to give us an up-to-date 
picture of IHG’s carbon footprint and assess the performance  
over the past few years. Best Foot Forward used a sampling and 
extrapolation methodology to estimate our GHG emissions. 

For 2013, in line with the methodology set out in the GHG Protocol 
Corporate Standard, the sample covered 1,372 hotels out of our total 
global estate of 4,697 hotels. 

We are continuing to improve the quantity and quality of the data 
reported by hotels using IHG Green Engage to improve the 
accuracy of our GHG reporting.

The results in the table above include all of our branded hotels but do 
not include emissions from 87 hotels. We do not have sufficient data 
to estimate their emissions and we believe them to be immaterial. 

Due to the delay in hotels receiving their energy bills it is not 
possible to report accurately GHG emissions from 1 January to  
31 December and therefore we have defined our GHG emissions 
reporting year as the period commencing on 1 October and ending 
on 30 September.

External recognition

•	 The InterContinental Hotels & 

•	 The IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme 

•	  Member of the FTSE4Good Index.

Resorts brand became the first hotel 
brand to have all of its IHG corporate-
managed restaurants in the US 
 and Canada become Certified 
Green Restaurants® by the Green 
Restaurant Association.

was awarded the Best Initiative in 
Sustainable Development and Social 
Responsibility at the 2013 Worldwide 
Hospitality Awards.

Strategic Report  33

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONRisk management

IHG believes that an essential part of being a 
responsible business is having in place robust  
and effective risk management and internal 
controls. This supports our business to be  
resilient, successful and trusted.

Risk management system

IHG has an effective risk management system and internal 
controls which provide assurance to its shareholders.  
These are well established and help IHG to protect against  
known and emerging risks and to cope with the unexpected.  
The Group develops the risk management system, strategies  
and controls as a result of continuous learning by management, 
which in turn drives the focus of the Major Risk Review and  
Global Internal Audit programme. Our internal controls and  
risk management system aims to support the achievement of 
business objectives and protect our business, in particular: 

•	 our brands, business model and reputation across 

key stakeholders;

•	 the delivery of our strategy, commercial targets and plans 

for change; and

•	 the safeguarding of physical assets, people, systems 

and processes.

The risk environment that we operate in can be difficult to predict 
and is rapidly changing. There are many risks that could impact the 
Group’s brands and reputation and, therefore, IHG is giving particular 
emphasis to developing its reputation risk management capability 
and strengthening its culture of doing business responsibly.

The key features of IHG’s risk management system are:

•	 embedded risk management processes to consistently  

identify and manage key risks to the business;

•	 a holistic approach to risk assessment applied through 
Strategic, Tactical and Operational risk perspectives;

•	 risk strategies, controls and outcomes that support the  
business and reduce unnecessary risk exposure; and 

•	 a proactive risk and crisis management culture,  

through leadership and training.

Embedded risk management processes 
IHG has a Major Risk Review process in place to identify,  
manage, monitor and report the principal risks and uncertainties 
affecting the Group (the Major Risks). The Board has ultimate 
responsibility for the Group’s strategy and risk management as 
explained on page 70 and the Audit Committee annually reviews 
the effectiveness of the Group’s systems of internal control and 
risk management. In addition, the Executive Committee as a whole 
is accountable for managing risks and as such all Major Risks have 
named Executive Committee members who ensure that effective 
risk mitigation and control strategies are in place. 

Underpinning the Group’s Major Risk Review process, each of  
the regions and functions have their own risk profiles which are 
updated biannually in line with the activities of the strategic 
planning cycle. During the interim periods, continuous dialogue 

34 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

takes place between risk owners and the Global Risk Management 
team to develop, execute and monitor detailed risk plans and 
strategies for key risk exposures. 

The Risk Working Group (RWG) provides a long-term, global and 
strategic perspective to the risks faced by IHG. Its mandate is to 
improve cross-functional working and effective risk management 
of the highest priority and emerging risks affecting IHG. The RWG 
is chaired by the General Counsel and Company Secretary and 
comprises the Heads of Global Risk Management, Global Strategy, 
Programme Office and Global Internal Audit. Major Risks are 
regularly discussed as part of Board, Executive Committee and 
senior leadership meetings. In addition, the Major Risks are 
collectively discussed at least twice annually at the meetings of  
the Executive Committee, Audit Committee and the Board. 

Holistic approach to risk assessment
IHG conducts risk assessments to identify, prioritise and 
distinguish risks it wishes to take from those it must mitigate.  
IHG thinks broadly about potential threats – whether they are 
strategic, tactical or operational in nature. 

Strategic risks: these are risks arising from IHG’s relationship with 
the external environment and can impact on IHG’s ambition and 
strategy over the long term. Strategic risks are a key feature of the 
Board and Executive Committee agendas, regional and functional 
strategy setting and are considered during decision-making on 
strategic issues such as the selection of future growth markets, 
the selection of strategic business partners and decisions 
pertaining to potential new initiatives. 

Tactical risks: these are risks that could impact the delivery of 
IHG’s one to three-year targets including implementation of 
projects. These include factors influencing IHG’s ability to sign and 
open new hotels, the performance of existing hotels and delivery of 
projects. These are managed by senior operators and overseen by 
the Regional Operating Committees. In addition, project risks are 
managed by project management teams and business sponsors 
with oversight provided by the Programme Office. 

Operational risks: these include a wide spectrum of day-to-day 
risks that front-line hotel colleagues and corporate teams face 
when dealing with guests or ensuring corporate systems and 
processes are running smoothly. A critical aspect of this is 
managing the safety and security of our people and assets and  
the continuity of the business. For some parts of the business, 
operational risks also include managing third-party service 
providers and the wider supply chain. Due to the nature of 
operational risks, IHG typically mitigates these through internal 
controls, operational and business processes, systems and tools. 
Oversight roles exist through the management line, the Regional 
Operating Committees and functional leadership teams. 

External recognition 

IHG’s Risk Management team working in 
conjunction with Oxford Brookes University 
was awarded the 2013 Best Partnership  
of the Year at the Institute of Risk 
Management Global Risk Awards.

 Our risk management training programmes 
were awarded Gold Award for the Best 
e-Learning Widespread Adoption at the  
2013 LearnX Impact Awards. 

Risk actions and outcomes
Fundamental to IHG’s approach to risk management is that it  
is action-oriented and yields tangible outcomes in the business, 
thereby reducing risk exposures. There are numerous risk 
management programmes and activities that achieve this, 
including our hotel safety and security action plans, business 
continuity plans and crisis management programmes. 

Proactive risk and crisis management culture
IHG believes the value of risk management is realised through  
a proactive risk management culture and capability. To this end, 
IHG has developed numerous support and guidance materials, 
implementation toolkits, training and control systems and made these 
available to all hotel and corporate colleagues in various languages  
in order to build our risk management maturity and culture. 

In developing our plans and programmes, we considered both  
our first-hand experience in managing events at our hotels, such 
as natural catastrophes and civil unrest and other possibilities  
which may impact IHG’s central operations, brands and reputation.  
We have also linked our crisis management programme with the 
IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme (explained on page 32). 

Ensuring health, safety and security 

Providing and supporting a safe and secure environment  
for our guests, employees and those working at or otherwise 
visiting our hotels and corporate offices is paramount, and 
therefore IHG applies high standards of health and safety  
across the Group. We ensure the protection and wellbeing of 
those working for IHG through suitable work-based strategies; 
minimise the risk of injury from work activity; ensure that 
sufficient information and systems are in place to address health 
and safety concerns; and involve employees in the continuous 
improvement, reporting and review of health and safety matters. 
We have established a set of policies, procedures and measures 
and require all to comply with relevant legislation. 

Hotel health, safety and security
Recognising the importance of operating safe hotels, our 
commitment to safety, security and crisis management in hotels is 
a fundamental part of being a responsible business. We therefore 
require hotels to comply with a set of global Brand Safety Standards. 
We also support hotel owners, General Managers and hotel 
employees to manage risk effectively by giving them a systematic 
approach and framework to follow and providing them with 
user-friendly tools and training. Where appropriate, IHG’s risk 
management training is accredited by relevant recognised bodies 
such as the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

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

k

a n
M

Ways of
Working

Risk
Financing

Training & 
Comms

Operate 
& Control

We have developed a Safe Hotel/Manage Risk framework 
(depicted on the right), which enables a consistent approach to 
managing safety and security risk in IHG hotels. It comprises  
two mechanical cogs meshed together, showing different types  
of safety and security risks in the ‘Safe Hotel’ cog meshed against 
the actions described in the ‘Manage Risk’ cog. This framework  
is actively promoted by IHG’s risk managers around the world, 
working with hotels and their management teams in order to  
keep IHG hotels safe and secure. 

Hotels are assessed by 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 develop action plans. Risks are prioritised, 
responsibilities assigned and improvement actions identified, 
progressed and monitored. Action plans are reviewed as necessary 
by appropriate people to escalate and drive action or develop 
common solutions.

Strategic Report  35

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONRisk management continued

Managing risks in a changing environment

We continue to experience a dynamic external risk environment with changes in political, economic, social, technological, legal and 
environmental risks. However, we do see the global macroeconomic conditions improving. We see the Group’s business model, diversity 
of brand portfolio and wide geographical spread contributing to our resilience to events that could affect specific hotels, local areas or all 
but the most significant countries. 

The table below sets out the principal risks and uncertainties (the Major Risks) in the context of delivering against our strategy for 
high-quality growth (as described on pages 18 to 33). These are perceived as the most dynamic risks and are therefore proactively 
managed and monitored by senior management. These complement the wider comprehensive risk factors set out on pages 164 to 167. 

Risk description

Control and mitigation activities

•	 IHG has a complementary and differentiated portfolio of nine brands (see page 17), each of 
which is designed to meet a wide demographic of guests and differing guest occasions and 
needs through distinct brand propositions (see page 29).

•	 IHG continues to review and refresh both its brands and brand standards, giving particular 

consideration to the optimisation of global requirements while retaining local distinctiveness. 
•	 IHG has built awareness and loyalty, particularly across our priority markets, through a blend 

of global and local marketing promotions, sponsorships and brand initiatives. 

•	 In 2013, IHG relaunched its loyalty programme to IHG Rewards Club to clearly communicate to 

consumers that all of our brands are part of the same IHG brand family and to therefore 
encourage guest loyalty and cross-sell opportunities.

•	 IHG manages brand consistency through the entire hotel life cycle commencing with 

development through to due diligence and deal approval processes, which help us select 
appropriate sites and owners. This is supported by clear contractual terms, new hotel opening 
processes, brand standard requirements and quality compliance processes. We also provide 
central support tools, training and guidance to assist those working at our hotels and owners  
to enable them to deliver brand consistency and thereby support the success of the hotel. 
However, to maintain high-quality growth in the IHG System, IHG may be required to exit 
non-compliant hotels.

•	 IHG has in place a comprehensive global people strategy to ensure we are able to find and 

retain the right people to deliver our preferred brands at our hotels and corporate offices and 
we continually review the tools, systems and guidance we offer them. 

•	 We are constantly evolving our recruitment strategies. We have in place different strategies for 
different markets to ensure we have the most appropriate and effective methods and channels 
for talent attraction and recruitment. The IHG Academy also assists us with recruiting for our 
talent pipeline.

•	 IHG proactively manages succession planning and has formal programmes in place to help its 
people grow their careers. Incentive plans for senior leaders are aligned to IHG’s strategy to 
ensure longer-term growth.

•	 IHG recognises that technological advances and changing guest expectations mean that we 
must continually invest in and improve our systems and reservations channels. We have in 
place a multi-channel management strategy that focuses across the entire guest journey and 
encourages guests to book directly through IHG’s channels and reservation systems. 
•	 Recognising the growing trend amongst some travellers to book through online travel  

agencies and intermediaries in search of better value, IHG proactively manages and seeks to 
improve terms and conditions of our relationships with these partners and continues to support 
roomkey.com, a meta-search website launched in 2012 in partnership with other hotel 
companies. These activities compliment our wide programmes and activities to encourage 
guests to book direct. 

•	 IHG’s Global Technology function works collaboratively with specialist third-party technology 
partners to continuously monitor, manage and optimise our systems and channels, including 
their resilience through backup systems and business continuity practices, to enhance all 
aspects of the guest journey. 

•	 Operating in nearly 100 countries and territories, IHG takes information security very seriously 
and has applied risk-based methods to build capability and resilience into our systems and 
processes. The Group manages data security to contain the risk and reduce the Group’s 
exposure, tightly controlling sensitive data through limited and monitored access.
•	 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.

Preferred brands
Having a portfolio of preferred brands  
with a clear, distinct brand proposition 
(delivering a consistent guest experience, 
regardless of our predominantly managed 
and franchised business model) and a 
global presence aimed at meeting the 
changing needs of our guests, is crucial  
to creating brand preference, loyalty and 
advocacy. Failure to achieve this could 
impact on IHG’s competitive position and 
its reputation with owners, investors 
and guests.

People, talent and culture
IHG must recruit and retain the right 
people, give them the tools, guidance and 
support to be successful and to influence 
behaviour and culture in order to deliver  
a preferred brand promise. High growth 
and emerging markets are a particular 
challenge, and ensuring we have the right 
leadership is crucial. Failure to manage our 
people, talent and culture could impact on 
our service delivery, financial performance 
and longer-term growth.

Channel management and technology 
platforms 
Travellers now have access to far more 
information through comparison websites, 
search engines and online travel agents. 
Booking channels and technological 
systems are a key part of the guest 
journey and an important value driver  
for our owners. This is also an area  
where there is rapid change in terms  
of technology, guest expectations and 
relationships with online travel agents  
and other intermediaries. 

Threats to information security, from 
payment card information to other 
information held in IT systems or, in paper 
format and other media, remain of concern. 

Failure to effectively manage and keep 
under review our channels, information 
technology infrastructure and 
technological systems to optimise 
performance and resilience could impact 
on the Group’s revenue and delivery 
channels, guest experience, return for our 
owners and investors and the Group’s 
future performance.

36 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Risk description

Control and mitigation activities

Owner proposition
As a result of IHG’s predominantly 
franchised and managed business model, 
managing relationships with our existing, 
new and potential owners is important. 
General trading conditions and the 
economic outlook also affect the 
availability of capital to current and 
potential owners. Failure to manage 
relationships and the macroeconomic 
outlook may have an impact on the 
existing IHG System, our operations and 
our development pipeline. 

•	 To ensure that IHG is continually considering its owners, the IHG Owners Association is  
the primary channel through which IHG engages with them. In addition, regional teams  
build relationships with owners through a variety of methods, including formal and  
informal communications and owner conferences. By agreeing a set of priorities together,  
and continually reviewing and updating our central support tools and systems, including 
revenue management tools, we aim to offer a compelling owner proposition.

•	 The use of the System Fund (described on page 16) is also managed by IHG for the benefit  

of all our hotels with the objective of driving revenue for them. The use of this fund is  
reviewed annually in collaboration with the IHG Owners Association.

•	 IHG’s scale, diverse portfolio of brands, segments, countries of operation and mix in business 
model positions it well from short-term macroeconomic impacts and we continue to monitor 
macroeconomic conditions and make necessary adjustments, including cost optimisation 
programmes where appropriate. However, we recognise that macroeconomic issues can 
impact upon potential and existing owners and we therefore continue to review our business 
model and the owner proposition in light of these.

Reputation and brand protection
IHG recognises the importance of its 
brands and reputation as important assets 
for the business. Protecting them requires 
IHG, all those working in our hotels and 
corporate offices, owners and business 
partners to behave responsibly. 

Failure to safeguard the reputation of IHG 
and its brands could have severe impacts 
on the Group’s future performance.

There is also a constant need to protect 
the safety and security of our guests, 
employees and visitors. 

•	 Responsible business underpins our strategy, by being an essential part of Disciplined 
Execution. Our Business Reputation and Responsibility function comprises a team  
of lawyers, brand standard compliance managers, chartered secretaries, corporate 
responsibility specialists, risk managers and internal auditors who work together to  
champion and protect the trusted reputation of IHG and its brands, including brand and 
intellectual property protection. 

•	 IHG aims to embed a responsible business culture throughout the organisation, leveraging  

our Winning Ways (see page 21) to encourage those working at IHG to promote and protect our 
trusted reputation. To assist with this, we have in place various internal programmes, policies 
and training, including our Code of Conduct. 

•	 IHG’s proactive risk-based approach to hotel safety and security (summarised on page 35)  
aims to ensure guest and employee safety and the security of hotels and office buildings.  
IHG has also put in place a crisis management programme to ensure our hotels and corporate 
offices are prepared for unexpected or unknown events.

Strategic Report  37

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONKey performance indicators (KPIs)

We measure our performance through a holistic set of carefully selected KPIs to monitor our success in 
achieving our strategy and the progress of our Group to deliver high-quality growth. The KPIs are organised 
around the elements of our strategy – our Winning Model and Targeted Portfolio, and Disciplined Execution.

Winning Model and Targeted Portfolio
2013 progress
KPIs

Net rooms supply2

2013

2012

2011

686,873
675,982
658,348

Growth in fee revenues2

2013

2012

4.3%

6.8%

2011

5.7%
At constant currency

•	 IHG System size of 686,873 rooms (4,697 hotels) reflecting  
1.6% net IHG System size growth. The slower growth rate 
reflects a higher level of removals to maintain the quality of  
our estate, including 17 hotels for which significant liquidated 
damages totalling $46m were received.

•	 Completed disposal of our leasehold interest in the 

InterContinental London Park Lane and agreed to dispose of  
80% of our interest in the InterContinental New York Barclay, 
retaining 20% in a joint venture, and entered into long-term 
management contracts on both hotels.

•	 Pipeline of 180,461 rooms (1,120 hotels), including 21 hotels  
in the pipeline for the HUALUXE brand and five hotels in the 
pipeline for the EVEN brand (three of which are owned).

•	 Lower growth in fee revenues compared to 2012 reflects a 
combination of lower RevPAR growth and lower net IHG  
System size growth in 2013.

•	 An increasing number of open hotels in developing markets, 

which drive incremental fees at a lower rate, also contributed 
to lower growth in fee revenues.

Total gross revenue

•	 Total gross revenue from hotels in IHG’s System – $21.6bn, 

up 2%.

•	 Loyalty programme relaunched to IHG Rewards Club offering 

enhanced benefits for members, including free internet access 
across our hotels globally – driving a 10 percentage point 
increase in awareness of IHG as a brand family.

•	 Enrolled 6m new members (up 8% on 2012) to IHG Rewards 

Club, taking the total to 77.4m members.

2014 priorities

•	 Accelerate growth strategies in  

priority markets and key locations in 
agreed scale markets and continue  
to leverage scale.

•	 Support growth of our new brands EVEN 
Hotels and HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, 
opening our first hotels.

•	 Continue to strengthen IHG’s revenue 
delivery systems to deliver profitable 
demand to hotels.

•	 Continue to drive loyalty to our  

portfolio of brands, driving awareness 
of IHG Rewards Club and leveraging  
this across our brands and regions.

•	 Continue to drive adoption and impact  
of our performance tools, systems and 
processes amongst our owners.

•	 Continue with investment in technology 

systems and platforms.

2013

2012

2011

$21.6bn
$21.2bn
$20.2bn

Actual $bn

System contribution  
to revenue1

2013

2012

2011

69%
69%
68%

Employee Engagement  
survey scores

2013

2012

2011

81.7%
78.6%
75.8%

Global RevPAR growth1, 2

2013

2012

2011

3.8%

5.2%

6.2%

Comparable hotels,
constant $

Guest HeartBeat1

2013

82.91%
82.36%

2012
2011 Not applicable

38 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

•	 Continued to deliver against our people strategy, increasing  

our employee engagement by 3.1% and recognised externally  
as an employer of choice (see page 23).

•	 Strengthen our approach to developing 
leaders and invest in tools and training 
that build leadership capabilities.

•	 Launched bespoke, country-specific careers web pages and/or 
websites in India, Russia and Greater China to continue our aim  
to be employer of choice.

•	 Continue to build a winning culture 
through strong leadership and 
performance management.

•	 Continue to strengthen our talent 

pipeline to meet our growth ambitions.

•	 Growth in global RevPAR has slowed in 2013, reflecting slower 
growth in The Americas and IHG’s predominantly midscale 
focus, and more significant slow down in Greater China due  
to industry-wide challenges (see pages 12 and 13).

•	 Continue to strengthen the quality and 
consistency of the brand experience, 
delivering guest journeys that are 
differentiated by brand.

•	 Recorded improvements in guest satisfaction scores in  
every region, for all of our brands and received external 
recognition through awards (see page 23).

•	 Continued with the repositioning of the Crowne Plaza  

brand and refreshed marketing messaging for Holiday Inn  
and Holiday Inn Express to better reflect the differentiated 
brand propositions and drive brand consideration.

•	 As part of simplifying and clarifying our standards for all of  
the brands, in 2013, we refreshed the Holiday Inn Express 
Standards’ manual ready for launch in January 2014.

•	 Continue to invest in building long-term 
brand preference in light of our guest 
occasion segmentation and the 2014  
IHG Trends Report (see page 20).

•	 Continue to empower our frontline teams 
with the tools and training to consistently 
deliver great guest experiences that build 
brand preference.

•	 Continue to progress with our standards 

refresh across the brands.

•	 Launched two General Manager training programmes to  

•	 Support the first openings of our new 

assist with General Manager development to deliver on the 
brand promise (see page 26).

hotels for the EVEN Hotels and 
HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts brands.

KPIs used to assess performance measures for 
remuneration plans:

1 Annual incentive plan (Annual Performance Plan) 

2 Long-term incentive plan (Long Term Incentive Plan)

For more information see Directors’ Remuneration Report  
pages 74 to 97.

Disciplined Execution
2013 progress
KPIs

2014 priorities

Fee margins1

2013

2012

2011

43.2%
41.9%*
39.5%*

*Restated for IAS19R 
  of Employee Benefits

Number of people 
participating in IHG 
Academy programmes

2013

6,391

2012
2011

Not applicable
Not applicable

Value of monetary 
donations and in-kind 
support to communities  
by IHG, including funds 
deployed through IHG 
Shelter in a Storm 
Programme

2013

$1.92m

2012
2012
2011
2011

Not applicable
Not applicable

Carbon footprint per  
occupied room

2013

2012

31.2 KgCO²e
32 KgCO²e

2011 Not applicable
2011

•	 Group fee margins of 43.2%, up 1.3 percentage points on 2012, 
with scale benefits and cost efficiencies more than offsetting 
increased investment for future growth.

•	 Continue to focus on sustainable  
fee margin progression over the 
medium-term.

•	 Opened a further 144 IHG Academy programmes, taking the 

total to 301, with 6,391 participants in 2013 helping us to build  
a strong pipeline of talent for the future.

•	 Contributed a total of $1.92m in 2013 to communities through 
monetary donations and in-kind support, including funds 
deployed through the IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme.

•	 $1.2m raised for the IHG Shelter Fund. 

•	 Responded to 15 disasters in 8 countries, including super 
typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, floods in Jakarta,  
Buenos Aires, Canada and Mexico, tornadoes in mid-west 
America and wildfires in Arizona, by allocating funds to help 
with financial support, vital supplies and accommodation.

•	 Reduced carbon footprint per occupied room by 31.2kgCO2e 
(reduction of 2.4% on 2012 baseline) across our entire estate

•	 Carbon Disclosure Project disclosure rating of 85B  

(the joint highest-scoring hotel company in the FTSE 350, 
Standard & Poor’s 500 and Global 500).

•	 Continue to expand the IHG Academy 
throughout our hotel estate making  
sure the programmes deliver positive 
and transformational results for 
participants and IHG.

•	 Provide skills and improved 

employability to a total of 20,000  
people via IHG Academy over the  
five-year period (2013-2017).

•	 Continue to increase awareness of,  

and engagement with, the IHG Shelter  
in a 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.

•	 Contribute a total of $10m over a  
five-year period (2013-2017) to 
communities through monetary 
donations and in-kind support,  
including funds deployed through the 
IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme.

•	 Reduce carbon footprint per occupied 
room by 12% across our entire estate 
(over a five-year period (2013-2017)  
using 2012 baseline).

•	 Continue to drive quality of use of IHG 
Green Engage to reduce impact on the 
environment, enable cost savings and 
drive revenue.

Water use per occupied 
room in water stressed 
areas

•	 Reduced water use per occupied room by 0.56m3 (reduction of 

•	 Reduce water use per occupied room  

4.6% on 2012 baseline) in water-stressed areas.

by 12% in water-stressed areas across 
our estate (over a five-year period 
(2013-2017) using 2012 baseline).

2013

0.56m³
0.58m³

2012
2011 Not applicable
2011

Our regional priorities are set out on pages 42, 44, 46 and 48.

For definitions of each of the above KPIs see the Glossary on pages 186 and 187.

Strategic Report  39

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGroup

Group results

Revenue

Americas 
Europe
AMEA
Greater China
Central

Total
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

12 months ended 31 December

2013 vs 
2012 % 
change

20121 
$m

2012 vs 
2011 % 
change

20111 
$m

837
436
218
230
114
1,835

486
112
88
81
(162)

9.4
(8.3)
5.5
2.6
6.1
3.7

13.2
(6.3)
(2.3)
1.2
4.3

830
405
216
205
112
1,768

451
100
84
67
(154)

0.8
7.7
0.9
12.2
1.8
3.8

7.8
12.0
4.8
20.9
(5.2)

605

10.4

548

10.4

(4)

n/a

57 (107.0)

601
(54)
547

12.0
(35.2)
9.7

605
(62)
543

(0.7)
12.9
0.7

2013 
$m

916
400
230
236
121
1,903

550
105
86
82
(155)

668

5

673
(73)
600

140.9¢
158.3¢

$1:
£0.64

187.1¢
139.0¢

(24.7)
13.9

160.9¢
127.7¢

$1: 
£0.63

1.6

$1: 
£0.62

16.3
8.8

1.6

1  With effect from 1 January 2013 the Group has adopted IASI9 (Revised) 
‘Employee Benefits’ resulting in an additional charge to operating profit  
before exceptional items of $9m for the year ended 31 December 2012 and  
$11m for the year ended 31 December 2011.

Accounting principles
The Group results are prepared under International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS). The application of IFRS requires 
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions and 
those considered critical to the preparation of the Group results 
are set out on pages 115 and 116 of the Group Financial Statements.

The Group discloses certain financial information both including and 
excluding exceptional items. For comparability of the periods 
presented, some of the performance indicators in this Performance 
review are calculated after eliminating these exceptional items. Such 
indicators are prefixed with ‘adjusted’. An analysis of exceptional items 
is included in note 5 on page 124 of the Group Financial Statements.

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2013
The results for the year reflect the varying economic, physical and 
social factors influencing the markets that the Group operates in.  
In the US, favourable supply and demand dynamics have resulted  
in a strong performance albeit this was tempered slightly by the 
October government shutdown. In Europe, despite continuing 
economic challenges, the performance in key markets has remained 
relatively resilient whilst in AMEA there has been strong growth in key 
markets including Japan and Southeast Asia but weaker 
fundamentals in India and specific countries in the Middle East. 
Greater China overall has experienced slower macroeconomic growth 
and the hotel industry has also been impacted by a number of one-off 

events. With this background, overall Group revenue increased by 
$68m (3.7%) to $1,903m and operating profit before exceptional items 
increased by $63m (10.4%) to $668m.

On 1 May 2013, IHG completed the disposal of its leasehold interest 
in the InterContinental London Park Lane for gross proceeds of 
$469m and entered into a 30-year management contract with 
three 10-year extension rights.

On an underlying basis, defined as reported results, excluding 
those from the InterContinental London Park Lane whilst under 
IHG ownership, results from managed leased hotels, together with 
the benefit of $46m liquidated damages receipts in 2013 and a $3m 
liquidated damages receipt in 2012, revenue and operating profit 
increased by $68m (4.2%) and $44m (7.8%) respectively when 
translated at constant currency and applying 2012 exchange rates.

Fee revenue* increased by 4.3%, with Group RevPAR (see Glossary 
on pages 186 and 187) growth of 3.8% over the period (including an 
increase in average daily rate of 1.8%) and IHG System size growth 
of 1.6% to 686,873 rooms.

At constant currency, net central overheads decreased from $162m 
to $157m in 2013 ($155m at actual currency), helped by continued 
tight cost control, as well as additional technology fee income.

Operating profit margin was 43.2%, up 1.3 percentage points on 
2012, after adjusting for owned and leased hotels, managed leases 
and significant liquidated damages.

Profit before tax increased by $53m to $600m. Adjusted earnings 
per ordinary share increased by 13.9% to 158.3¢.

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2012
Revenue increased by 3.8% to $1,835m and operating profit  
before exceptional items increased by 10.4% to $605m during  
the 12 months ended 31 December 2012. 

Fee revenue*, 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 IHG 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 
2011, 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.

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 $12m (12.0%), 
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 IHG System size as well as 5.4% RevPAR growth.

At constant currency, central overheads increased from $154m 
in 2011 to $164m in 2012 ($162m at actual currency), reflecting 
investment in infrastructure and capabilities to support the 
growth of the business.

*  Fee revenue is defined as Group revenue excluding revenue from owned and leased hotels, managed leases and significant liquidated damages at constant currency.

40 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

PerformanceGlobal total gross revenue

12 months ended 31 December

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

Total

2013 
$bn

 4.5
 4.0 
 6.2
 5.2
 0.6 
 0.6 
 0.2 
0.3
21.6

2012 
$bn % change

4.5
4.0
6.3
4.8
0.6
0.5
0.2
0.3
21.2

–
–
(1.6)
8.3
–
20.0
–
–
1.9

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 1.9% (2.8% increase at constant 
currency) to $21.6bn. Total gross revenue for Holiday Inn decreased  
by $0.1bn (1.6%), primarily because the number of rooms open under 
the brand fell by 6,911, driven by the removal of 10,933 rooms in the  
US reflecting the Group’s ongoing focus on quality.

Global hotel and room count

At 31 December

Analysed by brand

InterContinental

Crowne Plaza
Holiday Inn1
Holiday Inn Express
Staybridge Suites
Candlewood Suites
Hotel Indigo
Other

Total
Analysed by ownership type

Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Total

2013

178

391
1,216
2,258
196
312
55
91
4,697

3,977
711
9
4,697

Hotels

Change 
over 2012

Rooms

Change 
over 2012 

2013

8

60,103

2,789

(1) 108,891
(31) 224,577
66 214,597
21,518
7
29,778
13
6,199
5
28
21,210
95 686,873

43 502,187
53 180,724
(1)
3,962
95 686,873

584
(6,911)
8,966
822
1,103
538
3,000
10,891

1,395
9,726
(230)
10,891

1  Includes 10 Holiday Inn Club Vacations (3,701 rooms) and 38 Holiday Inn Resort 
properties (8,818 rooms) (2012: 10 Holiday Inn Club Vacations (3,701 rooms) and 
37 Holiday Inn Resort properties (8,806 rooms)).

During 2013, the global IHG System (the number of hotels and 
rooms which are franchised, managed, owned or leased by the 
Group) increased by 95 hotels (10,891 rooms). 

The Group continued to expand its global footprint, opening hotels  
in 33 different countries and territories. More than a third of 2013 
openings were in developing markets, as classified by The World 
Bank, with 21% of the closing rooms balance located in these 
markets, representing an increase of two percentage points from  
31 December 2012. Removals of 142 hotels (24,576 rooms) increased 
from the previous year (104 hotels, 16,288 rooms) reflecting the 
Group’s ongoing focus on improving the quality of the estate.

Openings of 237 hotels (35,467 rooms) were 4.6% higher than  
in 2012. This included 115 hotels (12,448 rooms) in the Holiday Inn 
brand family in The Americas and 33 hotels (4,061 rooms) as part 
of the US government’s Privatisation of Army Lodgings (PAL) 
initiative. 23 hotels (7,669 rooms) were opened in Greater China 
across five brands in 2013, up 1.1% from last year, with the Europe 
and AMEA regions contributing openings of 21 hotels (3,528 rooms) 
and 20 hotels (4,495 rooms) respectively.

In May 2013, the Group completed the disposal of its leasehold 
interest in the InterContinental London Park Lane and on 19 
December 2013, announced the disposal of an 80% interest in the 
InterContinental New York Barclay for gross proceeds of $240m, 
with IHG holding the remaining 20% interest. The transaction is 
expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2014. The Group has 
secured a 30-year management contract on the hotel, with two 
10-year extension rights at IHG’s discretion. 

In February 2014, the Group signed an agreement to sell the 
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco for $120m in cash and 
enter into a long-term management contract on the hotel. The hotel 
had a net book value of $90m at 31 December 2013.

Global pipeline

At 31 December

Analysed by brand
InterContinental
Crowne Plaza
Holiday Inn1
Holiday Inn Express
Staybridge Suites
Candlewood Suites
Hotel Indigo
EVEN Hotels
HUALUXE
Other

Total
Analysed by ownership type

Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Total
Global pipeline signings

2013

51
94
264
473
80
80
51
5
21
1
1,120

778
339
3
1,120
444

Hotels

Change 
over 2012

Rooms

Change 
over 2012 

2013

16,860
3
28,369
(4)
50,241
21
54,744
21
8,728
9
6,914
2
6,807
4
880
4
6,804
6
1
114
67 180,461

86,785
34
93,176
30
3
500
67 180,461
65,461
88

1,147
(2,814)
5,253
2,984
1,184
172
938
650
1,900
17
11,431

3,884
7,047
500
11,431
11,649

1  Includes 1 Holiday Inn Club Vacations (120 rooms) and 14 Holiday Inn 
Resort properties (3,163 rooms) (2012: Includes nil Holiday Inn Club Vacations 
(nil rooms) and 12 Holiday Inn Resort properties (2,390 rooms)).

At the end of 2013, the global pipeline totalled 1,120 hotels  
(180,461 rooms), an increase of 67 hotels (11,431 rooms) on  
31 December 2012. The IHG pipeline represents hotels where  
a contract has been signed and the appropriate fees paid.

The continued global demand for IHG brands is demonstrated by 
the Group signing hotels in 38 different countries and territories in 
2013, 40% of which were in developing markets. 51% of the closing 
pipeline at 31 December 2013 was in developing markets, up by one 
percentage point compared to the previous year, including 30% in 
Greater China. More than 45% of the pipeline is under construction.

Excluding 35 hotels (4,118 rooms) signed as part of the US 
government’s PAL initiative, signings increased from 356 hotels 
(53,812 rooms) to 409 hotels (61,343 rooms) in 2013. This included 
280 hotels (39,555 rooms) in the Holiday Inn brand family, up by 
22.7% compared to 2012. More than half of this growth was 
contributed by Greater China, with signings increasing by 4,121 
rooms to 7,343 rooms. The Greater China region signed a further 
27 hotels (8,005 rooms) across other IHG brands, including the 
1,002-room Holiday Inn Express Changbaishan, whilst the pipeline 
for HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts increased to 21 hotels (6,804 
rooms). Four EVEN Hotels (644 rooms), of which three are owned 
and leased, were signed in The Americas, with the pipeline for this 
brand standing at five hotels (880 rooms) at the end of 2013. Active 
management out of the pipeline of deals that have become dormant 
or no longer viable reduced the pipeline by 18,563 rooms, compared 
to 31,344 rooms in 2012.

Strategic Report  41

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThe Americas

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

2014 priorities

•	 Strengthen Holiday Inn brand family leadership position  
by focusing the ‘mixing business with pleasure’ and  
‘family time’ guest occasion segments;

•	 continue to grow the Holiday Inn Express brand through 

innovations which meet the needs of the ‘smart traveller’ 
target guest;

•	 continue to execute the multi-year programme to strengthen 

the Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand by increasing 
quality and consistency and enhancing the guest experience 
in the ‘business productivity’ guest occasion segment;

•	 build on the pipeline of the EVEN Hotels brand and support 

the opening of our first hotels for the brand; and

•	 drive high-quality revenues at our hotels by continuing to 
embed our operational tools, strengthening hotel-level 
capabilities through certifications, and driving revenue 
through our direct channels.

Americas comparable RevPAR movement 
on previous year

Franchised

Managed

Crowne Plaza
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn  
Express
All brands

4.8%
2.6%

InterContinental
Crowne Plaza

3.4%

Holiday Inn

3.2%

Staybridge Suites
Candlewood Suites
All brands

Owned and leased

All brands

12 months 
ended 
31 December 
2013

12.6%
13.9%

10.6%

19.8%
19.3%
13.9%

6.0%

42 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Americas results

Revenue

Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Total
Percentage of  
Group Revenue
Operating profit before  
exceptional items
Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Regional overheads
Total 
Percentage of Group 
Operating profit before 
central overheads and 
exceptional items

12 months ended 31 December

2013 vs 
2012 % 
change

2011 
$m

2012 vs 
2011 % 
change

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

576
128
212
916

541
97
199
837

6.5
32.0
6.5
9.4

502
124
204
830

7.8
(21.8)
(2.5)
0.8

48.1

45.6

2.5

46.9

(1.3)

499
74
30
603
(53)
550

466
48
24
538
(52)
486

7.1
54.2
25.0
12.1
(1.9)
13.2

431
52
17
500
(49)
451

8.1
(7.7)
41.2
7.6
(6.1)
7.8

66.8

63.4

3.4

64.2

(0.8)

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2013 
In The Americas, the largest proportion of rooms is operated  
under the franchise business model (91% of rooms in The Americas 
operate under this model) primarily in the upper midscale segment 
(Holiday Inn brand family). Similarly, in the upscale segment, 
Crowne Plaza is predominantly franchised, whereas the majority  
of the InterContinental branded hotels are operated under franchise 
and management agreements. With 3,616 hotels (451,424 rooms), 
The Americas represented 66% of the Group’s room count and 67% 
of the Group’s operating profit before central overheads and 
exceptional operating items during the year ended 31 December 
2013. The key profit producing region is the US, although the Group 
is also represented in each of Latin America, Canada, Mexico and 
the Caribbean.

In 2013, the Group focused on the continued development of its 
preferred brands and the deployment of IHG operational tools 
across the estate. 13 Crowne Plaza hotels left the Americas 
System partly reflecting the impact of the Crowne Plaza 
repositioning programme, and for our newest brand,  
EVEN Hotels, four new hotels were added to the pipeline, with the 
first expected to open in 2014. For Holiday Inn the focus on quality 
continued and 57 hotels were removed from the Americas System 
whilst 115 new Holiday Inn brand family hotels were opened. 

Revenue and operating profit before exceptional items increased by 
$79m (9.4%) to $916m and by $64m (13.2%) to $550m respectively.  
On an underlying basis, revenue and operating profit increased by 
$52m (6.5%) and $36m (7.5%) respectively. Revenue and operating 
profit were adversely impacted by $8m lower fees on the exit of eight 
Holiday Inn hotels owned by FelCor Lodging Trust but were positively 
impacted by the benefit of a $31m liquidated damages receipt in 2013 
in the managed business, compared to $3m in 2012.

The franchise business drove most of the growth in the region 
(excluding the liquidated damages in the managed estate). 
Franchised revenue increased by $35m (6.5%) to $576m.  
Royalties growth of 4.7% was driven by RevPAR growth of 3.2%, 
including 3.4% for Holiday Inn Express, together with a 0.7% 
increase in available rooms. Operating profit increased by $33m 
(7.1%) to $499m. Fees from initial franchising, relicensing and 
termination of hotels also increased by $6m compared to 2012.

Managed revenue increased by $31m (32.0%) to $128m and operating 
profit increased by $26m (54.2%) to $74m. Revenue and operating 

Performance continuedprofit included $34m (2012 $34m) and $nil (2012 $nil) respectively  
from one managed lease property. Excluding results from this  
hotel, as well as the benefit of the $31m liquidated damages in 2013 
and the $3m in 2012, revenue grew by $4m (6.7%) and operating  
profit decreased by $2m (4.4%) on a constant currency basis. 

Owned and leased revenue increased by $13m (6.5%) to  
$212m and operating profit grew by $6m (25.0%) to $30m.  
The increase in revenue was driven by RevPAR growth of 6.0%.

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2012
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 2.3% Americas System 
size growth. 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 hotel and room count

At 31 December

Analysed by brand
InterContinental
Crowne Plaza
Holiday Inn1
Holiday Inn Express
Staybridge Suites
Candlewood Suites
Hotel Indigo
Other

Total

Analysed by ownership type

Franchised
Managed
Owned and leased

Total
Percentage of Group  
hotel and room count

Hotels

Change 
over 2012 

Rooms

Change 
over 2012 

2013

(2)
(7)

17,453
47,057
(34) 138,830
54 174,431
20,309
5
29,778
13
4,344
–
32
19,222
61 451,424

40 408,875
40,147
21
2,402
–
61 451,424

(303)
(1,673)
(7,831)
6,033
522
1,103
37
3,919
1,807

1,026
564
217
1,807

2013

51
176
786
1,985
188
312
37
81
3,616

3,394
217
5
3,616

77.0

(0.2)

65.7

(0.8)

1  Includes 10 Holiday Inn Club Vacations (3,701 rooms) and 18 Holiday Inn Resort 
properties (4,438 rooms) (2012: 10 Holiday Inn Club Vacations (3,701 rooms) and 
17 Holiday Inn Resort properties (4,240 rooms)).

The Americas System size increased by 61 hotels (1,807 rooms) to 
3,616 hotels (451,424 rooms) during 2013. 173 hotels (19,775 rooms) 
opened in the year, compared to 148 hotels (16,618 rooms) in 2012 
and included 33 hotels (4,061 rooms) as part of the US government’s 
PAL initiative. Openings included 115 hotels (12,448 rooms) in the 
Holiday Inn brand family, representing more than 60% of the region’s 
openings. 19 hotels (1,705 rooms) opened as Staybridge Suites 
hotels and Candlewood Suites hotels, IHG’s extended-stay brands.

112 hotels (17,968 rooms) were removed from the Americas System 
in 2013, compared to 66 hotels (9,199 rooms) in 2012. More than 
60% of 2013 removals were Holiday Inn hotels in the US (53 hotels, 
10,933 rooms). 13 Crowne Plaza hotels (3,326 rooms) were 
removed in 2013, partly reflecting the impact of the Group’s 
Crowne Plaza repositioning programme. The increase in removals 
reflects the Group’s ongoing focus on improving the quality of the 
estate, particularly Holiday Inn.

Americas pipeline

At 31 December

Analysed by brand
InterContinental
Crowne Plaza
Holiday Inn1
Holiday Inn Express
Staybridge Suites
Candlewood Suites
Hotel Indigo
EVEN Hotels
Other

Total
Analysed by ownership type

Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Total

Hotels

Change 
over 2012

Rooms

Change 
over 2012 

2013

2
–
–
13
7
2
–
4
1
29

19
7
3
29

1,437
3,228
19,344
33,488
7,495
6,914
3,118
880
114
76,018

72,019
3,499
500
76,018

512
(509)
517
1,100
847
172
42
650
114
3,445

1,729
1,216
500
3,445

2013

6
16
139
358
71
80
23
5
1
699

678
18
3
699

1  Includes 1 Holiday Inn Club Vacations (120 rooms) and 5 Holiday Inn Resort 
properties (694 rooms) (2012: nil Holiday Inn Club Vacations (nil rooms) and 5 
Holiday Inn Resort properties (640 rooms)).

The Americas pipeline totalled 699 hotels (76,018 rooms) as at  
31 December 2013, representing an increase of 29 hotels (3,445 
rooms) over 31 December 2012. Strong signings of 305 hotels 
(33,884 rooms), demonstrating the continued demand for IHG 
brand hotels, were ahead of last year by 79 hotels (8,348 rooms) 
and included 35 hotels (4,118 rooms) signed as part of the US 
government’s PAL initiative. The majority of 2013 signings were 
within the Holiday Inn brand family (193 hotels, 20,544 rooms),  
up by 8.9% compared to 2012. Four more hotels (644 rooms) were 
added for the EVEN Hotels brand, taking the total pipeline to five 
hotels (880 rooms), with the first hotel for the brand expected  
to open in 2014. Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites,  
IHG’s extended stay hotel brands, also contributed signings  
of 57 hotels (5,406 rooms), up by 50.2% compared to 2012.

103 hotels (10,664 rooms) were terminated from the pipeline in 
2013, significantly down from terminations in 2012 (183 hotels, 
20,795 rooms).

Strategic Report  43

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONEurope

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

2014 priorities

•	 Accelerate growth in our priority markets and in key gateway 

cities across the region;

•	 continue to expand Hotel Indigo across the region in key 

gateway cities and launch the Holiday Inn Express brand in 
the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS); 

•	 continue to improve guest experience and satisfaction by 

creating a culture focused on quality, accelerating the rollout 
of innovation and building a suite of tools that enable hotels  
to deliver operational excellence; and

•	 deliver topline outperformance at our hotels by embedding 
our revenue and sales tools, and driving our commercial 
delivery and people platforms. 

Europe comparable RevPAR movement  
on previous year

12 months ended 
31 December 2013

Franchised
All brands

Managed

All brands

Owned and leased
InterContinental

1.5%

2.0%

5.3%

Europe results

Revenue

Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Total
Percentage of  
Group Revenue
Operating profit before  
exceptional items
Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Regional overheads
Total 
Percentage of Group 
Operating profit before 
central overheads and 
exceptional items

12 months ended 31 December

2013 vs 
2012 % 
change

2011 
$m

2012 vs 
2011 % 
change

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

104
156
140
400

91
147
198
436

14.3
6.1
(29.3)
(8.3)

86
118
201
405

5.8
24.6
(1.5)
7.7

21.0

23.8

(2.8)

22.9

0.9

79
30
30
139
(34)
105

65
32
50
147
(35)
112

21.5
(6.3)
(40.0)
(5.4)
2.9
(6.3)

65
26
49
140
(40)
100

–
23.1
2.0
5.0
12.5
12.0

12.8

14.6

(1.8)

14.2

0.4

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2013 
In Europe, the largest proportion of rooms is operated under the 
franchise business model primarily in the upper midscale segment 
(Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express). Similarly, in the upscale 
segment, Crowne Plaza is predominantly franchised whereas the 
majority of the InterContinental branded hotels are operated under 
management agreements. Comprising 629 hotels (102,066 rooms) 
at the end of 2013, Europe represented 15% of the Group’s room 
count and 13% of the Group’s operating profit before central 
overheads and exceptional operating items during the year ended 
31 December 2013. Profits are primarily generated from hotels in 
the UK and Continental European gateway cities. 

Economic conditions across Europe in 2013 remained challenging 
but the industry and the Group remained relatively resilient to this, 
especially in the main markets and in 2013 good progress was 
made on key priorities for the region. Three new Hotel Indigo 
hotels were opened and there are now 15 in the pipeline, an 
increase of two over 2012. In line with a focus on growth in priority 
markets and key gateway cities, new signings totalled 50 hotels 
with 18 in the UK, six in Germany and ten in the CIS. Additionally, 
new openings included the InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu 
and the InterContinental Davos. Hotel openings were down, year 
on year, but the pipeline grew and new signings increased over 
2012 levels. Continued progress was made on the Group’s 
asset-light strategy with the sale of the InterContinental London 
Park Lane in May. 

Revenue and operating profit before exceptional items decreased 
by $36m (8.3%) to $400m and by $7m (6.3%) to $105m respectively. 
On an underlying basis, revenue and operating profit increased by 
$9m (3.4%) and $8m (10.4%) respectively. Overall, RevPAR in 
Europe increased by 1.7%. The UK achieved RevPAR growth of 
3.0%, with particularly strong performance in the final quarter of 
2013 with RevPAR increasing 7.3%. RevPAR in Germany increased 
by 0.8% despite a weaker year-on-year trade fair calendar, whilst 
IHG hotels in the CIS collectively achieved RevPAR growth of 2.7%.

44 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Performance continuedFranchised revenue increased by $13m (14.3%) to $104m, 
whilst operating profit increased by $14m (21.5%) to $79m. 
Excluding the benefit of a $9m liquidated damages receipt in 2013, 
revenue and operating profit increased by $4m (4.4%) and $5m 
(7.7%) respectively. Growth was mainly driven by an increase in 
royalties of 7.0% (6.3% at constant currency) reflecting RevPAR 
growth of 1.5%, partly offset by a 0.2% decline in available rooms.

Managed revenue increased by $9m (6.1%) to $156m and operating 
profit decreased by $2m (6.3%) to $30m. Revenue and operating 
profit included $89m (2012 $80m) and $2m (2012 $2m) respectively 
from managed leases. Excluding properties operated under this 
arrangement and on a constant currency basis, revenue was flat 
and operating profit decreased by $1m (3.3%).

In the owned and leased estate, revenue decreased by $58m 
(29.3%) to $140m and operating profit decreased by $20m (40.0%) 
to $30m. At constant currency and excluding the impact of the 
disposal of the InterContinental London Park Lane, the Group’s 
remaining owned hotel in Europe, the InterContinental Paris Le 
Grand, delivered a revenue increase of $5m (4.6%) with RevPAR 
growth of 5.3%. Operating profit increased by $4m (23.5%), 
benefiting from a one-off $3m property tax recovery in the year.

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2012
Revenue and operating profit before exceptional items increased by 
$31m (7.7%) to $436m and by $12m (12.0%) to $112m 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 Europe 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 hotel and room count

At 31 December

Analysed by brand
InterContinental
Crowne Plaza
Holiday Inn1
Holiday Inn Express
Staybridge Suites
Hotel Indigo

Total
Analysed by ownership type

Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Total
Percentage of Group  
hotel and room count

2013

31
83
282
215
5
13
629

528
100
1
629

Hotels

Change 
over 2012 

Rooms

Change 
over 2012 

2013

9,525
1
19,522
(1)
45,621
(6)
25,371
3
784
1
1,243
3
1 102,066

–
79,517
2
22,079
470
(1)
1 102,066

131
(44)
(989)
468
179
294
39

(382)
868
(447)
39

(0.2)

13.4

(0.2)

14.9

1  Includes 2 Holiday Inn Resort properties (212 rooms) (2012: 3 Holiday Inn 
Resort properties (362 rooms)).

During 2013, Europe System size increased by one hotel (39 rooms) 
to 629 hotels (102,066 rooms). The Group opened 21 hotels (3,528 
rooms) in Europe in 2013, compared to 39 hotels (5,477 rooms) in 
2012. 2013 openings included two InterContinental hotels, the 
194-room InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu, the fourth for 
the brand in France, and the 216-room InterContinental Davos in 
Switzerland. Three further Hotel Indigo properties (293 rooms) 
were opened in 2013, comprising a third hotel for the brand in 
Germany and first openings in Spain and Israel.

20 hotels (3,489 rooms) left the Europe System in the period, 
compared to 23 hotels (3,335 rooms) in the previous year.

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

Change 
over 2012

2013

Rooms

Change 
over 2012 

2013

2
12
35
43
3
15
110

97
13
110

–
–
15
–
2
2
19

14
5
19

653
2,624
6,612
6,016
298
1,576
17,779

14,119
3,660
17,779

249
(145)
2,345
(268)
130
284
2,595

1,933
662
2,595

The Europe pipeline totalled 110 hotels (17,779 rooms) as at  
31 December 2013, representing an increase of 19 hotels (2,595 
rooms) over 31 December 2012. New signings of 50 hotels (7,542 
rooms), compared to 48 hotels (7,023 rooms) in 2012, included 18 
hotel signings in the UK (2,436 rooms), including signings for six 
different brands in London, notably the 453-room InterContinental 
London – The O2. The Group also signed six new hotels (1,116 
rooms) in Germany and ten new hotels (1,737 rooms) in countries  
in the CIS.

10 hotels (1,419 rooms) were removed from the pipeline in 2013, 
compared to 16 hotels (3,044 rooms) in 2012.

Strategic Report  45

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION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.

2014 priorities

•	  Build preferred brands and strengthen our position in priority 

markets and key gateway cities;

•	 accelerate growth of our core brands across the region with  

a particular focus on emerging markets;

•	 expand our portfolio of brands, including continuing to 

accelerate the growth of the Holiday Inn Express brand; and

•	 continue to deliver operational excellence to improve  

guest satisfaction and deliver high-quality revenues by 
embedding our revenue tools, system delivery platforms, 
responsible business practices and People Tools built upon 
high performance winning culture.

AMEA comparable RevPAR movement 
on previous year

12 months ended 
31 December 2013

Franchised
All brands

Managed

All brands

9.6%

5.6%

46 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

AMEA results

Revenue

Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Total
Percentage of  
Group Revenue
Operating profit before  
exceptional items
Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Regional overheads
Total 
Percentage of Group 
Operating profit before 
central overheads and 
exceptional items

12 months ended 31 December

2013 vs 
2012 % 
change

2011 
$m

2012 vs 
2011 % 
change

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

16
170
44
230

18
152
48
218

(11.1)
11.8
(8.3)
5.5

19
151
46
216

12.1

11.9

0.2

12.2

12
92
4
108
(22)
86

12
90
6
108
(20)
88

–
2.2
(33.3)
–
(10.0)
(2.3)

12
87
5
104
(20)
84

(5.3)
0.7
4.3
0.9

(0.3)

–
3.4
20.0
3.8
–
4.8

10.4

11.5

(1.1)

12.0

(0.5)

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2013 
In AMEA, 81% of rooms are operated under the managed business 
model. The region’s hotels are in the luxury, upscale and upper 
midscale segments. Comprising 244 hotels (64,838 rooms) at 
31 December 2013, AMEA represented 9% of the Group’s room 
count and 10% of the Group’s operating profit before central 
overheads and exceptional operating items during the year  
ended 31 December 2013. 

The number of hotels open in the region increased by 12 in 2013 
reflecting delivery against the key priorities of growing the 
distribution of our core brands and strengthening our position in 
key strategic markets. The openings included the InterContinental 
in Osaka and five hotels in India – overall openings totalled 20 
hotels against 16 in 2012. Signings into the pipeline remained at 
2012 levels which should provide a strong growth platform.

Revenue increased by $12m (5.5%) to $230m and operating profit 
decreased by $2m (2.3%) to $86m. On an underlying basis, revenue 
and operating profit decreased by $6m (2.8%) and $7m (8.0%) 
respectively. The results included a $6m benefit from liquidated 
damages in 2013. RevPAR increased by 6.1%, with 3.0% growth  
in average daily rate. AMEA is a geographically diverse region and 
performance is impacted by political and economic factors affecting 
different countries. The Middle East delivered RevPAR growth of 
2.9%, driven by strength in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi 
Arabia, though continuing political uncertainty impacted some of 
our other markets in the region, particularly Egypt and Lebanon. 
Performance in Japan was strong, with RevPAR increasing by 9.6%, 
whilst Australia also achieved solid RevPAR growth of 2.8%. 
RevPAR growth in developing markets remained buoyant, led by 
12.2% RevPAR growth in Indonesia. Revenue and operating profit 
growth were muted by a $6m negative year-on-year impact from 
the renewal of a small number of long-standing contracts onto 
current commercial terms. In addition, there was a $4m negative 
impact from similar contracts that were not renewed. 

Franchised revenue decreased by $2m (11.1%) to $16m,  
whilst operating profit was flat at $12m. 

Managed revenue and operating profit increased by $18m (11.8%) to 
$170m and by $2m (2.2%) to $92m respectively. During 2013, a new 
property opened under an operating lease structure, with the same 
characteristics as a management contract, contributing revenue of 

Performance continued$21m and operating profit of $1m. Excluding this property together 
with the benefit of the $6m liquidated damages receipt in 2013, 
revenue and operating profit decreased by $4m (2.6%) and $4m 
(4.4%) respectively at constant currency. RevPAR increased by 
5.6%, with AMEA System size up 2.6%.

In the owned and leased estate, revenue and operating profit 
decreased by $4m (8.3%) to $44m and by $2m (33.3%) to $4m 
respectively, driven by a 7.3% RevPAR decline.

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2012
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 AMEA 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 hotel and room count

At 31 December

Analysed by brand
InterContinental
Crowne Plaza
Holiday Inn1
Holiday Inn Express
Staybridge Suites
Other

Total
Analysed by ownership type

Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Total
Percentage of Group  
hotel and room count

Hotels

Change 
over 2012 

Rooms

Change 
over 2012 

2013

2
2
6
4
1
(3)
12

3
9
–
12

21,383
19,078
18,464
3,500
425
1,988
64,838

11,611
52,640
587
64,838

592
519
1,024
623
121
(778)
2,101

751
1,350
–
2,101

0.2

9.4

0.1

2013

67
67
81
16
3
10
244

51
191
2
244

5.2

1  Includes 14 Holiday Inn Resort properties (2,965 rooms) (2012: 14 Holiday Inn 
Resort properties (3,311 rooms)).

The AMEA hotel and room count in the year increased by 12 hotels 
(2,101 rooms) to 244 hotels (64,838 rooms). The level of openings 
increased from 16 hotels (4,243 rooms) in 2012 to 20 hotels (4,495 
rooms) in 2013. This included two hotel openings (624 rooms) for 
the InterContinental brand, including the 272-room InterContinental 
Osaka, and five hotels in India (818 rooms) in 2013, including Crowne 
Plaza and Holiday Inn conversions in New Delhi’s emerging 
business district of Mayur Vihar.

Eight hotels (2,394 rooms) were removed from the AMEA System  
in 2013, compared to 12 hotels (2,589 rooms) in 2012.
AMEA pipeline

Hotels

Rooms

At 31 December

Analysed by brand
InterContinental
Crowne Plaza
Holiday Inn1
Holiday Inn Express
Staybridge Suites
Hotel Indigo

Total
Analysed by ownership type

Franchised 
Managed

Total

Change 
over 2012

2013

Change 
over 2012 

2013

21
14
49
39
6
8
137

3
134
137

1
(4)
2
4
–
2
5

1
4
5

5,378
4,048
12,341
7,980
935
1,392
32,074

647
31,427
32,074

12
(1,297)
1,446
889
207
460
1,717

222
1,495
1,717

1  Includes 6 Holiday Inn Resort properties (1,579 rooms) (2012: 4 Holiday Inn 
Resort properties (900 rooms)).

The AMEA pipeline totalled 137 hotels (32,074 rooms) as at 
31 December 2013, compared to 132 hotels (30,357 rooms) as  
at 31 December 2012. Signings of 36 hotels (8,687 rooms) were 
broadly in line with last year and included 26 hotels (6,546 rooms) 
in the Holiday Inn brand family, notably the 1,230-room Holiday Inn 
Makkah Al Aziziah in Saudi Arabia, which is set to be the largest 
Holiday Inn in the world when it opens. Three InterContinental 
hotels (671 rooms) were signed during 2013, including the 
140-room InterContinental Sydney Double Bay in Australia.

11 hotels (2,475 rooms) were removed from the pipeline in 2013, 
compared to 10 hotels (2,850 rooms) in 2012.

Strategic Report  47

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION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.

Greater China results

Revenue

Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Total
Percentage of  
Group Revenue
Operating profit before  
exceptional items
Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Regional overheads
Total 
Percentage of Group 
Operating profit before 
central overheads and 
exceptional items

12 months ended 31 December

2013 vs 
2012 % 
change

2011 
$m

2012 vs 
2011 % 
change

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

3
92
141
236

3
89
138
230

–
3.4
2.2
2.6

2
77
126
205

12.4

12.5

(0.1)

11.6

5
51
47
103
(21)
82

4
51
45
100
(19)
81

25.0
–
4.4
3.0
(10.5)
1.2

3
43
37
83
(16)
67

50.0
15.6
9.5
12.2

0.9

33.3
18.6
21.6
20.5
(18.8)
20.9

10.0

10.6

(0.6)

9.5

1.1

2014 priorities

•	  Grow quality distribution and further expand our portfolio of 
brands especially Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express in tier 
2 and 3 cities to cater to evolving market needs;

•	 build upon the successful launch of the HUALUXE Hotels & 
Resorts brand and continue to drive growth and fine-tune 
brand standards and standard operating procedures;

•	 grow talent and build a strong local talent pipeline; and

•	 continue to localise IHG brands, systems, tools, processes 
and responsible business practices to increase efficiency  
and margin performance.

Greater China comparable RevPAR 
movement on previous year

12 months ended 
31 December 2013

Managed

All brands

Owned and leased
InterContinental

0.6%

(0.1)%

48 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2013 
In Greater China, 96% of rooms are operated under the managed 
business model. The majority of hotels are in the upscale and 
upper midscale segments. Comprising 208 hotels (68,545 rooms) 
at 31 December 2013, Greater China represented 10% of the 
Group’s room count and 10% of the Group’s operating profit before 
central overheads and exceptional operating items during the year 
ended 31 December 2013.

Good progress was made in the year on the priorities for the region 
despite the challenging conditions experienced over the course  
of the year. Focusing on the distribution and expansion of the 
portfolio, a further six hotels were signed into the pipeline for 
HUALUXE and a further 11 for Crowne Plaza. The number of open 
Crowne Plaza hotels also increased by five in the year and the 
Holiday Inn portfolio expanded. 

Despite good progress on the priorities, market conditions were 
challenging in the region in 2013. The hotel industry was impacted  
by a number of factors including the China-Japan territorial islands 
dispute, a series of natural disasters in Western China, particularly in 
the second quarter of the year, and slower macroeconomic conditions 
during 2013 than in prior years. Overall the region achieved RevPAR 
growth of 1.0% representing a significant decrease on the 5.4% 
growth achieved in 2012. IHG did, however, significantly outperform 
the industry in 2013.

Revenue and operating profit before exceptional items increased 
by $6m (2.6%) to $236m and by $1m (1.2%) to $82m respectively. 
On an underlying basis, revenue and operating profit increased  
by $6m (2.6%) and $2m (2.5%) respectively.

Franchised revenue was flat at $3m and operating profit increased 
by $1m (25.0%) to $5m.

Managed revenue increased by $3m (3.4%) to $92m and operating 
profit was flat at $51m. RevPAR increased by 0.6%, whilst the 
Greater China System size grew by 11.8%, driving a 9.2% increase 
in total gross revenue derived from rooms business. Total gross 
revenue derived from non-rooms business increased by 3.0%. 
Operating profit was partly offset by increased investment to  
drive future growth.

Performance continuedOwned and leased revenue at the InterContinental Hong Kong 
increased by $3m (2.2%) to $141m, driven by a 4.5% increase in 
total gross revenue derived from non-rooms business, although 
this was partly offset by a RevPAR decline of 0.1%. Operating profit 
increased by $2m (4.4%) to $47m.

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2012
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 
Diaoyu/Senkaku islands territorial dispute and slower 
macroeconomic conditions. There was also continued significant 
Greater China System size growth for the managed estate (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 hotel and room count

At 31 December

Analysed by brand
InterContinental
Crowne Plaza
Holiday Inn1
Holiday Inn Express
Hotel Indigo
Other

Total
Analysed by ownership type

Franchised 
Managed
Owned and leased

Total
Percentage of Group  
hotel and room count

2013

29
65
67
42
5
–
208

4
203
1
208

4.4

Hotels

Change 
over 2012 

Rooms

Change 
over 2012 

2013

7
5
3
5
2
(1)
21

–
21
–
21

11,742
23,234
21,662
11,295
612
–
68,545

2,184
65,858
503
68,545

2,369
1,782
885
1,842
207
(141)
6,944

–
6,944
–
6,944

0.3

10.0

0.9

1  Includes 4 Holiday Inn Resort properties (1,203 rooms) (2012: 3 Holiday Inn 
Resort properties (893 rooms)).

The Greater China hotel and room count in the year increased by 
21 hotels (6,944 rooms) to 208 hotels (68,545 rooms). 23 hotels 
(7,669 rooms) opened during 2013, broadly in line with 2012. 
InterContinental System size increased by 7 hotels (2,369 rooms)  
to 29 hotels (11,742 rooms), with openings including the 294-room 
InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, a second for the  
brand on the island resort destination of Sanya. The Group  
also celebrated its 200th opening in Greater China in 2013 with  
the opening of the 141-room InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin.  
A further two Hotel Indigo properties (208 rooms) were opened, 
including a first for the brand in Hong Kong.

Two hotels (725 rooms) were removed from the Greater China 
System in 2013.

Greater China pipeline

At 31 December

Analysed by brand
InterContinental
Crowne Plaza
Holiday Inn1
Holiday Inn Express
Hotel Indigo
HUALUXE
Other

Total
Analysed by ownership type

Managed

Total

Hotels

Change 
over 2012

2013

Rooms

Change 
over 2012 

2013

22
52
41
33
5
21
–
174

174
174

–
–
4
4
–
6
–
14

14
14

9,392
18,469
11,944
7,260
721
6,804
–
54,590

374
(863)
945
1,263
152
1,900
(97)
3,674

54,590
54,590

3,674
3,674

1  Includes 3 Holiday Inn Resort properties (890 rooms) (2012: 3 Holiday Inn 
Resort properties (850 rooms)).

The Greater China pipeline totalled 174 hotels (54,590 rooms) as  
at 31 December 2013, compared to 160 hotels (50,916 rooms) as at  
31 December 2012. Signings of 53 hotels (15,348 rooms) increased 
from 46 hotels (13,387 rooms) in 2012. Seven InterContinental hotels 
(2,129 rooms) were signed, together with 11 Crowne Plaza hotels 
(3,528 rooms), whilst the total pipeline for the HUALUXE Hotels & 
Resorts brand increased to 21 hotels (6,804 rooms). 26 hotels  
(7,343 rooms) were signed in the Holiday Inn brand family,  
including the 1,002-room Holiday Inn Express Changbaishan,  
which subsequently opened as the Group’s largest Holiday Inn 
Express in 2013.

16 hotels (4,005 rooms) were removed from the pipeline in 2013.

Strategic Report  49

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCentral

System Fund

Central results

12 months ended 31 December

System Fund results

12 months ended 31 December

2013 vs 
2012 % 
change

2011 
$m

2012 vs 
2011 % 
change

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

1,154

1,106

4.3

1,025

7.9

153

144

6.3

128

12.5

1,307

1,250

4.6

1,153

8.4

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

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 System Fund. The System Fund  
also receives proceeds from the sale of IHG Rewards Club points. 
The System Fund is managed for the benefit of hotels in the IHG 
System with the objective of driving revenues for the hotels.

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

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2013
In the year to 31 December 2013, System Fund income increased 
by 4.6% to $1,307m primarily as a result of growth in hotel room 
revenues due to increases in RevPAR and IHG System size. The 
increase in proceeds from the sale of IHG Rewards Club points 
mainly reflects the continued strong performance of co-brand 
credit card schemes.

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2012
In the year to 31 December 2012, System 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 IHG Rewards 
Club points mainly reflects the strong performance of co-brand 
credit card schemes.

Revenue 
Gross central costs
Net central costs

2013 
$m

121
(276)
(155)

2012 
$m

114
(276)
(162)

2013 vs 
2012 % 
change

6.1
–
4.3

2011 
$m

112
(266)
(154)

2012 vs 
2011 % 
change

1.8
(3.8)
(5.2)

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2013 
Central revenue, mainly comprising technology fee income, 
increased by $7m (6.1%) to $121m, driven by increases to both 
RevPAR and IHG System size over 2013. Gross central costs were 
flat at $276m in 2013, reflecting continued tight cost control.

Highlights for the year ended 31 December 2012
Net central costs increased by $8m (5.2%) from $154m in 2011  
to $162m in 2012. At constant currency, net central costs increased 
by $10m (6.5%). The movement was driven by investment in 
infrastructure and capabilities to support the growth of the 
business. Central revenue mainly comprised technology fee income. 

50 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Performance continuedOther financial 
information

Exceptional operating items
Exceptional operating items totalled a net profit of $5m. 
Exceptional gains included $166m from the sale of the 
InterContinental London Park Lane on 1 May 2013 and $6m  
in relation to the sale of a hotel by an associate in The Americas. 
Exceptional charges included $147m arising from the buy-in of  
the Group’s UK funded pension benefit obligations with the insurer, 
Rothesay Life, on 15 August 2013, $10m relating to an agreed 
settlement in respect of a commercial claim and $10m relating to 
costs incurred in support of the worldwide rebranding of IHG 
Rewards Club.

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 increased by $19m to $73m reflecting  
an increase in average net debt levels and the issuance of  
the 10-year £400m public bond in November 2012 with a coupon  
of 3.875%.

Financing costs included $2m (2012 $2m) of interest costs 
associated with the IHG Rewards Club where interest is charged 
on the accumulated balance of cash received in advance of the 
redemption of points awarded. Financing costs in 2013 also 
included $19m (2012 $19m) in respect of the InterContinental 
Boston finance lease. 

Taxation
The effective rate of tax on operating profit excluding the impact  
of exceptional items was 29% (2012 27%). Excluding the impact of 
prior year items, the equivalent tax rate would be 32% (2012 30%). 
This rate is higher than the average UK statutory rate of 23.25% 
(2012 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 charge of $51m (2012 
credit of $142m). In 2013 the charge comprised $6m relating to the 
exceptional operating items and $64m consequent upon the disposal 
of the InterContinental London Park Lane, offset by a credit of $19m 
relating to an internal restructuring. In 2012 this represented, 
primarily, the recognition of $104m of deferred tax assets whose 
value had 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. 

Net tax paid in 2013 totalled $97m (2012 $122m) including $5m  
paid (2012 $3m) in respect of disposals. Tax paid represents an 
effective rate of 16% (2012 22%) on total profits and is lower than 
the effective income statement tax rate of 29% 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 65% 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 2013 was 140.9¢, compared  
with 187.1¢ in 2012. Adjusted earnings per ordinary share was 
158.3¢, against 139.0¢ in 2012. 

Dividends
The Board has proposed a final dividend per ordinary share of 
47.0¢ (28.1p). With the interim dividend per ordinary share of 
23.0¢ (15.1p), the full-year dividend per ordinary share for 2013 
will total 70.0¢ (43.2p), an increase of 9% over 2012. On 4 October 
2013, a special dividend of 133.0¢ (87.1p) per ordinary share 
amounting to $355m was paid to shareholders.

Share price and market capitalisation
The IHG share price closed at £20.13 on 31 December 2013,  
up from £17.07 on 31 December 2012. The market capitalisation  
of the Group at the year end was £5.4bn.

Strategic Report  51

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONLiquidity and  
capital resources

Sources of liquidity
The Group is financed by a $1.07bn syndicated bank facility which 
expires in November 2016 (the Syndicated Facility), £250m of public 
bonds which are repayable on 9 December 2016 and £400m of public 
bonds which are repayable on 28 November 2022. The $1.07bn 
Syndicated Facility was undrawn at the year end. The bonds are 
issued under the Group’s £750m Medium Term Notes programme. 
Short-term borrowing requirements are met from drawings under 
bilateral bank facilities. Additional funding is provided by the 99-year 
finance lease (of which 92 years remain) on the InterContinental 
Boston. In the Group’s opinion, the available facilities are sufficient  
for the Group’s present liquidity requirements. 

The Syndicated Facility contains two financial covenants; interest 
cover and net debt divided by earnings before interest, tax, 
depreciation and amortisation. 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.

Net debt of $1,153m and available facilities at 31 December 2013 
are analysed as follows:

Borrowings
Sterling 
US dollar 
Other 

Cash and cash equivalents
Net debt1
Average debt levels

1 Including the impact of currency derivatives.

Facilities at 31 December

Committed 
Uncommitted 
Total

2013 
$m

654
629
4
(134)
1,153
985

2013 
$m

1,074
80
1,154

2012 
$m

638
626
5
(195)
1,074
651

2012 
$m

1,075
96
1,171

The Group had net liabilities of $74m at 31 December 2013 reflecting 
that its brands are not recognised in the Group statement of financial 
position. At the end of 2013 the Group was trading significantly within 
its banking covenants and facilities.

Cash from operating activities
Net cash from operating activities totalled $624m for the year 
ended 31 December 2013 up $152m on the previous year largely 
due to increased operating profit before exceptional items of $63m 
and a $76m reduction in the payment of the additional company 
contributions to the UK pension plan.

Cash flow from operating activities is the principal source of cash 
used to fund the ongoing operating expenses, interest payments, 
maintenance capital expenditure and normal dividend payments of 
the Group. The Group believes that the requirements of its existing 
business and future investment can be met from cash generated 
internally, disposition of assets and external finance expected to be 
available to it.

Cash from investing activities
Net cash inflows due to investing activities totalled $175m, 
compared to an outflow of $128m in 2012, reflecting the sale of the 
InterContinental London Park Lane for gross proceeds of $469m 
during the year. Of these proceeds, $52m has been placed in 
ring-fenced bank accounts which are subject to a charge in favour 
of the unfunded UK pension arrangements. Capital expenditure on 
property plant and equipment of $159m (2012 $44m) included a 
significant investment in hotel properties that are in the process  
of being converted to the Group’s EVEN Hotels brand.

The Group had committed contractual capital expenditure of $83m 
at 31 December 2013 (2012 $81m).

Cash used in financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities totalled $857m, which was 
$528m higher than in 2012 as last year the Group raised a net 
$533m from new borrowings. Returns to shareholders of $816m, 
comprising ordinary dividends, special dividends and share 
buybacks, were $30m higher than in 2012. $44m (2012 $84m) was 
spent on share purchases in order to fulfil share incentive awards.

Overall net debt increased during the year by $79m to $1,153m at 
31 December 2013.

52 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Performance continuedOff-sheet balance sheet arrangements
At 31 December 2013, the Group had no off-balance sheet 
arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current 
or future effect on the Group’s financial condition, revenues or 
expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or 
capital resources that is material to investors. 

Contractual obligations
The Group had the following contractual obligations outstanding as 
of 31 December 2013:

Total 
amounts 
committed

Less 
than 
1 year

1-3 
years

$m

3-5 
years

After 5 
years

Long-term debt 
obligations1, 2
Interest payable2
Finance lease 
obligations3
Operating lease 
obligations
Agreed pension 
scheme 
contributions4
Capital contracts 
placed
Total

1,080

308

3,380

352

12

83

5,215

–

52

16

42

12

83

205

419

103

32

62

–

–

–

51

32

46

–

–

661

102

3,300

202

–

–

616

129

4,265

1 Repayment period classified according to the related bond maturity date.
2 Including the impact of derivatives.
3  Represents the minimum lease payments related to the 99-year lease  
(of which 92 years remain) on the InterContinental Boston. Payments under  
the lease step up at regular intervals over the lease term.
4 Largely relates to US pension obligations. 

As explained in note 26 to the Group Financial Statements,  
the Group completed a buy-in of its UK defined benefit obligations  
on 15 August 2013. As a result of this transaction, the defined  
benefit section of the UK plan is now fully funded and the Company 
therefore has no further contributions to make in respect of  
this obligation.

Contingent liabilities
Contingent liabilities include performance guarantees with possible 
cash outflows totalling $48m, guarantees over the debt of equity 
investments of $20m and outstanding letters of credit of $41m.  
See note 32 to the Group Financial Statements for further details.

Market risk  
disclosures

The Group’s risk management policies and additional information 
regarding the financial intstruments used are included in notes 21, 
22, 23 and 24 of the Group Financial Statements.

The following table provides information about the Group’s 
borrowings and derivatives and their sensitivity to interest rates, 
although at both 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2012, 100% of 
borrowings in major currencies were fixed rate debt due to the low 
interest rate environment and current profile of the Group’s debt. 
For long-term borrowings the table presents the debt principals 
and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity 
dates. For currency swaps, the table presents notional amounts 
and weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. 
Weighted average variable rates are based on rates set on the last 
day of the period. The actual currencies of the debt principals are 
indicated in parentheses.

Expected to mature before 31 December

2014

2015

2016

2017 Thereafter Total

(local currency million, except percentages)

Fair 
value of 
liability

–

–

–

–

–

Long term debt
Fixed rate 
public 
bonds 
(Sterling)
Average 
fixed rate 
payable
Fixed rate 
lease debt 
(US dollar)
Fixed rate 
payable
Variable 
rate bank 
debt (NZ 
dollar)
Variable 
interest 
rate 
payable
Currency swaps
Principal 
received 
(Sterling)
Fixed rate 
payable
Principal 
paid (US 
dollar)
Fixed rate 
payable

–

250

–

6.0%

–

–

5

–

–

–

–

–

4.7%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

250

6.0%

415

6.2%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

400

650

671

3.9% 4.7%

–

215

215

233

9.7% 9.7%

–

5

–

4.7%

–

–

–

–

250

6.0%

415

6.2%

–

5

–

–

–

11

–

Strategic Report  53

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCrowne Plaza Suzhou, 
People’s Republic of China

1983

Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts
Crowne Plaza hotels are typically found in 
major urban centres, gateway cities and  
resort destinations around the globe.  
The brand appeals to business travellers 
providing facilities and services to support 
them, including Sleep Advantage®,  
a holistic sleep programme.

As part of IHG’s commitment to strengthen the 
brand, five guest experience enhancements  
are currently being tested in selected hotels, 
including IHG Anywhere Check in, a mobile 
check-in service for IHG Rewards Club members.

391 properties; 108,891 rooms open 
94 properties in the pipeline

54 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Governance

Contents

Leadership
Effectiveness
Audit Committee Report
 Corporate Responsibility Committee Report

56  Chairman’s overview
57  Board of Directors biographies
60  Executive Committee biographies
61  Corporate Governance
61 
64 
66 
68 
69  Nomination Committee Report
70 
70 
70 
72  Directors’ Report
74  Directors’ Remuneration Report
78 
87 
97 

Remuneration
Accountability
Relations with shareholders

Directors’ Remuneration Policy
 Annual Report on Directors’ Remuneration
Implementation of Remuneration Policy in 2014

Governance  55

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONChairman’s overview

Board

Pages 61 to 65

Board Committees

Audit Committee
Pages 66 to 67

Corporate Responsibility Committee
Page 68

Nomination Committee
Page 69

Remuneration Committee
Pages 74 to 97

Management Committees

Executive Committee
Page 65

Disclosure Committee
Page 65

General Purposes Committee
Page 65

56 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Dear Shareholder

We have a genuine commitment to conducting business responsibly and maintaining  
high standards of corporate governance. Our governance framework, led by the Board, 
supports our culture and values with strong and effective practices which permeate 
throughout the Group. 

We keep the composition, diversity and the size of the Board under regular review to 
ensure that we have the right balance of skills and experience, and that it remains relevant 
to the business both today and in the future.

In May and August 2013, we announced the appointments of Jill McDonald and Ian Dyson 
to the Board. Jill and Ian joined the Audit and Nomination Committees, with Ian appointed 
as a member of the Remuneration Committee. 

On 1 January 2014, following the resignation of Tom Singer, Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson was 
appointed to the Board as Chief Financial Officer. Paul joined IHG in August 2004 and has 
held a number of senior positions, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of IHG’s Europe 
and Asia, Middle East and Africa regions. Succession planning is a matter we take very 
seriously and this appointment was an excellent demonstration of the strength and depth 
of our management team and our ability to promote from within.

David Kappler will retire from the Board on 31 May 2014, having served as a Director since 
June 2004. He will be stepping down as Chairman of the Audit Committee with effect from 
1 April 2014 with Ian Dyson replacing him as Audit Committee Chairman. Following David’s 
retirement, Dale Morrison will be appointed Senior Independent Non-Executive Director with 
effect from 31 May 2014. David has made a significant contribution to IHG over the last 9 
years as a Non-Executive Director and we wish him well for the future.

My objectives for 2014 include enhancing the capabilities and competencies of the Board 
with an immediate objective to find a Non-Executive Director with consumer facing 
technology experience given the significance of this area in our strategy.

We continue to review our governance framework and processes to enhance the way  
we operate as a Board and deepen our strategic debate. We introduced a number of 
improvements to this effect in 2013. This included improving agenda setting processes, 
introducing more executive sessions and making more time to consider external 
perspectives on consumer and technology trends.

The Board performance evaluation conducted in 2013 by an external facilitator will inform 
further enhancements to our Board processes.

As a dual listed company with a secondary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE),  
we are required to file both an Annual Report in the UK, which complies with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code (Code), and an Annual Report on Form 20-F in the US, which complies with 
the NYSE rules, US securities laws and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(SEC). For 2013, to ensure consistency of information provided to both UK and US investors, 
we have for the first time produced a combined Annual Report and Annual Report on Form 20-F.

As required by the SEC, a statement outlining the differences between the Company’s UK 
corporate governance practices and those followed by US companies may be found on 
page 175.

Once again, I am pleased to report that, during 2013, we complied fully with all principles 
and provisions of the Code issued in September 2012, which is available at www.frc.org.uk.

Patrick Cescau
Non-Executive Chairman
17 February 2014

Board of Directors biographies

Patrick Cescau
Non-Executive Chairman       N  
Appointed to the Board: 1 January 2013

Richard Solomons
Chief Executive Officer       C
Appointed to the Board: 10 February 2003 

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 PLC 
and 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 US, Indonesia and Portugal.

Board contribution: Patrick has held Board positions for more  
than 13 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 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.

Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson
Chief Financial Officer
Appointed to the Board: 1 January 2014

Skills and experience: Paul is a chartered accountant and a fellow  
of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. He was previously Chief 
Financial Officer of IHG’s Europe and Asia, Middle East & Africa 
regions, a position he held since September 2011. He joined IHG in 
August 2004 and has held a number of senior level finance positions 
including Head of Investor Relations, Head of Global Corporate Finance 
and Financial Planning & Tax and Head of Hotel Development, Europe. 
Paul also acted as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Europe, Middle 
East and Africa regions.

Board contribution: Paul is responsible, together with the Board, for 
overseeing the financial operations of the Group and setting its 
financial strategy.

Committee membership key

A     Audit Committee member

C     Corporate Responsibility Committee member

N     Nomination Committee member

R     Remuneration Committee member

Skills and experience: During his tenure as Chief Executive Officer, 
Richard has led the continued growth of IHG, including the launch of 
our two newest brands, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts and EVEN Hotels. 
He has also overseen the recent relaunch of IHG’s loyalty programme  
as IHG Rewards Club. Before being appointed Chief Executive Officer, 
Richard served as Chief Financial Officer and Head of Commercial 
Development at IHG. Richard was integral in shaping and implementing 
IHG’s asset-light strategy, which has helped the business grow 
significantly since it was formed in 2003 as well as supporting the 
return of over £9 billion to shareholders. In 2008, he also served as 
Interim President of our Americas business.

Board contribution: Richard is responsible for the executive 
management of the Group and ensuring the implementation of  
Board strategy and policy.

Kirk Kinsell
President, The Americas
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.

Tracy Robbins
Executive Vice President, 
Human Resources and Group 
Operations Support
Appointed to the Board: 9 August 2011 

Skills and experience: Tracy has over 28 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 Group 
plc, a hotel company. 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.

Governance  57

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONBoard of Directors biographies

David Kappler
Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director       A   N   R
Appointed to the Board: 21 June 2004

Jennifer Laing
Independent  
Non-Executive Director       A   C   N
Appointed to the Board: 25 August 2005 

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

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 where she rose to Chairman of the London 
office and subsequently Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of 
Saatchi & Saatchi North America. 

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.

Ian Dyson
Independent  
Non-Executive Director       A   N   R  
Appointed to the Board: 1 September 2013 

Jonathan Linen
Independent  
Non-Executive Director       N   R
Appointed to the Board: 1 December 2005

Skills and experience: Ian has held a number of senior executive  
and finance roles including Group Finance & Operations Director for 
Marks & Spencer Group plc for 5 years from 2005 to 2010, where he 
oversaw significant changes in the business. In addition, Ian was Chief 
Executive Officer of Punch Taverns plc, Finance Director for the Rank 
Group, and Group Financial Controller and Finance Director for the 
hotels division of Hilton Hotels & Resorts. 

Board contribution: Ian has gained significant experience from 
working in various senior finance roles predominantly in the 
hospitality sector.

Other appointments: Currently a Non-Executive Director of Punch 
Taverns plc, a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit 
Committee of Betfair Group plc and Senior Independent Non-Executive 
Director of ASOS plc.

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.

58 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Luke Mayhew
Independent  
Non-Executive Director       C   N   R
Appointed to the Board: 1 July 2011 

Dale Morrison
Independent  
Non-Executive Director       A   C   N
Appointed to the Board: 1 June 2011

Skills and experience: Luke 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 WHSmith 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 was Remuneration Committee 
Chairman at Brambles Limited from 2006 to 2013. 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, a global provider of supply chain and information 
management solutions, and trustee of BBC Children in Need. 

Skills and experience: Dale is 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, a frozen food company.

Jill McDonald 
Independent  
Non-Executive Director       A   N
Appointed to the Board: 1 June 2013

Ying Yeh
Independent  
Non-Executive Director       C   N   R
Appointed to the Board: 1 December 2007 

Skills and experience: Jill started her career at Colgate-Palmolive, 
spent 16 years with British Airways Plc and held a number of senior 
marketing positions in the UK and overseas.

Board contribution: Jill has over 26 years’ experience working with 
high-profile international consumer facing brands at both marketing 
and operational level.

Other appointments: Currently Chief Executive Officer UK and 
President for the North West Europe Division for McDonald’s.  
Prior to that Jill was Chief Executive Officer UK and President for the 
Northern Division (2010 to 2013) and previously Senior Vice President, 
Chief Marketing Officer UK and Northern Division (2006 to 2010).

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.

Committee membership key

A     Audit Committee member

C     Corporate Responsibility Committee member

N     Nomination Committee member

R     Remuneration Committee member

Governance  59

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONExecutive Committee biographies

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

Keith Barr
Chief Commercial Officer
Appointed to the Executive Committee: 
April 2011 (Joined the Group: 2000)

Eric Pearson
Executive Vice President  
and Chief Information Officer
Appointed to the Executive Committee: 
February 2012 (Joined the Group: 1997)

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, Chief Operating 
Officer, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, and Managing Director, 
Greater China. He became an Executive Committee member in April 2011 
and was previously Chief Executive, Greater China until May 2013. Keith is 
currently a member of Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for 
Hospitality Entrepreneurship Advisory Board.

Skills and experience: Eric has a background in engineering and 
technology and started his career at IHG over 17 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 global sales, marketing and  
brand functions, to drive consistent brand strategies across all  
regions and leverage IHG’s scale and systems to deliver continued 
industry outperformance.

Angela Brav
Chief Executive, Europe
Appointed to the Executive Committee: 
August 2011 (Joined the Group: 1988)

Jan Smits
Chief Executive, Asia,  
Middle East and Africa
Appointed to the Executive Committee: 
August 2011 (Joined the Group: 2002)

Skills and experience: Angela has over 25 years’ experience in the 
hospitality industry, including hotel operations, franchise relations and 
technology solutions. She has held various senior roles in IHG’s North 
American and European regions prior to becoming Chief Operating Officer, 
North America. She was appointed Chief Executive, Europe in August 2011. 

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

Skills and experience: Jan has 32 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.

Kenneth Macpherson
Chief Executive, Greater China
Appointed to the Executive Committee: 
April 2013 (Joined the Group: 2013)

George Turner
Executive Vice President, General 
Counsel and Company Secretary
Appointed to the Executive Committee: 
January 2009 (Joined the Group: 2008)

Skills and experience: Kenneth joined IHG as Chief Executive, Greater 
China in April 2013. Prior to joining the Group, he worked for Diageo plc, 
one of the UK’s leading branded companies, for over 19 years and has held 
senior management positions including serving as Executive Managing 
Director of Diageo Greater China. Kenneth has extensive management 
experience, with a background in sales, marketing strategy, business 
development, and operations. Kenneth also brings substantial knowledge 
and expertise in Chinese and international business operations.

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

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 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 corporate governance,  
risk management, insurance, regulatory, internal audit, legal, 
corporate responsibility, public affairs and standards.

There are no family relationships between any of the Board or Executive Committee members (set out on pages 57 to 60). There are no 
arrangements or understandings with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others, pursuant to which any of the Board or Executive 
Committee (set out on pages 57 to 60) were selected as a Director or member of the Executive Committee.

60 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Corporate Governance

Leadership
Board 

Board membership
During the year, Jill McDonald (1 June 2013) and Ian Dyson 
(1 September 2013) were appointed to the Board as  
independent Non-Executive Directors. On 1 January 2014,  
Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson was appointed to the Board as  
Chief Financial Officer following Tom Singer’s resignation. 

In 2014, David Kappler will retire from the Board (31 May 2014), Ian 
Dyson will become Audit Committee Chairman (1 April 2014) and Dale 
Morrison will become the Senior Independent Director (31 May 2014).

Biographical details of each member of the Board, including their 
external commitments, can be found on pages 57 to 59. 

Board and Committee structure 
The Board has delegated authority to four committees: 

•	 Audit Committee;

•	 Corporate Responsibility Committee;

•	 Nomination Committee; and 

•	 Remuneration Committee.

See pages 66 to 69 and 74 to 97 for the Committee Reports.  
There are also three management committees, which together 
provide a sound governance framework, see page 65. 

Key responsibilities
Board 
•	 Leading the strategic direction and long-term objectives and 
success of the Group, approving strategic plans, and capital  
and revenue budgets; 

•	 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 for it, which are 
available on the website at www.ihgplc.com/investors under 
corporate governance. Service contracts and letters of 
appointment set out in writing the roles of each of the Directors 
including the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (see below). 

Chairman – Patrick Cescau
•	 Leading the operation and governance of the Board and its 

Committees as well as building and maintaining an effective Board; 

•	 overseeing corporate governance matters and ensuring they 

are addressed;

•	 leading the performance evaluations of the Chief Executive 

Officer, Non-Executive Directors and the Board;

•	 ensuring Directors receive timely, accurate and clear 

information on Company business and that all Directors 
are fully informed of relevant matters; and

•	 communicating effectively with shareholders and stakeholders.

Patrick Cescau, in conjunction with Richard Solomons and George 
Turner, ensure that Directors receive a full, formal and tailored 
induction to the Group and ongoing training as relevant. The roles 
of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are clearly established 
and separate.

Chief Executive Officer – Richard Solomons
•	 Leading the development of the Company’s strategic direction 

and implementing the agreed strategy; 

•	 communicating effectively with shareholders and stakeholders;

•	 overseeing business operations and managing risks; and

•	 building and leading an effective Executive Committee and 

management of the Group’s business. 

Richard Solomons is assisted in meeting his responsibilities  
by Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson, Chief Financial Officer, and the 
Executive Committee (who head up the Group’s principal 
operations and functions). 

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director – David Kappler
•	 Being available to liaise with shareholders who have 

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

•	 conducting the annual performance review of the Chairman; and

•	 providing advice and judgement for the Chairman as necessary.

Independent Non-Executive Directors 
•	 Providing a strong source of advice and judgement;

•	 constructively challenging and helping develop proposals  

on strategy; and

•	 providing significant external commercial experience and  

a broad range of skills for the Board to draw on.

Company Secretary – George Turner
•	 Ensuring a good flow of information to the Board and its 

Committees and between the Executive Committee and the  
Non-Executive Directors;

•	 facilitating all Director inductions; and

•	 advising the Board on corporate governance and keeping 

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

Board composition

One Non-Executive  
Chairman (8%)

Four Executive  
Directors (31%)

Eight independent 
Non-Executive Directors (61%)

The Board’s current composition meets the requirement of  
the Code for at least half the Board, excluding Patrick Cescau,  
to be independent Non-Executive Directors. The Chairman was 
independent on appointment to the Board. 

In the Board’s view, all of the current Non-Executive Directors are 
independent including David Kappler who has served as a Director for 
over 9 years and who will be retiring from the Board on 31 May 2014. 

Notwithstanding David’s length of tenure, the Board is satisfied 
that David Kappler continues to demonstrate independence in 
character and judgement and that it remains appropriate to regard 
him as independent under provision B.1.1 of the Code. David 
therefore continues to serve on the Board as Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chairman.

At each AGM all Directors stand for re-election. 

Governance  61

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
 
Corporate Governance continued

Length of Non-Executive Director tenure
The current Non-Executive Directors’ lengths of tenure as  
at 31 December 2013 are illustrated below:

Board diversity policy
Our Board diversity policy, introduced in 2013, aims to ensure that 
diversity in its broadest sense remains a key priority of the Board. 

7-10 years tenure 
38% (3)

0-3 years tenure 
50% (4)

4-6 years tenure
12% (1)

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

Below is a chart showing the Board’s balance of skills and 
experience:

International
25%

Marketing and sales
7%

Branded industry 
29%

Finance
14%

Consumer
25%

Diversity and inclusion 
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. 

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.

Our objectives are as follows:

•	 whilst all appointments are made on merit, we seek to ensure 
that the Board maintains an appropriate balance through a 
diverse mix of experience, backgrounds, skills, knowledge  
and insight, to further strengthen the diversity of gender and 
experience already on the Board and improve it further;

•	 we commit to having diverse and inclusive leadership which 

supports all colleagues in reaching their full potential, including 
the development of a pipeline of high-calibre candidates from 
within the business;

•	 we will maintain a level of at least 25% female directors on  

the Board over the short to medium-term; and

•	 we will report annually against these objectives and other 
initiatives taking place in the Group which promote gender  
and other forms of diversity.

We are currently in compliance with all of the above objectives.  
We firmly believe in the importance of a diverse Board membership 
and fully support the UK Lord Davies Report on ‘Women on Boards’. 
Currently, the Board includes four women (31%) and four nationalities.

Our current Board gender and nationality split is illustrated below:

Board gender

Male
69% (9)

Board nationalities

Female
31% (4)

French
8% (1)

Chinese
8% (1)

American
23% (3)

Further details on our commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout 
the business together with statistics are set out on page 23.

British
61% (8)

62 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Board meetings
The Board meets eight times each year with additional meetings 
scheduled as necessary. One of the meetings is a two-day strategy 
meeting, 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 gain a deeper 
understanding of different markets. In 2013, the Chairman and  
the Non-Executive Directors met without Executive Directors being 
present, and intend to continue this practise, before every Board 
meeting if possible. 

Patrick Cescau, in conjunction with George Turner, plans the 
agenda for each Board meeting. This is a two tier process, 
combining our annual agenda of regular items, which ensures  
all critical topics and strategic updates are covered, with a  
detailed schedule of areas for presentation at Board meetings.

Directors are briefed on the Group’s financial performance and 
its operations, key commercial matters and progress against  
key strategic plans and relations with investors, by means of 
comprehensive papers in advance of, and 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 
2013 included: 

•	 the IHG corporate brand and the loyalty programme relaunch  

– IHG Rewards Club;

•	 the IHG Owners Association;

•	 technology trends; and 

•	 the System Fund.

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 in advance and be able to discuss matters arising with 
Patrick Cescau and Richard Solomons.

Board annual strategy meeting
During 2013, the Board held its two-day strategy meeting in 
Washington D.C., US, which enabled the Board to look in depth  
at the long-term strategic direction of the Group, understand 
progress against key strategic priorities and confirm those areas 
which require ongoing Board oversight. The discussion topics 
included: major trends in the industry, new business development 
opportunities, and an overview of the medium to long-term 
financial impacts of our strategic choices. There was also an 
opportunity to visit a cross-section of competitor hotels.

Key issues discussed in 2013 meetings
At each meeting the Board has the following standing items on  
the agenda: Chairman’s matters, Chief Executive Officer’s matters, 
finance updates from the Chief Financial Officer, business  
updates from various members of the Executive Committee,  
risk management, secretariat updates (including corporate 
governance), media and investor relations updates and conflicts  
of interest review. 

Key areas of focus for the Board in 2013 included:

Business  
strategy 

Commercial, geographic, technological,  
human resources

Business  
performance 

Chief Financial Officer’s report,  
2013 budget, 2012 full-year results, 2013 half-year  
results and interim management statements

Corporate  
governance

Board performance evaluation, committee updates 
and reports, legal and regulatory compliance updates

Responsible  
business

Operational and strategic risk, safety and  
security, reputation

Corporate  
responsibility

IHG’s three core programmes; IHG Green Engage,  
IHG Academy and IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme

Investor  
relations

Analyst reports, investor perceptions

Independent advice 
All Directors have access to the advice and services of George 
Turner, the Company Secretary, the Company’s external legal 
advisers and the external Auditor, who is 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 and independence
The Board reviews potential conflicts of interest and independence 
as a standing agenda item at each Board meeting with a review 
conducted annually. As authorised by the Articles, the Board 
considers and approves all potential conflicts of interest as it deems 
appropriate. Directors have continuing obligations to update the 
Board on any changes to these conflicts or their independence.

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 2013.

Governance  63

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONEffectiveness
The Board believes that, in order to be most effective, it must have a mix of skills and experience, background and length of service.  
Further details can be found on page 62. The structure, size and composition of the Board and succession planning is continuously monitored  
by Patrick Cescau and the Nomination Committee. Further details can be found in the Nomination Committee Report on page 69. 

A summary of each Director’s attendance at meetings of the Board and its principal Committees during 2013 is shown below. Unless 
otherwise indicated, all Directors held office throughout the year: 

Committees

Directors

Chairman

Patrick Cescau

Chief Executive Officer

Richard Solomons

Executive Directors

Kirk Kinsell
Tracy Robbins
Tom Singer1
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director

David Kappler

Independent Non-Executive Directors

Ian Dyson2
Jennifer Laing 
Jonathan Linen
Luke Mayhew
Jill McDonald3
Dale Morrison
Ying Yeh

Total meetings held

Committee 
appointments

Board

Audit  A

Corporate
Responsibility  C

Nomination  N

Remuneration  R

N 4

C

n/a
n/a
n/a

A 4  N   R

A   N   R
A   C 4  N
N   R

  C   N   R 4
A   N

  A   C   N
C   N   R

8/8

8/8

8/8
8/8
7/7

7/85

3/3
8/8
8/8
8/8
4/53
8/8
8/8
8

n/a

n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a

5/5

2/2
5/5
n/a
n/a
3/3
5/5
n/a
5

n/a

3/3

n/a
n/a
n/a

n/a

n/a
3/3
n/a
3/3
n/a
3/3
3/3
3

5/5

n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a

5/5

1/1
5/5
5/5
5/5
2/33
5/5
5/5
5

n/a

n/a

n/a
n/a
n/a

5/65

3/3
n/a
6/6
6/6
n/a
n/a
6/6
6

1 Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson was appointed as a Director on 1 January 2014 and Tom Singer resigned.
2 Appointed as an independent Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees on 1 September 2013.
3  Appointed as an independent Non-Executive Director and member of the Audit and Nomination Committees on 1 June 2013. Jill McDonald missed one  
Board meeting and one Nomination Committee meeting (which were held on the same day) due to a prior commitment known to the Board in advance.
4 Chairman of the relevant Committee.
5  David Kappler missed one Board meeting and one Remuneration Committee meeting (which were held on the same day) due to a prior commitment known  
to the Board in advance.

Annual re-election of Directors

All Directors retire at each AGM and are subject to shareholder 
re-election in line with the Code recommendations. Details of 
Directors’ service contracts and appointment terms are set out  
on pages 85 and 86.

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 accords  
with best practice. Induction programmes were developed for  
Jill McDonald and Ian Dyson, and Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson has also 
received an appropriate induction to his role as Chief Financial Officer. 
All 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, including areas such as the Board 

structure and its Committees, Group structure, principal activities 
and strategy 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; and

•	 visits to our global corporate offices and hotels to provide a 

greater insight into the business. 

On appointment, Directors are advised of, and requested to,  
make the necessary time commitment required to discharge  
their responsibilities effectively. Patrick Cescau reviews the  
time each Non-Executive Director has dedicated to the Company, 
as part of the annual Board performance evaluation.

Ongoing 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. 

During 2013, the Directors received briefings on a number of  
legal and regulatory developments, including updates on director 
remuneration legislation, regulatory changes to annual  
reporting and various ABI and PIRC corporate governance 
guidelines. Patrick Cescau regularly reviews and agrees training 
and development needs with each Director. In addition, George 
Turner 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.

Board performance evaluation

IHG has always recognised the importance of evaluating the 
performance of the Board, its main Committees and its Directors 
in line with the Code recommendations. 

64 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Corporate Governance continued 
2013 Board performance evaluation
Process
Boardroom Review, an independent external facilitator with no other connection to IHG, carried out the 2013 Board performance evaluation. 
This included confidential interviews with each Director to gain an understanding of our Board’s performance and consider its effectiveness. 

Results
The results of the review were presented for discussion at the Board meeting in February 2014 and confirmed that the Board and each of 
its Committees continue to operate effectively, the composition of the Board is strong and that each Director brings relevant knowledge, 
diversity of perspective, an ability and willingness to challenge and retains a strong commitment to the role. Further strengths included 
the Board culture, use of time, increasingly strategic debate and the control and risk framework oversight at Board level.

2013 and 2012 external Board performance evaluation outcomes and action plan

2013

2012

Observations

Action taken/to be taken

Observations

Action taken

Increase the Board’s 
oversight of new 
technology
Enhance the Board’s 
use of time and gain a 
deeper understanding 
of priorities and risks
Consider future Board 
composition and 
succession

Ensure the Board is regularly updated on 
developments

Provide the Board with more time to consider 
industry and consumer trends, further 
information on the competition and regular 
updates on major projects
Schedule regular Nomination Committee 
meetings

Prioritise the search for a Non-Executive 
Director with experience in consumer facing 
technology

Continually refresh the Board skills inventory

Deepen the Board’s 
focus on the 
Group’s strategy 
Ensure the smooth 
integration of the new 
Chairman

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

–

–

Consider growth 
opportunities for 
the Group

Retained focus on strategy with particular 
attention on the external environment

A tailored induction was completed with 
ongoing support

Senior management reviewed the optimum level 
of detail in presentations and papers

More frequent sessions held with the Chief 
Executive Officer and Non-Executive Directors

Provided the Board annual agenda of regular 
items to the Directors

Conducted deep dives into regions, functions and 
current issues 

Balanced the time for presentations and discussion
Continued to review growth opportunities 
for the Group

Individual Director internal performance evaluations 

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

Director being appraised

Appraiser

Chairman

Chief Executive Officer

Reviewed by the Non-Executive Directors 
excluding the Chairman and facilitated by the 
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
Chairman and all Non-Executive Directors 
meet to discuss performance

Executive Directors

Chief Executive Officer

Non-Executive Directors

Chairman

Board committees 

For the Board’s four Committee Reports, see pages 66 to 69 and 74 to 97. 

Each Committee has written terms of reference which are approved 
by the Board and subject to review each year. Amendments to the 
terms of reference were made and approved for the Nomination, 
Remuneration and Audit Committees. 

Management committees 

Details of our management committees are set out below and  
their terms of reference can be found on the Company’s website  
at www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate governance/  
committees or from the Company Secretary’s office on request.

Executive Committee
The Executive Committee considers and manages a range of 
strategic and business issues facing the Group. It monitors the 
performance of the business and is authorised to approve capital 
and revenue investment within levels agreed by the Board. 

Governance: The Committee is chaired by Richard Solomons and 
usually meets monthly. Members of this Committee comprise the 
Executive Directors and the most senior executives from the Group 
(see page 60). The Committee recommends to the Board 
significant decisions which require its approval. 

Disclosure Committee
The Disclosure Committee is responsible for ensuring that there 
are procedures in place so that information required to be 
disclosed in reports pursuant to UK and US accounting, statutory 
or listing requirements, fairly represent the Group’s position in all 
material respects. 

Governance: The Committee is chaired by the Group’s Financial 
Controller. Members of this Committee comprise of George Turner 
and other senior officers. The Committee reports to Richard 
Solomons, Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson 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. It is always chaired by an Executive 
Committee member and Patrick Cescau and Executive Directors 
are notified in advance of the business of the meeting. 

Governance  65

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONAudit Committee Report

Committee membership

  David Kappler Chairman
  Members

Ian Dyson, Jennifer Laing, Jill McDonald, Dale Morrison

  For full biographies see pages 57 to 59.

Dear Shareholder

Roles and responsibilities
The Audit Committee’s responsibilities fall in to five areas: 
(i) internal controls and risk management; (ii) financial reporting; 
(iii) internal audit; (iv) external audit and compliance;  
and (v) whistleblowing and fraud. 

Terms of reference (ToR)
The Committee’s main role and responsibilities are set out in its  
ToR which have been drafted to be fully compliant with the Code 
provisions. A copy of the ToR can be found on the Company’s  
website at www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate governance/ 
committees or from the Company Secretary’s office on request.

Governance
The Committee was in place throughout 2013 and all Committee 
members remained independent, as determined annually by the 
Board. During the year, Ian Dyson and Jill McDonald joined the 
Committee. Each member has been appointed as they have 
the experience and expertise necessary to meet the 
Committee’s responsibilities. 

The Board is satisfied that David Kappler continues to remain 
independent. Having served on the Board since June 2004,  
he will step down as Audit Committee Chairman on 1 April 2014 
and Ian Dyson will be appointed Chairman of the Committee.

The Code requires the Committee to have at least one member with 
recent and relevant financial experience and the US Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act (SOX) necessitates a designated financial expert. The Board is 
satisfied that David Kappler and Ian Dyson meet the requirements of 
the Code and are financial experts – David is a qualified accountant 
and former Chief Financial Officer of Cadbury Schweppes plc and 
Ian is also a qualified accountant and former Group Finance and 
Operations Director at Marks & Spencer Group plc.

Committee meetings
In 2013, the Committee met five times and the following regular 
papers were received: an analysis of the audit and non-audit 
fees; an update on items discussed by the Disclosure Committee; 
an update on material litigation; a report on significant incidents 
of fraud and whistleblowing; a report on risk management; an 
update on SOX compliance; a report from the external Auditor; 
and a quarterly report on Global Internal Audit (GIA) activities.

66 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

At each Committee meeting the internal and external Auditors  
meet without the presence of management. At the invitation of  
the Committee, the Chairman (Patrick Cescau), the Chief Executive 
Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Head of GIA, Group Financial 
Controller and external Auditor, Ernst & Young LLP (EY), attend 
meetings. EY attended each meeting in 2013 and provided a report on 
key activities. PwC, who provide co-assurance for global technology 
projects and processes, also present key findings at every meeting. 
Other attendees are invited to meetings as appropriate, to provide 
a deeper insight into, and understanding of, key decisions.

Key issues discussed in 2013 meetings
The Committee discussed, amongst others, the following matters: 

Date

Key issues discussed

14 February •	 Appraised EY and recommended their  

re-appointment

•	 Examined an analysis of EY’s audit and non-audit 
fees and assessed that fees incurred to date were 
in accordance with IHG’s Audit and Non-Audit 
Services Pre-Approval Policy

•	 Evaluated the 2013 Group Major Risk Review and 

Global Risk Management Report 2012

•	 Assessed the annual SOX review concluding that 
no material weaknesses had been found in the 
internal control environment. One significant 
deficiency was discussed and noted

•	 Considered recommendations on the preliminary 

announcement of the annual results, Annual 
Report and Review 2012 to the Board

•	 Considered EY’s Audit Results Report and made 

enquiries on key auditing and accounting items and 
control observations arising from the 2013 audit

2 May

•	 Received an update on the 2013 GIA strategy 

following external review

•	 Considered and made recommendations on  

the first quarter interim management statement  
to the Board

•	 Discussed the principal areas of change for the 

2013 SOX compliance review

•	 Considered the regulations proposing audit tender 
and rotation, and agreed to conduct a full review of 
audit services in 2015 

•	 Received an update on treasury activities including 
the Group’s funding strategy, credit rating strategy, 
the maturity and profile of the Group’s facilities 
and the cashflow positions

1 August

•	 Received an update on the new accounting 

standards which were effective from 1 January 2013

•	 Considered and recommended the Half-Year 

Results to the Board

•	 Approved the EY 2013 Audit Planning Report
•	 Received an update on PwC’s approach to 
technology assurance, agreed a number of 
technology audits on information security and 
requested an update on the same at each meeting

•	 Considered and made enquiries of EY on key 

matters arising from their interim review on the 
Group’s Half-Year Results

31 October

•	 Received an overview of the System Fund 

accounting and IHG Rewards Club points liability
•	 Considered and recommended the third quarter 
interim management statement to the Board
•	 Received the annual update on the Group’s tax 

position, strategy and focus areas

9 December •	 Discussed the 2014 Major Risks review

•	 Considered the GIA 2014 Audit Plan and agreed  

to undertake an effectiveness review of GIA
•	 Completed the Audit and Non-Audit Services 

Pre-Approval Policy annual review and proposed 
no changes

•	 Reviewed and made enquiries of EY on the key 

findings in their Audit Update Report

Corporate Governance continued 
Significant matters in the 2013 Financial Statements
In respect of significant matters relating to the 2013 Financial 
Statements the Committee:

•	 discussed with management the processes followed to estimate 
the liability for the Group’s loyalty programme and asked for 
clarification on the actuarial review undertaken by the third-party 
actuary and the key elements of the calculation of the estimated 
cost of point redemption. This is also an area of audit focus and 
the Committee considered with EY their reporting on this liability;

•	 reviewed with management the assumptions and calculations 

supporting the major exceptional items in the year. In particular, 
the key elements of the charge arising on the UK Defined 
Benefit Pension Plan buy-in were discussed and the actuarial 
bases considered. With regard to this item, the Committee also 
considered EY’s views on the disclosures and approach adopted;

•	 reviewed the detailed report from management supporting the 
conclusion that no impairment charges were required against 
the carrying value of hotel assets, goodwill or other intangible 
assets. In particular, the key judgements underlying hotel 
valuations were discussed and the short and longer-term 
growth assumptions underlying certain intangible valuations 
were challenged. EY’s views on the valuations performed by 
management were also considered; and

•	 discussed the key judgements surrounding deferred tax 

recognition with the Head of Group Tax and the Chief Financial 
Officer. In particular, the assumptions regarding the recognition 
of future profits across the Group were discussed and clarified 
with management. This is also an area where the Committee 
received and discussed detailed reporting from EY.

A separate sub-committee meeting was held in February 2014 with 
management and EY to consider the Annual Report and Form 20-F 
2013. The report was reviewed as a whole, to consider whether it 
provided a fair, balanced and understandable view of the Group 
with the necessary information for shareholders to assess the 
Group’s performance, business model and strategy. Audit 
Committee members provided comments on the draft report 
which were then incorporated into the final version.

External Auditor
EY have been the Group’s Auditor since it listed in 2003 (10 years). 
While an audit tender has not been carried out since EY’s initial 
appointment, the Committee considers the appointment of its Auditor 
annually, and in May 2013 made a recommendation to the Board that 
a full review of the audit provision should be carried out in 2015 
subject to UK and EU legislation. To ensure EY’s independence is 
safeguarded, lead audit partners rotate every five years. The current 
lead audit partner has been in place for three years. An evaluation of 
EY takes place annually where questionnaires on EY’s services are 
completed by over 30 senior IHG finance employees.

The Committee reviews the independence and effectiveness  
of EY on an ongoing basis and receives reports from them  
on their independence annually. As well as Company policies  
and procedures, which aim to safeguard EY’s independence  
and effectiveness, EY also have their own protective policies  
and systems in place, which are explained in a Transparency 
Report issued by EY on an annual basis. 

For the year ended 31 December 2013, the Committee was 
satisfied with the independence, objectivity and effectiveness  
of the relationship with EY as the external Auditor. 

Non-audit services
EY provide non-audit services to the Group which are governed, 
to safeguard their objectivity and independence by IHG’s Audit 
and Non-Audit Services Pre-Approval Policy. The Policy is 
re-approved by the Audit Committee annually in December.  
For the 2013 financial year the policy was updated and approved 
at the Audit Committee meeting on 12 December 2012. The policy 
requires that pre-approval is obtained from the Audit Committee 
for all services before any work can be commenced, in line with 
US Securities and Exchange Commission requirements. Under 
this policy, the Committee is prohibited from delegating non-audit 
services approval to management. Compliance with the policy is 
actively managed and, as such, an analysis of audit and non-audit 
services are reviewed by the Committee at each meeting.

The Committee is aware of, and sensitive to, investor body 
guidelines on non-audit fees. During 2013, 12% of services 
provided to the Group were non-audit services; these included 
areas such as advisory work and corporate tax compliance. 

For fees paid to EY for non-audit work during 2013 see page 123.

Internal control and risk management
The Committee monitors internal controls and risk management, 
on behalf of the Board, through quarterly reports from both the 
Head of GIA and from EY. Additionally, the Committee receives 
frequent risk management reports on relevant issues and 
developments from the Head of Risk Management and other 
management. The Committee Chairman updates the Board on  
the quality and effectiveness of internal controls across the Group 
through regular Board presentations. Fraud and whistleblowing 
reports are collated from information provided by the Group's 
independent external provider, who facilitates the Group’s helpline 
phone number for employees with whistleblowing and fraud 
concerns, and fraud data from Global Risk Management and  
are presented to the Committee biannually. The Committee  
would be advised immediately of a significant matter, to ensure  
a proportionate and independent investigation was performed. 

Internal audit
The Committee is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the 
activities of the GIA department and does this by way of an annual 
review. The results of the review are analysed and discussed at 
the Committee's meeting in May. 

Effectiveness of the Committee 
Committee effectiveness is dependent on its overall efficiency  
as well as the efficacy of EY and GIA. The effectiveness of the 
Committee, EY and GIA is monitored and assessed annually 
through evaluation questionnaires. 

Further details of the evaluation process can be found on page 65. 

Key priorities for the Committee in 2014
During 2014, I will ensure a smooth transition to Ian Dyson  
and the Committee intends to remain focused on the key areas  
of responsibility delegated to it by the Board, ensuring that 
standards of good governance are maintained across all areas  
of the business, with a particular focus on the integrity of the 
internal financial controls and risk management systems.

David Kappler, Chairman of the Audit Committee
17 February 2014

Governance  67

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCorporate Responsibility  
Committee Report 

Committee membership

  Jennifer Laing Chairman
  Members
  Luke Mayhew, Dale Morrison, Richard Solomons, Ying Yeh

  For full biographies see pages 57 to 59.

Dear Shareholder

Roles and responsibilities
The Corporate Responsibility Committee advises the Board on 
the Group’s corporate responsibility objectives and strategy and 
ensures that IHG’s responsible business priorities deliver against 
our core purpose, Great Hotels Guests Love.

Terms of reference (ToR)
Our role and responsibilities are set out in the ToR which can be 
found on the Company’s website at www.ihgplc.com/investors 
under corporate governance/committees or from the Company 
Secretary’s office on request. 

Governance
All members have the experience and expertise necessary to 
meet the Committee’s responsibilities. During the year, a majority 
of the Committee members were Non-Executive Directors, 
as required under the ToR. 

For further information on IHG’s approach to Corporate Responsibility 
matters see pages 32 and 33.

Committee meetings
In 2013, the Committee held three scheduled meetings and one 
additional meeting to discuss the corporate responsibility targets. 
Regular papers were received on corporate responsibility 
performance as well as deep dives into IHG’s core corporate 
responsibility programmes; IHG Green Engage, IHG Academy  
and the IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme.

The Heads of Corporate Responsibility and the Chairman (Patrick 
Cescau) also attend the meetings.

Effectiveness of the Committee
The Committee is monitored and assessed annually as part of  
the Board and Committee evaluation. 

Further details of this process can be found on page 65.

68 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Key issues discussed in 2013 meetings
The Committee discussed, amongst others, the following matters: 
Date

Key issues discussed

15 February

•	 Discussed performance against 2012 delivery plan 

and set 2013 priorities 

•	 Discussed the Corporate Responsibility Report 

approach for 2013 

•	 Received a deep dive update on the IHG Shelter  

in a Storm Programme

24 May

•	 Received an update on the key achievements 

across core corporate responsibility programmes; 
IHG Green Engage, IHG Academy and IHG Shelter 
in a Storm Programme

•	 Considered the integration of responsible 
business into the IHG corporate brand

•	 Reviewed the 2013 to 2017 corporate responsibility 

external targets

•	 Evaluated the corporate responsibility work 

undertaken with owners and developers in key hotels

18 June

•	 Received a deep dive update on IHG Green Engage 

and considered proposals for the implementation of 
IHG Green Engage as a brand standard across the 
IHG system

•	 Considered the corporate responsibility 

communications plan and progress made  
on delivering it

•	 Discussed the Group’s approach to and policy  

on human rights

26 September •	 Received a deep dive update on the IHG Academy 

•	 Discussed the corporate responsibility Investor 
Breakfast and Media Briefing and subsequent 
press releases announcing IHG’s external 
corporate responsibility targets

•	 Received an update on the integration of responsible 

business into the IHG corporate brand

•	 Considered the corporate responsibility work 
undertaken with owners and developers in  
key hotels

2013-2017 Corporate responsibility targets 
On 26 September 2013, the Group announced its corporate 
responsibility targets for 2013-2017, which are focused on our 
core Corporate Responsibility programmes: IHG Green Engage, 
IHG Academy, and IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme. 

Our five-year targets are set out on page 32 and include: reducing 
the carbon footprint per occupied room by 12% across our entire 
estate; reducing water use per occupied room in water-stressed 
areas by 12%, providing skills and improved employability to 20,000 
people through the IHG Academy; and contributing a total of  
$10 million to communities through monetary donations and in-kind 
support, including through the IHG Shelter in a Storm Programme. 

We will also track and report supply chain diversity and integrate 
corporate responsibility criteria into the selection and evaluation 
process for preferred suppliers.

Key priorities for the Committee in 2014
Corporate responsibility continues to be an area of great 
importance to IHG and I, as Chairman of the Committee,  
am committed to promoting this as a significant part of doing 
business responsibly. During 2014 the Committee will continue  
to focus on making the best use of our key corporate 
responsibility programmes around the world and ensure 
responsible business remains synonymous with IHG.

Jennifer Laing, Chairman of the Corporate  
Responsibility Committee
17 February 2014

Corporate Governance continuedNomination Committee Report

Committee meetings
In 2013, the Committee met on five occasions and considered 
executive succession planning and refreshment of the Board. 

Key issues discussed in 2013 meetings
The Committee discussed, amongst others, the following matters: 

Date

Key issues discussed

15 February •	 Considered the appointment of Kenneth 

Committee membership

  Patrick Cescau Chairman
  Members 

 Ian Dyson, David Kappler, Jennifer Laing, Jonathan Linen, 
Jill McDonald, Luke Mayhew, Dale Morrison, Ying Yeh

3 May

Macpherson as Chief Executive Officer, Greater 
China and Keith Barr as Chief Commercial Officer
•	 Recommended the Board for re-election at the AGM
•	 Discussed succession planning for a Non-Executive 

Director and a new Audit Committee Chairman

•	 Conducted the annual review of the composition, skills, 

diversity, knowledge and experience of the Board

•	 Reviewed the performance appraisals for members 

of the Executive Committee

•	 Recommended to the Board the appointment  
of Jill McDonald as Non-Executive Director

•	 Received an update on Board succession planning

  For full biographies see pages 57 to 59.

Dear Shareholder

Roles and responsibilities
The Nomination Committee considers 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 diversity, skills and experience. 
The Committee is also responsible for reviewing the Group’s 
talent planning and leadership needs.

Terms of reference (ToR)
Our role and responsibilities are set out in the ToR which can be 
found on the Company’s website at www.ihgplc.com/investors 
under corporate governance/committees or from the Company 
Secretary’s office on request. 

Governance
All members, excluding the Chairman are independent  
Non-Executive Directors, as required under its ToR and also  
the Code. During 2013 Ian Dyson and Jill McDonald joined  
the Committee. All members have the experience and  
expertise necessary to meet the Committee’s responsibilities. 

Patrick Cescau would not chair the Committee when it is 
considering matters relating to his position. In these circumstances, 
David Kappler, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director,  
would act as Chairman of the Committee.

2013 Board appointments
The Committee considered a number of Board appointments  
in 2013. External search agents, Egon Zehnder International,  
who have no connection to IHG, were engaged to assist in finding 
two new Non-Executive Directors. The search was undertaken 
against detailed job specifications setting out the particular skills, 
knowledge and experience required for these particular positions. 

The Committee considered and nominated Jill McDonald and  
Ian Dyson as Non-Executive Directors, who were appointed  
by the Board, effective from 1 June 2013 and 1 September 2013 
respectively. Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson was considered and 
nominated as Chief Financial Officer by the Committee and 
subsequently appointed by the Board, effective 1 January 2014.

David Kappler will step down as Audit Committee Chairman and 
retire from the Board during 2014. In February 2014 the Committee 
considered and nominated Dale Morrison as Senior Independent 
Non-Executive Director and Ian Dyson as Audit Committee Chairman.

18 June

•	 Reviewed Executive Committee development, 

succession planning and the talent pool

•	 Received an update on succession planning for  

the Audit Committee Chairman 

2 August

•	 Recommended to the Board the appointment of Ian 

Dyson as Non-Executive Director

•	 Discussed the Board’s future skills gap and matched 

these with existing Director’s skills

•	 Discussed the Chief Executive Officer’s mid-year 

appraisal

5 December •	 Considered and recommended the appointment of 
Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson as Chief Financial Officer

Succession planning
Independent consultants are engaged for all Non-Executive 
Director appointment searches. The Committee remains focused, 
on behalf of the Board, on Board succession planning for both 
Executive and Non-Executive Directors. 

During 2013, the Committee worked with senior management to 
review and strengthen the talent pool within the business and the 
appointment of Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson as Chief Financial Officer 
demonstrates the strength of our succession planning. A number of 
new senior hires were made in both global and regional leadership 
positions, further strengthening our internal pipeline. 

Board diversity
We recognise the value of diversity in its broadest sense and, 
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. 

We support the aspirations of the UK Lord Davies Report on ‘Women 
on Boards’ including the representation of women at the highest 
level in the organisation. We currently have four women on the Board 
(31%) and two on the Executive Committee (18%).

Further information on diversity across the Group can be found on page 23.

Key priorities for the Committee in 2014
The Committee will consider enhancements to the Board and 
Committees and as Chairman of the Committee, I am committed 
to ensuring that we continue to look for the right capabilities and 
competencies for the future, looking in particular in areas such  
as guest-facing technology. 

Patrick Cescau, Chairman of the Nomination Committee 
17 February 2014

Governance  69

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
Remuneration 

Major Risks register

For information on remuneration see the Remuneration Committee 
Report on pages 74 to 97.

Accountability
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 is 
carried out through a monitoring process, which accords with the 
Code and the Internal Control: Guidance to Directors. 

Further details on the Audit Committee’s role in managing risk are set 
out on page 67. 

Day-to-day management of business risks are 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 Major Risks review 

and assurance mapping process (through reports from the Head 
of Global Risk Management, the Head of GIA, 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. 

Board annual review of internal controls and risk 
management

The Board conducts an annual review of the effectiveness of  
the Group’s system of internal controls and risk management. 
This review covers all material controls, including financial, 
operational and compliance controls, the principal risks affecting 
the Group, the risk management systems, and also takes into 
account any material developments since the year end. 

In 2013, the Audit Committee was satisfied that the Group has an 
effective risk management system and the Executive Committee, 
Audit Committee and the Board reviewed the Major Risks affecting 
the Group. 

Our approach to risk management, key risk mitigating activities and the 
principal risks and factors that could affect the Group are set out on  
pages 34 to 37.

Global Internal Audit (GIA) Plan and Effectiveness Review

In December each year, the Audit Committee discusses the GIA 
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 GIA to 
undertake an agreed schedule of audits during which the 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal controls are assessed. 

During the year an internal GIA Effectiveness Review was carried 
out and reported to the Audit Committee. The Review contained 
input from auditees and senior management and assessed GIA 
against the Institute of Internal Auditors Standards. Following the 
2013 Review, the Audit Committee concluded that the Group’s 
systems of internal controls and risk management, including 
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.

Relations with shareholders
Share capital and shareholders

The Company’s issued share capital at 31 December 2013 
consisted of 268,929,217 ordinary shares of 14194/
including 9,773,912 shares held in treasury. There are no special 
control rights or restrictions on share transfers or limitations on 
the holding of any class of shares. During the year, 604,146 new 
shares were issued under employee share plans and the Company 
continued the share buyback it commenced on 12 November 2012.

 pence each 

329

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 2013 risk assessments.

For further details on shareholder profiles see page 180.

Board engagement with shareholders

Internal controls

The system of internal controls aims to support the delivery of 
our strategy by managing the risk of failing to achieve business 
objectives and the protection of assets (including the Group’s 
brands and reputation). 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, due to the breadth and cost of coverage. 
In some cases, external insurance is not available at all, or not at 
an economical 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. 

The Board engaged with shareholders in a number of ways during 
2013, which included:

•	 half-year and full-year formal reporting;

•	 presentations by Richard Solomons and Tom Singer (Chief 

Financial Officer to 1 January 2014) 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 the first and third 

quarter interim management statements; 

•	 meeting the shareholders face-to-face and responding  

to questions at the AGM; and

•	 hosting an investor and analyst educational event ‘Delivering 
High Quality Growth’ presented by Richard Solomons, Tom 
Singer and members of the Executive Committee.

70 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Corporate Governance continued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.

Major institutional shareholders

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 them. As far as is known  
to management, IHG is not directly or indirectly owned or 
controlled by another company or by any governments. 

As at 17 February 2014, the Company had been notified of the following significant holdings in its ordinary shares under the UK Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules:

Shareholder

As at 17 February 2014

As at 18 February 2013

As at 13 February 2012

Cedar Rock Capital Limited

BlackRock, Inc.

The Capital Group Companies, Inc.

Ordinary shares/
ADSs

14,923,417

13,061,965

8,557,888

Ordinary shares/
ADSs

%

5.07

5.01

3.30

14,923,417

14,505,612

N/A

Ordinary shares/
ADSs

%

5.07

5.02

N/A

14,923,417

14,505,612

14,495,664

%

5.07

5.02

5.02

The Company’s major shareholders have the same voting rights as other shareholders. The Company does not know of any arrangements, 
the operation of which may result in a change in its control.

AGM

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 Patrick 
Cescau and the Chairmen of the Committees.

The AGM will be at 11:00am on Friday 2 May 2014 and the notice convening this meeting will be sent to shareholders at the same time as 
this Annual Report and Form 20-F.

Ernst & Young LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in office as Auditor of the Company and their reappointment will be put 
to shareholders at the AGM.

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. Patrick Cescau, 
David Kappler 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. 

Engagement on remuneration matters

Details of the Remuneration Committee’s engagement with shareholders is set out on page 85.

Re-engaging with ‘gone away’ 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. For further information see page 181.

Director and Executive Committee shareholdings

As at 17 February 2014, Directors and Executive Committee members had the same number of beneficial interests in shares as at  
31 December 2013, as set out in the table on page 72. These shareholdings include all beneficial interests and those held by Directors’ 
spouses and other connected persons. As at 17 February 2014, no Director or Executive Committee member held more  
than 0.1% of the total issued share capital. 

None of the Directors have a beneficial interest in the shares of any subsidiary. The shareholdings set out below do not include Directors’ 
or Executive Committee members’ entitlements to share awards under the Company’s share plans. These are set out separately in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 94 for the Directors and on page 167 for Executive Committee members.

Governance  71

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONCorporate Governance continued

As at 31 December 2013 
ordinary shares

As at 31 December 2012 
ordinary shares

2013 share awards and grants to employees

Directors

Chairman

Patrick Cescau1

Chief Executive Officer

Richard Solomons

Executive Directors

Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson2
Kirk Kinsell
Tracy Robbins
Tom Singer3

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director

David Kappler

Independent Non-Executive Directors

Ian Dyson4
Jennifer Laing
Jonathan Linen5
Luke Mayhew
Jill McDonald6
Dale Morrison5
Ying Yeh

Executive Committee

Keith Barr
Angela Brav
Kenneth Macpherson
Eric Pearson
Jan Smits
George Turner

No awards or grants over shares were made during 2013 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, 
however the Board continues to review its policy and will present 
its Directors’ Remuneration Policy and Annual Report on 
Directors’ Remuneration to shareholders for approval at the 2014 
AGM. 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.

Employee share ownership trust (ESOT)

IHG operates an 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 532,152 shares and 
at 31 December 2013 it held 1,196,061 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.

–

–

371,198

322,379

–
 127,4447
85,703
54,386

1,308

–
3,148
6,853
1,866
–
4,233
–

24,399
19,286
1,797
65,293
106,350
3,277

–
155,628
85,703
20,846

1,308

–
3,148
6,853
1,866
–
4,233
–

24,399
27,135
–
101,914
106,350
3,277

1  Appointed as a Non-Executive Chairman on 1 January 2013.
2  Appointed as Chief Financial Officer on 1 January 2014 following the resignation 
of Tom Singer.
3 Resigned on 1 January 2014.
4 Appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 September 2013.
5 Shares held in the form of American Depositary Receipts.
6 Appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 June 2013.
7 126,850 ordinary shares and 594 American Depositary Receipts.

Directors’ Report

Much of the information previously provided as part of the 
Directors’ Report is now required under Company Law to be 
presented as part of the Strategic Report. This Directors’ Report 
includes the information required to be given in line with the 
Companies Act, or where provided elsewhere, an appropriate 
cross reference is given. The Corporate Governance Statement 
approved by the Board is provided on pages 56 to 72. 

Subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated undertakings
The Group has over 290 subsidiary, joint venture and 
associated undertakings.

Directors
During 2013 the following individuals served as Directors:

Patrick Cescau, Richard Solomons, Kirk Kinsell, Tracy Robbins, 
Tom Singer, David Kappler, Ian Dyson, Jennifer Laing, Jonathan 
Linen, Luke Mayhew, Jill McDonald, Dale Morrison and Ying Yeh.

Articles
The Company’s Articles may only be amended by special 
resolution. The Articles are available on the Company’s website 
at www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate governance and a 
summary is provided on pages 169 to 170.

Shares

Share issues and buybacks 
An ongoing $500m share buyback programme is currently in 
place, which was announced on 7 August 2012 and commenced on 
12 November 2012. The share buyback authority remains in force 
until the 2014 AGM, and a resolution to renew the authority will  
be put to shareholders at that AGM.

In 2013, the following transactions in ordinary shares of  
14194/
issued share capital (268,929,217 as at 31 December 2013):

 pence each, took place which affected the Company’s 

329

Tom Singer served until his resignation on 1 January 2014.

Event

The biographies of the current Directors in office are given on 
pages 57 to 59. 

For further information on the annual re-election of Directors and 
details on David Kappler’s resignation see page 61.

Share plan exercises
Share buyback
Treasury shares

Ordinary shares

604,146
9,773,912
9,773,912

72 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Directors’ Report continued

As at the 31 December 2013, the 9,773,912 ordinary shares bought 
back and held in treasury constitute 3.6% of the total issued share 
capital (including treasury shares).

Share capital and shareholders
For further details see page 70.

Dividends

Interim dividend 
Paid 4 October 2013
Special dividend
Paid 4 October 2013
Final dividend
Subject to shareholder approval, payable on 9 May 
2014 to shareholders on the Register of Members 
at the close of business on 21 March 2014

•	 the 10-year bond £400m 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.

Ordinary shares

ADR

Further details on these are set out on pages 170 to 172.

15.1p 23.0¢

87.1p $1.33

28.1p

47.0¢

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.

For more information on IHG’s return of funds and dividends see note 8 
on page 126.

Existence of qualifying indemnity provisions
For further details see Directors and officers liability insurance on 
page 63.

Future business developments of the Group
Further details on these are set out in the Strategic Report on pages 10 to 53.

Disclosure of information to the Auditor
For further details see page 100.

Employees and Code of Conduct
Details of the average number of people IHG employed as at  
31 December 2013 and the number of people working across  
the whole estate are set out on page 21.

The Code of Conduct applies to all Directors, officers and 
employees and complies with the NYSE rules as set out in section 
406 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002. Further details can be 
found on page 32.

For more information on the Group’s employment policies, including 
equal opportunities, employee communications and development see 
pages 21 to 23. 

Greenhouse gas emissions
The disclosures concerning greenhouse gas emissions required by 
law are included in the Strategic Report on page 33.

Finance

Political donations
The Group made no political donations under the Companies Act 
during the year and proposes to maintain this policy.

Financial risk management
The Group’s financial risk management objectives and policies, 
including its use of financial instruments, are set out in note 21 to the 
Group Financial Statements on pages 135 to 137.

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 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 seven-year £250m 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

Events after the reporting period
In February 2014, the Group signed an agreement to sell the 
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco for $120m in cash and 
enter into a long-term management contract on the hotel. The hotel 
had a net book value of $90m at 31 December 2013.

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 Strategic 
Report on pages 10 to 53 and in the Group Information on pages 164  
to 167. Information on the Group’s treasury management policies 
can be found in note 21 to the Group Financial Statements  
on pages 135 to 137. The Group refinanced its bank debt in 
November 2011 and put in place a five-year $1.07bn facility.  
In November 2009 the Group issued a seven-year £250m sterling 
bond and, in November 2012, a 10-year £400m sterling bond.  
At the end of 2013 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.

By order of the Board 

George Turner, Company Secretary
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC
Registered in England and Wales, Company number 5134420 
17 February 2014

Governance  73

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONDirectors’ Remuneration Report

Remuneration Committee Chairman’s statement

Format of this report

This year sees the introduction of a binding shareholder vote on the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy (see pages 78 to 86) in addition to 
the advisory vote on the Annual Report on Directors’ Remuneration 
(see pages 87 to 96). The new regulations and guidelines have 
helped clarify best practice in sharing information with shareholders. 
Consistent with our historic approach of transparency with 
shareholders, our 2012 Directors’ Remuneration Report 
reflected as much as possible of the direction and spirit of the 
then draft new rules. The 2012 Directors’ Remuneration Report 
won the PwC Building Public Trust Award for Executive 
Remuneration Reporting in the FTSE 100. 

Board changes

Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson was appointed to the Board as  
Chief Financial Officer on 1 January 2014 following the resignation  
of Tom Singer with effect from that date. Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson  
was previously Chief Financial Officer of IHG’s Europe and Asia, 
Middle East and Africa regions. Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson’s annual 
salary on appointment was £420,000, with the first review date 
being 1 April 2015. The usual annual and long-term incentive 
award levels will apply. 

Directors’ Remuneration Policy at IHG

Our Remuneration Policy remains largely unchanged from last 
year. In presenting the policy we have looked to explain how the 
elements relate to the business strategy and also clearly identify 
where the Committee has reserved the ability to use its discretion 
to ensure that actual remuneration reflects underlying business 
performance and shareholder return.

We believe that the current policy as a whole is well-aligned to 
the business strategy and growing long-term shareholder value. 
We are comfortable that the outcomes have reflected business 
performance. During 2013, the Committee discussed a number  
of issues that were raised by shareholders in the context of the 
public debate about executive remuneration. These included 
Executive Director shareholdings, the use of the TSR as an LTIP 
measure and pension arrangements. 

Executive Director shareholdings
We encourage senior executives to hold shares. The Chief Executive 
Officer has a minimum requirement to hold 300% of salary in 
shares; other Executive Directors 200%. At the end of 2013,  
the Chief Executive Officer held 1,011% of salary in shares owned 
outright and a further 974% of salary in unvested share awards.  
Given this level of shareholding, we do not consider it necessary at this 
time to change our policy or require a post-vesting holding period.

Use of TSR as an LTIP measure 
We believe that the combination of TSR, relative growth  
in net rooms and RevPAR, provides the right balance and  
focus for driving and rewarding long-term success at IHG.  
However, we do understand that achievement of these measures 
has to be underpinned by improvements across a whole range  
of financial performance metrics. To support this, during 2013,  
the Committee decided to reserve the discretion to review the 
vesting outcomes under all of the LTIP measures at the end  
of each three-year cycle against an assessment of the Group’s 
earnings and the quality of financial performance over the  
period, including sustainable growth and the efficient use of  
cash and capital.

  Committee membership

  Luke Mayhew Chairman 
  Members 

Ian Dyson, David Kappler, Jonathan Linen, Ying Yeh

  For full biographies, please see pages 57 to 59.

Dear Shareholder

2013 corporate performance and incentive outcomes 

IHG continued to deliver sustainable and attractive returns for 
shareholders in 2013, as shown by the financial corporate 
performance indicators in the table below.

This is the first year in which the Annual Performance Plan (APP) 
has included measures of guest satisfaction (Guest HeartBeat)  
and employee engagement; overall there were encouraging 
performance improvements at both global and regional levels.

Under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 2011/13 cycle, strong 
three-year Total Shareholder Return (TSR) resulted in maximum 
vesting of this element (50% of total award). However, there was only 
partial vesting for the Revenue per available room (RevPAR) growth 
element (25%), and no vesting against the net rooms growth target 
(25%). This LTIP cycle was the first with relative RevPAR and rooms 
growth targets.

Executive Director remuneration has reflected this overall 
performance with APP awards slightly above target and 
comparable to last year, and 59% vesting under the 2011/13  
LTIP cycle, down on last year’s full vesting.

Corporate performance 
indicators

Operating profit before 
exceptional items
Full-year dividend per 
share (excluding any  
special dividends and 
capital returns)
Three-year total  
TSR (annualised)

2013

+10.4%
$668m1

2012

2011

+10.4%
$605m2* 

+25.9%
$548m3*

70¢
43.2p

64¢
41.2p

55¢
34.5p

+18.4%

+28.2%

+29.8%

1    Includes three liquidated damages receipts in 2013: $31m in The  

Americas, $9m in Europe and $6m in AMEA.

2    Includes one significant liquidated damages receipt in 2012 of $3m in  
The Americas.
3    Includes two significant liquidated damages receipts in 2011: $10m in 

The Americas and $6m in AMEA. 

*    With effect from 1 January 2013 the Group has adopted IAS 19 (Revised) 
‘Employee Benefits’ resulting in the following additional charges to  
 operating profit: $5m for the six months ended 30 June 2012; $9m for the  
 12 months ended 31 December 2012; $6m for the six months ended 30  
 June 2011 and $11m for the 12 months ended 31 December 2011.

74 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

 
 
Pension arrangements

New incentive plan rules

The rules of our annual and long-term incentive plans are due  
to expire in 2015, and, in line with good practice, we will present 
updated rules for these plans to shareholders at the 2014 AGM at 
the same time as the Directors’ Remuneration Policy and Annual 
Report on Directors’ Remuneration and Implementation of 
Remuneration Policy in 2014. These rules reflect the policy set out 
in this Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Conclusion

The Board recommends this Directors’ Remuneration Policy  
to shareholders. It will provide the framework to allow us to 
recruit, motivate and retain the talent IHG needs and to ensure  
the alignment of executive remuneration with the creation of  
value for shareholders. 

This Director’s Remuneration Report was approved by the Board 
on 17 February 2014.

Luke Mayhew, Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
17 February 2014

We are continuing to make progress in reducing the risks and 
potential liabilities from our legacy UK defined benefit pension 
scheme. This was closed to new members in 2002 and closed  
to future accruals in June 2013, following which the plan liabilities 
of the defined benefit section of the InterContinental Hotels UK 
Pension Plan were also secured with an insurer. We continue to 
work to remove defined benefit liabilities and risks from the 
Company’s balance sheet. The focus in 2014 is on the historic 
Enhanced Early Retirement Facility (EERF) pension arrangements, 
the InterContinental Executive Top-Up Scheme (ICETUS) and the 
Six Continents Executive Top-Up Scheme (SCETUS).

•	 A relatively small group of executives have had a non-contractual 
opportunity to retire at 55 without a reduction in their pension 
(EERF). This requires the consent of the Company. This facility 
will be phased out. As part of this phasing out there will be an 
immediate increase in the age from which most participants are 
eligible to request the facility. Richard Solomons’ facility is being 
phased out in line with all other plan members.

•	 During 2014 , we also plan to offer members of the ICETUS/SCETUS, 
the unfunded, unregistered top-up plan, an opportunity to receive  
a cash alternative to benefits under the ICETUS/SCETUS. This will 
be calculated at a rate which is fair and reasonable, both to scheme 
members and shareholders. Richard Solomons currently 
participates in the ICETUS arrangement.

Following these changes, we will have largely completed the 
process of redrawing IHG’s UK pension arrangements and 
minimising the risks to the Company going forward from the 
historic defined benefit arrangements; these changes should 
significantly reduce IHG’s pension liability risks.

Content of the 2013 Directors’  
Remuneration Report

76   
77   
78-86 
87-96 
 97   

Governance
Strategic context
Directors’ Remuneration Policy
Annual Report on Directors’ Remuneration
 Implementation of Remuneration Policy  
in 2014  

At the Company’s forthcoming AGM on 2 May 2014,  
the Directors’ Remuneration Policy will be subject to  
a binding vote by shareholders, and the Annual Report 
on Directors’ Remuneration and Implementation of 
Remuneration Policy in 2014 together are subject to  
an advisory vote by shareholders.

Governance  75

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGovernance

Remuneration Committee and consideration of matters 
relating to Directors’ remuneration

The Committee comprises the following members, all of whom 
were independent Non-Executive Directors:

Member

Role

Date of appointment

Luke Mayhew
Ian Dyson1
David Kappler
Jonathan Linen
Ying Yeh

Chairman
Member
Member
Member
Member

1 July 2011
1 September 2013
21 June 2004
1 December 2005
1 December 2007

Number of 
meetings attended

6/6
3/3
5/62
6/6
6/6

1 Ian Dyson was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 September 2013.
2  David Kappler missed one committee meeting due to a prior commitment 
known to the board in advance.

Patrick Cescau (Chairman of the Board) attended all but the 
September meeting. Richard Solomons (Chief Executive Officer) 
and Tracy Robbins (Executive Vice President, Human Resources 
and Group Operations Support) attended all meetings. 

Jennifer Laing attended the February and May meetings and 
Dale Morrison attended the May meeting. They are both members 
of the Audit, Nomination and Corporate Responsibility Committees.

Jean-Pierre Noël (Senior Vice President, Global Reward)  
attended all meetings and provided advice to the Committee  
on remuneration proposals as required.

No individual was present when their own remuneration was 
being considered.

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 2013. They are available on the Company’s website  
at 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’s responsible business 
practices and the Committee considers risk mitigation as central to 
the way that incentive arrangements are structured, for example:

•	 the APP 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 Group and the long-term interests of its shareholders. 
For instance, in the 2013 and 2014 APP, the drive for short-term 
financial results is balanced by performance measures focused 
on guest satisfaction and employee engagement;

76 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

•	 the Committee reserves the discretion to determine that 

payouts in the LTIP be adjusted if they are not consistent with 
the Committee’s assessment of the Group’s earnings and the 
quality of the financial performance over the relevant 
performance period; and

•	 for awards under the Company’s incentive plans made from 
January 2012, malus provisions, which allow for the value of 
awards to be reduced or extinguished before vesting, 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. 

Key issues discussed in 2013 meetings
In 2013, the Committee met six times at which the following 
matters were discussed:

Date

Key issues discussed

14 February

•	 2012 Executive Committee annual 
performance and salary review 
•	 2013 Executive Committee key  

performance objectives

•	 2012 Annual Bonus Plan (ABP) and 2010/12 

LTIP results

•	 2013 APP structure 
•	 2013/15 LTIP targets and awards
•	 2013 Remuneration Committee agenda 
•	 2012 Directors’ Remuneration Report

2 May

•	 Review of approach to performance 

management

•	 LTIP: review of TSR measure
•	 2013 Remuneration Committee agenda

18 June

•	 Directors’ Remuneration Report: new 

disclosure requirements

•	 2013 APP: overview and projections
•	 LTIP: operation of the measures
•	 AGM update

26 September

•	 Directors’ Remuneration Report: new 

1 November

disclosure requirements

•	 Linking LTIP with individual performance
•	 2013 incentive plan target projections
•	 Structure of ABP and APP deferred shares

•	 2014 APP: approach to target setting
•	 Structure of APP deferred share awards
•	 Approach to potential introduction of 

employee share plan

11 December

•	 2013 APP: approach to measurement 

of targets

•	  2014 Executive Committee Key 

Performance Objectives

•	  LTIP and APP: new plan rules
•	  2013 Directors’ Remuneration Report
•	  Update on incentive plan achievement
•	  2014 Remuneration Committee agenda
•	 Approach to LTIP discretion and Executive 

Director Shareholdings

•	  Remuneration Committee terms 

of reference

•	 Pensions

Details of remuneration advisers to the Committee can be found on 
page 95.

Directors’ Remuneration Report continuedStrategic context

Key remuneration principles

Link with strategy

IHG’s executive remuneration principles are designed to drive the 
delivery of strategic objectives by:

Our strategy for high-quality growth (detailed on pages 18 and 19), 
is the driver of our reward structure. 

The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (set out on pages 38 and 39), 
monitor our success in achieving our strategy and measure the 
progress of our Group to deliver high-quality growth. They are 
organised around the elements of our strategy: Winning Model, 
Targeted Portfolio and Disciplined Execution and are reflected  
in IHG’s annual and long-term incentive plans as shown below:

•	 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.

Value creation: Superior shareholder returns

Winning Model

Targeted Portfolio

Superior owner 
proposition

Preferred brands 
delivered through 
our people

5

1

Effective channel 
management

4

2

3

Build and
leverage scale

Strong brand portfolio 
& loyalty programme

Attractive markets

Highest opportunity
segments 

Managed and
franchised model 

Disciplined Execution

Scale and efficiency 
of operations

Investment in developing great 
talent and technology platforms 

Commitment to responsible
business practices 

Relative TSR growth reflects 
value created for shareholders 
and is a key element of the 
Long Term Incentive Plan.

KPIs reflected 
in incentive 
plans

• Net rooms supply

• Global RevPAR

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 IHG System size

Relative RevPAR growth – Reflects the sustainable power 
of our brands and our scale, and focuses growth on quality 
rooms in key markets

Relative TSR – Provides alignment with shareholder returns

• Guest HeartBeat

• Employee Engagement 
   survey scores

• Revenue KPIs

Annual Performance Plan
Measures provide focus on key drivers of sustainable growth:

Guest HeartBeat – The Guest HeartBeat score reflects guest 
satisfaction and is an indicator of the strength of our brands

Employee Engagement – Engaged employees are key to our 
business and our people deliver our preferred brands

EBIT – Provides annual focus on earnings growth driven 
by core operating inputs, namely rooms growth, RevPAR, 
fee revenue and profit margins

Governance  77

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy

The policy for Executive Directors, set out below, will apply from the date of the 2014 AGM (subject to approval), and is available to view  
at www.ihgplc.com/investors. 

The Committee will consider the remuneration policy annually to ensure it remains aligned with strategic objectives. However, it is 
intended that the policy set out below will apply for three years from the 2014 AGM; if any amendments need to be made to the policy  
within that timeframe, it will first be presented to be voted upon by shareholders.

Future policy table

How the element supports 
our strategic objectives

 Salary 
 (100% cash)
Recognises the market value of  
the role and the individual’s skill, 
performance and experience.

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance framework

Reviewed annually and fixed for 12 months from 1 April. 
The Committee considers:
•	 business 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.

Over the policy period, salaries for current 

The results of an individual’s annual performance appraisal give an overall personal 

Executive Directors will increase in line 

performance rating, which is taken into account when reviewing salary levels.

 Annual Performance Plan (APP)1 

(50% cash and 50% IHG shares  
deferred for three years)
Drives and rewards annual 
performance against both financial 
and non-financial metrics. 

Aligns individuals and teams with  
key strategic priorities. 

Aligns short-term annual performance 
with strategy to generate long-term 
returns to shareholders.

Reviewed annually with targets set in line with key strategic priorities.
Includes facility to use regional or global measures or a combination thereof.
Awards are made annually, 50% in cash after the end of the relevant financial year and 50%  
in the form of IHG share awards which vest after three years subject to leaver provisions. 
The Committee has discretion to make awards wholly in cash rather than part-cash and 
part-shares. 
The share awards are made in the form of conditional awards or forfeitable shares, the latter 
having the right to receive dividends and vote at general meetings.

Malus applies to awards. See page 82 for details. 

Executive Directors are expected to hold all shares earned (net of any shares sales required  
to meet personal tax liabilities), until the guideline shareholding requirement is achieved 
(300% of salary for the Chief Executive Officer and 200% for other Executive Directors).  
See page 94 for details.

 Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 

(100% shares)
Drives and rewards delivery of  
sustained long-term performance 
on measures that are aligned with  
the interests of shareholders.

Annual conditional awards of IHG shares, or options over IHG shares, which vest after  
a period of three years, or such longer period as the Committee determines, subject to  
the achievement of corporate performance targets. 
The Committee may also impose such post-vesting holding periods as it may, at its 
discretion, determine. 
The Committee also has discretion to make awards in cash rather than shares.  

Malus applies to awards. See page 82 for details. 

Executive Directors are expected to hold all shares earned (net of any shares sales required  
to meet personal tax liabilities), until the guideline shareholding requirement is achieved 
(300% of salary for the Chief Executive Officer and 200% for other Executive Directors).  
See page 94 for details.

1  The term Annual Performance Plan includes cash and deferred IHG share awards granted to Executive Directors and other senior employees  
under the rules of the IHG Annual Bonus Plan for financial years 2012 and 2013.

78 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

with the range of increases applying to the 

corporate UK and US employee population, 

other than where there is a change in role 

or responsibility, or a significant variance  

to the market arises, that warrants a more 

significant increase. Any such changes will 

be fully explained.

Newly promoted or recruited Executive 

Directors may on occasion have their 

salaries set below the benchmark policy 

level while they become established in role. 

In such cases, salary increases may be 

higher than the corporate UK and US 

employee population until the target 

positioning is achieved.

See page 83 for approach regarding 

recruitment remuneration.

Maximum annual award is 200% of salary.

(i)  70% is based on EBIT achievement vs target.

(ii)  30% is based upon key non-financial measures aligned to strategic priorities;  

the weighting, measures and targets relating to this element of the APP are determined  

by the Committee on an annual basis.

Target award is 115% of salary; threshold is 50% of target award for each measure.

The Committee may vary the relative weighting of EBIT and other metrics from year to year. 

Personal performance may also be taken into account in determining awards under the APP. 

The Committee may exercise reasonable discretion to adjust an award made under the APP 

upwards or downwards after application of the performance measures to take into account 

any relevant factors, including but not limited to, performance relative to IHG’s competitors 

and extent of achievement across all measures, provided that in no case will an award exceed 

the maximum opportunity stated.

For information on performance measures used in 2013 and 2014 – see pages 88 and 97.

The maximum annual award is 205% of 

salary. The Committee has no current 

intention to award more than the policy 

maximum, but if exceptional and 

unforeseen circumstances arise that 

warrant it, the Committee has discretion  

annually to ensure alignment with strategic objectives:

(i)  25% relative net rooms growth and 25% relative RevPAR growth:

•	  20% threshold vesting if equal to average growth of comparator group;

•	  maximum vesting if ranked as 1st in the comparator group; and

The measures are as follows and targets are reviewed and may be changed by the Committee 

to increase this to 300% of salary under  

•	  straight-line vesting in between.

the LTIP rules. Any such award will be  

fully explained.

(ii) 50% relative TSR:

See page 83 for approach regarding 

recruitment remuneration.

•	  straight-line vesting in between.

•	  20% threshold vesting if equal to comparator group;

•	  maximum vesting if 8% or more per year ahead of comparator group; and

All targets measured over a performance period of at least three years.

The measures operate on the basis of appropriate comparator groups of companies,  

which the Committee determines on an annual basis.

The Committee will review the vesting outcomes under all of the LTIP measures at the end of 

each three-year cycle against an assessment of Group earnings and the quality of financial 

performance over the period, including sustainable growth and the efficient use of cash and 

capital. If the Committee determines that the vesting outcomes do not appropriately reflect 

the financial performance of the Group, it may reduce the number of shares that vests. 

The Committee may also adjust awards if a significant one-off event happens that makes the 

original performance measures no longer appropriate.

For information on performance measures used in 2013 and 2014 – see pages 90 and 97.

Directors’ Remuneration Report continuedFuture policy table

How the element supports 

our strategic objectives

 Salary 

 (100% 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. 

Operation

The Committee considers:

•	 business 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.

 Annual Performance Plan (APP)1 

Reviewed annually with targets set in line with key strategic priorities.

(50% cash and 50% IHG shares  

deferred for three years)

Drives and rewards annual 

performance against both financial 

and non-financial metrics. 

Aligns individuals and teams with  

key strategic priorities. 

Aligns short-term annual performance 

with strategy to generate long-term 

returns to shareholders.

Includes facility to use regional or global measures or a combination thereof.

Awards are made annually, 50% in cash after the end of the relevant financial year and 50%  

in the form of IHG share awards which vest after three years subject to leaver provisions. 

The Committee has discretion to make awards wholly in cash rather than part-cash and 

part-shares. 

The share awards are made in the form of conditional awards or forfeitable shares, the latter 

having the right to receive dividends and vote at general meetings.

Malus applies to awards. See page 82 for details. 

Executive Directors are expected to hold all shares earned (net of any shares sales required  

to meet personal tax liabilities), until the guideline shareholding requirement is achieved 

(300% of salary for the Chief Executive Officer and 200% for other Executive Directors).  

See page 94 for details.

 Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 

(100% shares)

Drives and rewards delivery of  

sustained long-term performance 

on measures that are aligned with  

the interests of shareholders.

Annual conditional awards of IHG shares, or options over IHG shares, which vest after  

a period of three years, or such longer period as the Committee determines, subject to  

the achievement of corporate performance targets. 

The Committee may also impose such post-vesting holding periods as it may, at its 

discretion, determine. 

The Committee also has discretion to make awards in cash rather than shares.  

Malus applies to awards. See page 82 for details. 

Executive Directors are expected to hold all shares earned (net of any shares sales required  

to meet personal tax liabilities), until the guideline shareholding requirement is achieved 

(300% of salary for the Chief Executive Officer and 200% for other Executive Directors).  

See page 94 for details.

1  The term Annual Performance Plan includes cash and deferred IHG share awards granted to Executive Directors and other senior employees  

under the rules of the IHG Annual Bonus Plan for financial years 2012 and 2013.

How to use this report

The 2013 Directors’ Remuneration Report uses colour 
coding throughout the Directors’ Remuneration Policy  
and Annual Report on Directors’ Remuneration to denote 
different elements of remuneration, as follows:

 Salary
 Benefits
  APP
 LTIP
 Pension

Maximum opportunity

Performance framework

Over the policy period, salaries for current 
Executive Directors will increase in line 
with the range of increases applying to the 
corporate UK and US employee population, 
other than where there is a change in role 
or responsibility, or a significant variance  
to the market arises, that warrants a more 
significant increase. Any such changes will 
be fully explained.

Newly promoted or recruited Executive 
Directors may on occasion have their 
salaries set below the benchmark policy 
level while they become established in role. 
In such cases, salary increases may be 
higher than the corporate UK and US 
employee population until the target 
positioning is achieved.

Maximum annual award is 200% of salary.

See page 83 for approach regarding 
recruitment remuneration.

The maximum annual award is 205% of 
salary. The Committee has no current 
intention to award more than the policy 
maximum, but if exceptional and 
unforeseen circumstances arise that 
warrant it, the Committee has discretion  
to increase this to 300% of salary under  
the LTIP rules. Any such award will be  
fully explained.

See page 83 for approach regarding 
recruitment remuneration.

The results of an individual’s annual performance appraisal give an overall personal 
performance rating, which is taken into account when reviewing salary levels.

(i)  70% is based on EBIT achievement vs target.
(ii)  30% is based upon key non-financial measures aligned to strategic priorities;  

the weighting, measures and targets relating to this element of the APP are determined  
by the Committee on an annual basis.

Target award is 115% of salary; threshold is 50% of target award for each measure.
The Committee may vary the relative weighting of EBIT and other metrics from year to year. 
Personal performance may also be taken into account in determining awards under the APP. 
The Committee may exercise reasonable discretion to adjust an award made under the APP 
upwards or downwards after application of the performance measures to take into account 
any relevant factors, including but not limited to, performance relative to IHG’s competitors 
and extent of achievement across all measures, provided that in no case will an award exceed 
the maximum opportunity stated.

For information on performance measures used in 2013 and 2014 – see pages 88 and 97.

The measures are as follows and targets are reviewed and may be changed by the Committee 
annually to ensure alignment with strategic objectives:
(i)  25% relative net rooms growth and 25% relative RevPAR growth:
•	  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.

(ii) 50% relative TSR:
•	  20% threshold vesting if equal to comparator group;
•	  maximum vesting if 8% or more per year ahead of comparator group; and
•	  straight-line vesting in between.

All targets measured over a performance period of at least three years.
The measures operate on the basis of appropriate comparator groups of companies,  
which the Committee determines on an annual basis.
The Committee will review the vesting outcomes under all of the LTIP measures at the end of 
each three-year cycle against an assessment of Group earnings and the quality of financial 
performance over the period, including sustainable growth and the efficient use of cash and 
capital. If the Committee determines that the vesting outcomes do not appropriately reflect 
the financial performance of the Group, it may reduce the number of shares that vests. 
The Committee may also adjust awards if a significant one-off event happens that makes the 
original performance measures no longer appropriate.

For information on performance measures used in 2013 and 2014 – see pages 90 and 97.

Governance  79

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONDirectors’ Remuneration Policy continued

Future policy table continued

How the element supports  
our strategic objectives

Operation

The following plans are operated:
•	 for UK executives, the executive defined 

contribution section of the InterContinental 
Hotels UK Pension Plan (IC 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 contributions 
is offered. 
Until 30 June 2013, IHG operated an executive 
defined benefit section of the IC Plan in which 
Richard Solomons participated. This closed 
to future accruals for existing members from 
1 July 2013. 
Under the phasing out of Enhanced Early 
Retirement Facility, Richard Solomons could 
now retire with no reduction to his pension 
from approximately age 58 and no earlier. 
Retirement before age 58 is allowed under the 
facility but abatement to the pension will apply. 
This provision only applies on the consent of 
the Company. 

IHG pays the cost of providing the benefits 
on a monthly basis or as required for  
one-off events.

 Pension

Provides funding  
for retirement.

Helps recruit 
and retain.

 Benefits

Market competitive, 
consistent with  
role/location. 

Helps recruit 
and retain.

Performance 
framework

None.

Maximum opportunity 

Salary is the only element of remuneration 
that is pensionable.
Current contribution levels are as follows: 
•	 executive defined contribution section of  
the IC Plan and ICETUS: 7.5% employee 
contribution with 30% matching 
Company contribution;

•	 US 401(k) Plan: 2%-75% employee 
contribution with 4% matching 
Company contribution; and

•	 US Deferred Compensation Plan: up to 75% 
employee contribution with 2% matching 
Company contribution and 8%-20% 
additional Company contribution if certain 
conditions are met. 

These may be increased by the Committee  
in exceptional circumstances where market 
conditions so warrant.

None.

The value of benefits is dependent on 
location and market factors.
Benefits may include the cost of independent 
financial advice, car allowance/company car, 
private healthcare/medical assessments  
and other benefits provided from time to 
time. Benefits would be restricted to the 
typical level in the relevant market for an 
Executive Director.
Benefits may also include relocation and 
expatriate or international assignment costs 
where appropriate, including for example:
•	 cost of living allowance;
•	 travel costs;
•	 housing allowance;
•	 professional advice;
•	 education allowances;
•	 tax equalisation;
•	 medical expenses; and
•	 relocation allowance.

Relocation and expatriate or international 
assignment costs would be restricted to the 
typical level in the relevant market for an 
Executive Director.

80 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Directors’ Remuneration Report continuedIllustrative scenarios

Below is an illustration of the value that could be received by each Executive Director under the Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
in respect of 2014, showing:

•	 minimum, which includes salary, benefits and employer pension contributions only (total fixed pay); 

•	 on-target, which includes total fixed pay and assumes an on-target award for the APP (115% of salary) and 50% of maximum 

LTIP award vesting; and

•	 maximum, which includes total fixed pay and a maximum award under the APP and LTIP.

The salaries included are those that will apply from 1 April 2014. The benefit values included are estimates. The amounts 
shown in relation to APP and LTIP do not take account of any potential share price appreciation. 

Richard Solomons,
Chief Executive Officer
£000
4500

£4,143

38% 

37% 

£2,709

29% 

32% 

£1,045

100% 

39% 

25% 

4000

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson,
Chief Financial Officer
£000

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

LTIP   

APP  

Salary, Benefits 
and Pension  

£1,481

29% 

33% 

38% 

£2,268

38% 

37% 

25% 

£567

100% 

LTIP   

APP  

Salary, Benefits 
and Pension  

2014 
(minimum) 

2014 
(on-target) 

2014 
(maximum) 

2014 
(minimum) 

2014 
(on-target) 

2014 
(maximum) 

Kirk Kinsell¹,
President, The Americas
£000 

Tracy Robbins, Executive Vice President,
Human Resources and Group Operations Support
£000 

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

£2,760

38% 

37% 

£1,809

29% 

32% 

£706

100% 

39% 

25% 

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

LTIP   

APP  

Salary, Benefits 
and Pension  

£2,359

38% 

37% 

£1,540

29% 

33% 

£589

100% 

38% 

25% 

LTIP   

APP  

Salary, Benefits 
and Pension  

2014 
(minimum) 

2014 
(on-target) 

2014 
(maximum) 

2014 
(minimum) 

2014 
(on-target) 

2014 
(maximum) 

1 Kirk Kinsell is paid in US dollars and the sterling equivalents shown above have been calculated using an exchange rate of $1=£0.64.

Governance  81

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONDirectors’ Remuneration Policy continued

Notes to Future Policy table

Use of discretion by Remuneration Committee

1. Malus in incentive plans
For awards made from January 2012, the APP and LTIP rules allow the Committee discretion to reduce the level of unvested share awards 
if circumstances occur which, in the reasonable opinion of the Committee, justify a reduction in one or more awards granted to any one or 
more participants. The malus provisions relate to unvested awards only. The circumstances in which the Committee may consider it 
appropriate to exercise its discretion include the following:

•	 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 may include, where appropriate, negligence on the part of Executive Directors.

This feature helps ensure alignment between executive reward and shareholder returns.

2. Other uses of discretion
The Committee reserves certain discretions in relation to the outcomes for Executive Directors under the Company’s incentive plans. 
These operate in two main respects:

•	 enabling the Committee to ensure that outcomes under these plans are consistent with the underlying performance of the business and 

the experience of shareholders; and

•	 enabling the Committee to treat leavers in a way that is fair and equitable to individuals and shareholders under the incentive plans.

The Committee will also use its judgement as to what is appropriate within the terms of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy to make 
decisions that do not involve the exercise of discretion. 

The discretions that can be applied in the case of leavers under the APP and LTIP are set out in the section on ‘Policy on payment for  
loss of office’ on page 84. In all cases, the discretions are reserved as part of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy in order to allow the 
Committee flexibility to ensure that remuneration outcomes for Executive Directors are consistent with business performance, at the 
same time as providing a high degree of clarity for shareholders as to remuneration structure and potential quantum. Any exercises of 
discretion by the Committee will be fully disclosed and explained in the relevant year’s Implementation of Remuneration Policy report.

 LTIP
•	 The Committee will review the vesting outcomes under all of 

the LTIP measures at the end of each three-year cycle against 
an assessment of Group earnings and the quality of financial 
performance over the period, including sustainable growth 
and the efficient use of cash and capital. If the Committee 
determines that the vesting outcomes do not appropriately 
reflect the financial performance of the Group, it may reduce 
the number of shares that vests.

 LTIP
•	 The vesting of unvested awards may be accelerated and the 

Committee will determine the extent of vesting, taking account of 
the proportion of the performance period that has elapsed, and 
the degree to which performance conditions have been satisfied.
•	 The Committee will procure, as soon as reasonably practicable, 

the delivery to each participant of the vested shares in a 
Conditional Award or payment of the cash so determined.

•	 If the takeover or merger involves the exchange of IHG shares for 
shares in another company, the Committee may, in its discretion, 
determine that the existing award will be replaced by a right to 
the appropriate number of shares in that other company.
•	 The Committee has discretion to take such action as it may 
think appropriate if other events happen which may have an 
effect on awards. 

The following key discretions apply under the incentive plans:

 APP

•	 The Committee may exercise reasonable discretion to adjust 
an award made under the APP upwards or downwards, after 
application of the performance measures, to take into 
account any relevant factors including, but not limited to, 
performance relative to IHG’s competitors and extent of 
achievement across all measures, provided that in no case 
will an award exceed the maximum opportunity stated.

3. Corporate transactions
If there is a takeover or merger:

 APP

•	 During a performance period: awards for that period will be 
pro-rated to the date of the event, or such later date as the 
Committee may determine, and will consist of a cash award and 
not a deferred share award, unless the Committee determines 
otherwise. There will be no acceleration of award unless the 
Committee determines otherwise.

•	 After the end of a performance period and before the making  
of awards: awards for that period will be made in full, and will 
consist of a cash and not a deferred share award, unless the 
Committee determines otherwise. There will be no acceleration 
of award unless the Committee determines otherwise.

•	 Unvested deferred share awards will vest unless the Committee 

decides otherwise. If the takeover or merger involves the 
exchange of IHG shares for shares in another company, the 
Committee may, in its discretion, determine the existing deferred 
share award will be replaced by a right to the appropriate number 
of shares in that other company. 

•	 The Committee has discretion to take such action as it may  
think appropriate if other events happen which may have an  
effect on awards. 

82 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued Pensions

Approach to recruitment remuneration

Enhanced Early Retirement Facility (EERF)
Under the EERF, executive participants of the defined benefit 
section of the IC Plan have an option, with the Company’s 
agreement, to retire without reduction to their pension if they are 
within five years of their normal retirement date. Approximately 42 
executives are eligible to participate in this facility. 

As set out in the Remuneration Committee Chairman’s statement, 
this facility will be phased out commencing in 2014, with the effect 
that any participant currently aged 50 or below would only take an 
unreduced pension from age 60, the contractual retirement age. 

For those currently over 50, an unreduced pension will be available 
at a point between age 55 and age 60, depending on how close the 
participant is to age 55 at the time the phasing out commences in 
2014. As a result of the phasing out of the EERF, Richard Solomons 
could retire, with no reduction in his pension, from approximately 
age 58 and no earlier. 

This provision only applies on the consent of the Company.

InterContinental Executive Top-Up Scheme (ICETUS)
In 2014, the Company is looking to reduce the risks and volatility 
from the remaining unfunded ICETUS pension arrangements by 
offering members an opportunity to cash-out the ICETUS element 
of their pension on a basis that is fair and reasonable, both to them 
and to shareholders. Currently, 11 employed UK executives 
participate in the ICETUS arrangement. 

This is part of the process of redrawing IHG’s pension 
arrangements and minimising the future risks to the Company. 

The remuneration of any new Executive Director will be  
determined in accordance with the Directors’ Remuneration Policy  
on pages 78 to 86 and the elements that would be considered by the 
Company for inclusion are:

•	 salary and benefits, including defined contribution 

pension participation;

•	 participation in the APP with 50% cash and 50% IHG deferred 

share elements:

 – pro-rated for the year of recruitment to reflect 

the proportion of the year remaining after the date  
of commencement of employment; and

 – if commencement date is after 1 October in the year, 

no award would normally be made for that year.

•	 participation in the LTIP:

 – pro-rated awards would be made in relation to LTIP cycles 

outstanding at the time of recruitment; but

 – no pro-rated award would be made for an LTIP cycle that has 
less than nine months to run at the date of commencement 
of employment. 

In addition, the Committee may, in its discretion, compensate  
a newly recruited Executive Director for incentives forgone  
from a previous employment as a result of their resignation.  
The Committee would seek validation of the value of any potential 
incentives forgone.

Awards made by way of compensation for incentives forgone 
would be made on a comparable basis, taking account of 
performance achieved (or likely to be achieved), the proportion  
of the performance period remaining and the form of the award. 
Compensation would, as far as possible, be in the form of IHG  
LTIP or deferred share awards, in order to immediately align  
a new Executive Director with IHG performance.

The maximum annual level of variable remuneration that may be 
granted to a newly-recruited Executive Director would be in line 
with that of the existing Executive Directors:

•	 APP award: 200% of salary, of which 50% of any award will be 
paid in cash and 50% in the form of IHG shares deferred for  
three years; and

•	 LTIP award: 205% of salary for a full LTIP cycle commencing 
after appointment, plus pro-rated awards in relation to LTIP 
cycles outstanding at the time of recruitment (up to a further 
205% of salary).

This excludes any remuneration that constitutes compensation  
for incentives forgone and any relocation and expatriate or 
international assignment costs. 

Governance  83

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONDirectors’ Remuneration Policy continued

Policy on payment for loss of office

Contractual notice period and pay in lieu
All current Executive Directors have a rolling service contract 
with a notice period from the company of 12 months. As an 
alternative, the Company may, at its discretion, pay in lieu of  
that notice. Neither notice nor a payment in lieu of notice will  
be given in the event of gross misconduct. 

Payment in lieu of notice could potentially include up to  
12 months’ salary and the cash equivalent of 12 months’ pension 
contributions, and other contractual benefits. Where possible, 
the Company will seek to ensure that where a leaver mitigates 

their losses by, for example, finding new employment, there will 
accordingly be a corresponding reduction in compensation 
payable for loss of office.

An Executive Director may have an entitlement to compensation  
in respect of their statutory rights under employment protection 
legislation in the UK or other relevant jurisdiction.

There were no contractual provisions agreed prior to  
27 June 2012 that could affect the quantum of loss of office 
payments to Executive Directors.

Policy for determination of termination payments 

Reason for termination

Salary and contractual benefits

 APP award for year of 

termination (including after year 
end but before payment)

 Unvested APP 

deferred share awards

 Unvested LTIP awards

Good Leaver including:

Ill-health/injury/ disability

Paid up to termination date. 

Pro-rated award for year  
of termination.1 

Vest on usual  
vesting date.3

Pay in lieu of notice,  
if applicable.

No accelerated payment.2

Award made 50% cash and 
50% in IHG shares deferred 
for three years from grant.2

Redundancy

Retirement

Employing company or 
undertaking transferred 
outside the Group

Other reason determined  
by the Committee (in the case 
of LTIP only)

Death

Paid up to date of death.

Pro-rated award for year  
of death paid fully in  
cash, accelerated.2

Accelerated vesting  
of award: Committee 
has discretion to  
determine otherwise.

Vest on usual vesting 
date to extent 
performance  
conditions met.3 

Number of shares  
vesting pro-rated  
to termination date.

Accelerated vesting:
Committee has 
discretion to determine 
number of shares 
vesting, taking into 
account proportion  
of performance period 
elapsed and extent to 
which performance 
conditions are satisfied.

Other Leaver including: 

Paid up to termination date.

Resignation

Gross misconduct

No award for year of 
termination. In case of 
resignation after financial 
year end but before award 
date, cash portion only of 
award will be paid.2

Forfeited.2, 4

Forfeited.2

1 Committee has discretion to exceptionally pro-rate to a later date (see below).
2 Committee has discretion to determine otherwise (see below).
3 Committee has discretion to accelerate vesting (see below).
4  In the event of a termination in connection with a takeover or reconstitution unvested APP deferred share awards will have accelerated vesting on the date of 
termination, unless the Committee determines otherwise.

Exercise of discretion
The Committee would only exercise the discretions available in the 
APP and LTIP plan rules relating to:

•	 whether an award is made or an unvested award forfeited; and 

•	 the extent and timing of any such award or forfeiture 

in exceptional circumstances, for example permanent disablement. 

Notice periods would not usually be included in the pro-ration  
of APP and LTIP awards for a leaver. The Committee would only 
exercise its discretion to include some or all of the notice period in 
such pro-ration in exceptional circumstances, such as ill health, 
and would not do so in circumstances of poor performance. 

LTIP
Subject to the circumstances surrounding the termination, 
the Committee, in its discretion, may treat an individual as a  
Good Leaver for the purposes of the LTIP. The Committee will 
consider factors such as personal performance and conduct, 
overall Group performance and the specific circumstances of  
the Executive Director’s departure including, but not restricted  
to, whether the Executive Director is leaving by mutual agreement 
with the Company. If an individual is not a Good Leaver then they 
will be treated as an Other Leaver, as set out above.

84 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued 
 
Service contracts and notice periods for  
Executive Directors

The Committee’s policy is for all Executive Directors to have rolling 
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.  
This is in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code.

All Executive Directors’ appointments and subsequent  
re-appointments are subject to election and annual re-election  
by shareholders at the AGM.

Details of current Executive Directors’ contracts

Executive Director

Date of original appointment1

Notice period

Richard Solomons
Kirk Kinsell
Tracy Robbins
Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson

10 February 2003
1 August 2010
9 August 2011
1 January 2014

12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months

1  The capital reorganisation of the Group, effective on 27 June 2005, entailed the 
insertion of a new parent company of the Group. All Executive 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 
Executive Directors to the Group’s parent company.

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 associated 
fees received.

Current Executive Directors do not hold any non-executive 
directorships of any other company.

Consideration of shareholder views

The Committee actively engages with shareholders on remuneration 
matters. Following face-to-face discussions with a number of 
shareholders in the autumn of 2012, major shareholders were 
approached prior to the 2013 AGM and offered the opportunity to 
discuss any aspect of our approach to remuneration. A programme 
of interactions with shareholders will continue in 2014.

Consideration of employment conditions elsewhere in 
the Group

The Committee takes into consideration the pay and conditions  
of employees throughout the Group when determining remuneration 
for its Executive Directors. The Committee would increase an 
Executive Director’s salary in line with the general UK and US 
workforce other than when there is a change in role or  
responsibility, or a significant variance to the market arises, 
warranting a larger increase.

Newly promoted or recruited Executive Directors to the Board 
may, on occasion, have their salaries set below the benchmark 
policy level while they become established in role. In such cases, 
salary increases may be higher than the general UK and US 
workforce until the target positioning is achieved.

Group employees’ salaries are compared to cross-industry 
standards to ensure fair pay for that job. The Company does  
not directly consult with employees as part of the process of 
determining Directors’ remuneration. However, questions on the 
performance of Executive Committee members, including the 
Executive Directors, are included in the Company’s annual 
Employee Engagement surveys. While formal comparison 
measurements were not used in determining Executive Director 
remuneration, the Committee made decisions in the knowledge  
of incentive arrangements of the rest of the Group, upon which  
the Committee is briefed regularly. 

Remuneration policy for other employees

The Company’s policy on the remuneration of Executive Directors 
is consistent with that of other senior employees. This group of 
approximately 48 people also participates and receives deferred 
share awards under the APP. Eligibility to participate in the LTIP 
extends to a wider set of around 258 employees in total.

Outside the senior employees’ group, the composition of 
remuneration differs and annual incentives relate to measures 
relevant to the individual’s role. Plans for corporate employees  
are typically based on a combination of individual performance  
and the Group’s earnings before interest and tax (EBIT).  
Market-competitive specialist plans apply in certain areas  
such as corporate reservations, sales and hotel development.  
Incentive plans for General Managers of IHG owned, leased  
and managed hotels commonly include targets based on gross 
operating profit, guest satisfaction and employee engagement.

Eligibility for, and participation in, benefits and incentive plans 
differs depending on location, seniority, length of service and 
other factors.

Governance  85

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONDirectors’ Remuneration Policy continued

Remuneration Policy for Non-Executive Directors

The policy for Non-Executive Directors, set out below, will apply for three years from the date of the 2014 AGM, and is available to view  
at www.ihgplc.com/investors. If any changes are made to the Policy within that timeframe, it will be presented to be voted upon by 
shareholders. Non-Executive Directors are not eligible to participate in the APP, LTIP nor any IHG pension plan.

How the element supports  
our strategic objectives

Fees and benefits 
(cash)
Market competitive to attract 
Non-Executive Directors who  
have a broad range of skills and 
experience that add value to our 
business and help oversee and 
drive our strategy. 

Recognises the market value of 
the role and the individual’s skill, 
performance and experience.

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

•	 Non-Executive Directors’ fees 
and benefits are set by the 
Chairman of the Board and 
Executive Directors; the 
Chairman’s fees are set by  
the Committee.

•	 Fee increases would be in  
line with median FTSE 100 
increases. This may be 
exceeded where market 
conditions so warrant. 

•	 IHG pays the cost of providing 

•	 Fees are reviewed annually 

benefits as required.

•	 Non-Executive Directors are 
not eligible to participate in 
any performance-related 
incentive plans.

and fixed for 12 months from  
1 January.

•	 Consideration is given to:
 - business performance; 
 - current remuneration against  
external benchmarks; and
 - average salary increases  
for wider IHG employee 
population. 

•	 When external benchmarking 

is used, the comparator groups 
are chosen having regard to 
other FTSE 100 companies.
•	 Benefits include travel and 

accommodation in connection  
with attendance at Board and 
Committee meetings.

•	 Non-Executive Directors are  

not eligible to participate in IHG 
incentive or pension plans. 
•	 A single fee is determined for 
each Non-Executive Director 
role rather than different 
elements being applied to 
directorship, Committee  
and chair roles.

Details of letters of appointment and notice periods for Non-Executive Directors

Non-Executive Directors have letters of appointment, which are available upon request from the Company Secretary’s office. 

Patrick Cescau, appointed Non-Executive Chairman on 1 January 2013, is subject to 12 months’ notice. Other Non-Executive Directors  
are not subject to notice periods.

All Non-Executive Directors’ appointments and subsequent re-appointments are subject to election and annual re-election by 
shareholders at the AGM. 

Non-Executive Director

Committee appointments

Date of original appointment

Patrick Cescau
Ian Dyson
David Kappler 
Jennifer Laing
Jonathan Linen
Jill McDonald
Luke Mayhew
Dale Morrison
Ying Yeh

N

A N R

A N R

A C N

N R

A N

C N R

A C N

C N R

1 January 2013
1 September 2013
21 June 2004
25 August 2005
1 December 2005
1 June 2013
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
n/a
n/a

Committee  
membership key

A     Audit Committee member

N     Nomination Committee member

C    

 Corporate Responsibility 
Committee member

R     Remuneration Committee member

86 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Directors’ Remuneration Report continuedAnnual Report on Directors’ Remuneration

The Annual Report on Directors’ Remuneration explains how the Directors’ Remuneration Policy for 2013 was implemented and the 
resulting payments each of the Directors received. The notes to the single figure table provide further detail, including measures and 
outcomes for 2013 where relevant, for each of the elements that make up the total single figure of remuneration in respect of each of  
the Executive Directors. This report is subject to an advisory vote at the 2014 AGM.

Single total figure of remuneration –  
Executive Directors (audited information)

Value
(£000)

5000

£4,881

Pension benefit

LTIP 

APP deferred shares

APP cash

Benefits

Salary

£3,259

£3,149

£3,332

£2,088

£1,855

£2,246

£2,085

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

2013

2012

Richard Solomons

Kirk Kinsell

Tracy Robbins

Tom Singer

 Salary

 Benefits

 APP

 LTIP

 Pension benefit

Total

Executive 
Directors

2013
£000

2012
£000

2013
£000

2012
£000

2013
£000

2012
£000

2011/13 
cycle (value 
of shares)
£0003

2010/12 
cycle (value 
of shares)
£0004

2013
£000

2012
£000

2013
£000

2012
£000

735

Richard 
Solomons
Kirk Kinsell1 492
Tracy 
Robbins
Tom Singer2 548

421

716

474

409

540

34

85

21

29

48

1,098

663

23

19

532

631

409

988

612

600

1,172

1,036

865

656

935

1,989

1,473

1,091

1,366

246

114

126

164

1,1405

3,149

4,881

110

123

162

2,088

3,332

1,855

2,246

2,085

3,259

1  Kirk Kinsell is paid in US dollars and the sterling equivalents for the values shown above have been calculated using an exchange rate of  
$1.00 = £0.64.
2   Tom Singer’s APP award figure for 2012 includes a cash payment of £480,000 which he received in March 2012 to compensate him for forgone 
incentives from his previous employer. As a result of Tom Singer’s resignation from IHG with effect from 1 January 2014, Tom Singer will receive  
only the 50% cash portion of the 2013 APP award, in accordance with plan rules.
3  Based on share price as at 31 December 2013 of 2,013p. 
4  Based on share price on date of actual vesting of 1,953p.
5  Richard Solomons participated in the executive defined benefit section of the IC Plan in 2012, which closed to future accruals for existing members  
on 30 June 2013. See page 91 for further details.

Governance  87

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
Annual Report on Directors’ Remuneration continued

Notes to Single total figure of remuneration – Executive Directors

 Salary: salary paid for the year; for Kirk Kinsell this shows actual salary paid converted into sterling.

 Benefits: principal taxable benefits arising from the individuals’ employment in 2013 are set out in the table below:

Director

Richard Solomons
Kirk Kinsell
Tracy Robbins
Tom Singer

Company car
£

Healthcare 
£

20,2201
nil
15,4682
19,2902

2,139
5,247
1,328
nil

Financial 
counselling 
£

nil
3,195
nil
nil

Life cover 
£

nil 3
2,747
nil 3
nil 3

Taxable
 expenses4
£

Expatriate-related 
benefits
£

11,661
13,395
4,504
9,537

nil
60,5545
nil
nil

1 P11D value of the company car. 
2 Car allowance.
3 Life cover is provided through the IC Plan and, therefore, is not an individual taxable benefit.
4  Includes expenses that are taxable, such as travel and accommodation to attend Board meetings away from home locations.
5  Kirk Kinsell received expatriate benefits relating to his international assignment prior to taking up his Board appointment as President, The Americas, on 
  13 June 2011. This included tax equalisation on the vesting of LTIP awards granted whilst on assignment. 

 2013 APP 

The weighting, measures and targets relating to the APP are determined by the Committee, on an annual basis, in line with our strategic 
objectives. The measures for 2013 were: 

•	 Guest satisfaction as measured by the Guest HeartBeat score: year-on-year improvement;

•	 Employee Engagement survey score: year-on-year improvement; and

•	 EBIT achievement against target (corporate and regional).

APP

Performance
measures

20% Guest 
HeartBeat

10% Employee 
Engagement

70% EBIT

Payment 
structure

50% IHG shares
(deferred for 
three years)

50% cash

Opportunities

Target:
115% of salary 
per annum

Maximum:
200% of salary 
per annum

The 2013 targets were set taking 
into account:

•	  the Group’s growth ambitions;

•	  the objective of setting stretch 

targets for senior executives based 
on continuous improvement through 
maintaining or increasing 
achievement levels; and

•	  market expectations, circumstances 
and relative performance at the time.

A combination of global and regional targets were used. Executive Directors with only global roles were subject to global measures. 
Kirk Kinsell was subject to partly regional measures, reflecting his regional role as President, The Americas.

In common with shareholders, Executive Directors were eligible to receive dividends or dividend equivalents on the deferred share 
awards from the date of grant.

Why do we use these measures?
Guest HeartBeat score

Employee Engagement survey score

EBIT vs target

•	 Guest HeartBeat is part of the guest 

•	 We measure employee engagement 

satisfaction survey.

•	 It is an overall guest satisfaction score 

relating to hotel visits.

•	 It is a robust measure of the strength of 

our brands.

•	 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.

•	 Engaged employees are key to 

our business.

•	 Our Employee Engagement survey is a 
long-established tool in our business.

•	 EBIT is a key measure of business 
performance for our shareholders.

•	 It is a function of other critical measures: 
net rooms growth, RevPAR, profit margin 
and fee revenues. 

88 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Directors’ Remuneration Report continuedAward levels relate to achievement against target under each of the measures, as shown below:

Guest HeartBeat 
20% of award

Employee Engagement 
10% of award

EBIT 
70% of award

Total award 
% of salary

Threshold
Achievement vs 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 vs 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 vs target

200%

200%

110%

Award level

Maximum payment
40% of salary

Maximum payment
20% of salary

Maximum payment
140% of salary

200%

The actual award level was determined on a straight-line basis 
between threshold and target, and target and maximum, and 
relates to achievement vs target under each measure:

•	 Threshold is the minimum level that must be achieved for there 
to be an award in relation to that measure; for achievement 
below this, no award is made.

•	 Target is the target level of achievement and results in a target 

award for that measure (115% of salary).

•	 Maximum is the level of achievement at which a maximum 

award for that measure is received (200% of salary).

Threshold award was subject to a global EBIT affordability gate 
such that:

•	 if global EBIT was below 85% of target, no award would be 

made; and

•	 if global EBIT was between 85% and 90% of target, half of any 

award relating to the Guest HeartBeat and/or Employee 
Engagement survey measures would be made.

The Guest HeartBeat target for 2013 was based on scores compiled 
directly from guest feedback. Guest HeartBeat measures overall 
guest satisfaction with a hotel visit, based on a 10-point scale. It takes 
a common and consistent approach for all brands in all regions. The 
targets were set taking into account corporate strategic objectives at 
global and regional levels with a focus on year-on-year improvement 
in guest service scores and the quality of IHG branded hotels.

Our Employee Engagement survey scores are already high against 
benchmarks both globally and in our priority markets, such as Greater 
China; IHG has seen an 18 percentage point increase across the Group 
in the last five years. According to our third-party survey administrator, 
TNS, who provides similar services to many other companies, 
Employee Engagement survey scores for high-performing companies 
(the top 7% of companies) have remained flat since 2010, and service 
companies have reduced by an average of 1.5% year-on-year. In this 
context, the Committee considered setting a target based on further 
year-on-year improvement to be stretching. The Employee 
Engagement survey covers all employees and those working in our 
owned and managed hotels (excluding our joint venture partners). 

Outcome for 2013 (audited information)
Group EBIT achieved for 2013 was 102.5% of target. For The Americas, EBIT achievement was 101.2% of target. The EBIT element of  
Kirk Kinsell’s award was based 50/50 on Group/The Americas results and for the other Executive Directors, it is based wholly on global 
results. Based on performance, the following table shows the level of 2013 awards. Under the terms of the APP, participants are subject  
to an automatic adjustment to their award if they do not fully exceed targets on a range of regional and organisational objectives. 50% will 
be paid in cash and 50% in deferred IHG shares that will vest after three years in February 2017. The deferred share awards are made in 
the form of forfeitable shares that receive dividends during the three-year vesting period and include the right to vote at shareholder 
meetings, apart from Kirk Kinsell, whose deferred share award is in the form of a conditional share award with dividend equivalents.

Director

Richard Solomons

Kirk Kinsell

Tracy Robbins

Tom Singer

Guest HeartBeat

Employee Engagement

EBIT

Achievement  
vs target (%)

Award as  
% of salary

Achievement  
vs target (%)

Award as  
% of salary

Achievement  
vs target (%)

Award as  
% of salary

100.1

100.1

100.1
100.1

25.0

24.8

25.0
25.0

200.0

200.0

200.0
200.0

23.0

23.0

23.0
23.0

102.5

101.8

102.5
102.5

100.6

 95.4

100.6
100.6

Total

Award as  
% of salary

148.6

107.4

148.6
  74.31

1  As a result of Tom Singer’s resignation from IHG with effect from 1 January 2014, Tom Singer will receive only the 50% cash portion of the 2013 APP award in 
accordance with the plan rules.

2013 Group EBIT includes certain liquidated damages payments (LDs), and in determining the outcome under the APP, the Committee has 
applied a discount to these payments to reflect the resulting loss of future income to the Group. In addition, the Committee has exercised 
discretion to adjust regional EBIT achievement levels. The percentage by which global EBIT is reduced by way of discount to the LDs 
received, has also been applied to reduce each region’s EBIT for the purposes of determining APP awards. 

Actual 2013 targets under each measure are not disclosed as they are, in the opinion of the Directors, commercially sensitive. 
Disclosure would provide IHG’s major competitors with an unfair commercial advantage as these companies are either unlisted or  
listed on a stock exchange other than the London Stock Exchange, and therefore not subject to the same regulations.

Governance  89

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONAnnual Report on Directors’ Remuneration continued

 2011/13 LTIP

The performance measures for each three-year LTIP cycle are set by the Committee. Awards are made annually and eligible executives 
will receive shares at the end of that cycle, subject to achievement of the performance measures. The performance measures for the 
2011/13 cycle were:

•	 relative growth in net rooms over three years;

•	 relative like-for-like RevPAR growth over three years; and

•	  IHG’s TSR relative to the Dow Jones Global Hotel (DJGH) index.

Growth in net rooms and RevPAR is 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 for the 2012/14 and 2013/15 LTIP cycles, granted in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Performance
measures

25% net rooms

Payment 
structure

Opportunities

LTIP

25% RevPAR

100% IHG
shares

50% TSR

Target:
102.5% of salary 
per annum

Maximum:
205% of salary 
per annum

Why do we use these measures?
Net rooms growth

This measures the net growth in the 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. 

RevPAR growth

TSR vs DJGH

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 appropriate comparator group, 
currently 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 focusing 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.

Outcome for 2011/13 cycle (audited information)
This cycle vested on 19 February 2014 as follows: 

Performance 
measure

Net rooms 
growth

RevPAR growth

TSR

Total vesting 
outcome

Threshold 
performance

Maximum 
performance

Threshold/ 
maximum vesting Weighting

Maximum award 
(% of salary at 
date of award)

Actual performance 
vs comparator group

Outcome  
(% of maximum 
award vesting)

Average of the 
comparator 
group
Average of the 
comparator 
group
Growth equal 
to the DJGH 
index

1st in the 
comparator 
group
1st in the 
comparator 
group
Growth exceeds 
the index by 8% 
per year or more

20% / 100%

25%

51.25%

Below average

0%

20% / 100%

25%

51.25%

20% / 100%

50%

102.5%

Slightly above 
average

Growth  
exceeded index by 
10.4%

9%

50%

59%

Net rooms and RevPAR growth were measured by reference to the three years ending 30 September 2013; TSR was measured by 
reference to the three years ending 31 December 2013.

 Pension benefit: the value of Company contributions to pension plans and any cash allowances paid in lieu of pension contributions. 

For 2012, the figure for Richard Solomons shows the increase in his pension value as a member of the executive defined benefit section of 
the IC Plan, which arose principally from his salary review when appointed Chief Executive Officer in July 2011. The defined benefit section 
of the IC Plan closed to future accruals for existing members on 30 June 2013 and therefore the 2013 pension figure for Richard Solomons 
also includes a cash allowance in lieu of pensions contributions for the period from 1 July 2013.

90 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Directors’ Remuneration Report continuedTotal pension entitlements (audited information)

From 2014, two changes to pension arrangements are being made 
in line with the objective of significantly reducing the defined 
benefit liability and risks in the Company’s balance sheet. 

Richard Solomons is eligible for the Enhanced Early Retirement 
Facility (EERF), which is available to all members of the plan. 
Richard Solomons’ facility is being phased out in line with all  
other plan members meaning that he could retire without 
reduction to his pension from approximately age 58 and no earlier. 
This provision only applies on consent of the Company. Prior to  
the phasing out, Richard Solomons was eligible to retire without 
reduction from age 55. 

Although the EERF is non-contractual, as part of the consultation 
with employees and the plan trustees with regards to the changes 
in the defined benefit section of the IC Plan in June 2013, it was 
agreed at that time that the EERF would be retained. However,  
the decision has now been made to phase out this facility as part  
of the process of redrawing the Company’s pension arrangements. 
The EERF terms require an executive to obtain Company consent.

Richard Solomons participated in the executive defined benefit 
section of the IC Plan and the unfunded InterContinental Executive 
Top-Up Scheme (ICETUS) until June 2013, when they both closed to 
future accruals.

As set out in the Remuneration Committee Chairman’s statement, 
in 2014 the Company is looking to reduce the risks and volatility 
from the remaining unfunded ICETUS pension arrangements by 
offering members an opportunity to cash out the ICETUS element 
of their pension on a basis that is fair and reasonable, both to them 
and to shareholders. Currently, approximately 11 UK employed 
executives participate in the ICETUS arrangement. 

This is part of the process of redrawing IHG’s pension arrangements 
and minimising the future risks to the company. In the event the 
cash-out offer is accepted by an Executive Director, details will be 
disclosed in the relevant Annual Report on Directors’ Remuneration. 
This is in relation to previously disclosed benefits.

The main features of the executive defined benefit section of the  
IC Plan, which is a funded, final salary, occupational scheme are:

•	 normal pension age of 60 (9 October 2021, for Richard Solomons);

•	 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

•	 spouse’s, partner’s and dependents’ pensions on death.

Following the closure of these arrangements to future accrual 
from July 2013, Richard Solomons receives a cash sum in lieu of 
pension contributions. 

Richard Solomons’ 2013 pension benefits are as follows:

Director’s contributions  
for the year
Deemed capital value of accrued  
benefits as at 1 January 20131
Deemed capital value of accrued  
benefits at 31 December 20131
Increase in transfer value  
over the year
Absolute increase in accrued 
pension per annum
Increase in accrued pension  
(ie excluding inflation) per annum

 £

 17,760

7,544,000 

 7,886,000 

 342,000 

 17,100

 5,400 

1  The capital values disclosed above are based on the HM Revenue & 
Customs methodology of valuing pensions at 20 times their annual 
amounts, which is in line with the ‘Single Figure’ value stated 
elsewhere in these Accounts; the 2012 Accounts included values 
calculated on an actuarial basis, which was in line with regulations 
applicable at the time.

£

Accrued value of annual pension  
if retired at 31 December 2013

272,050 of which:
  49,640 is funded
222,410 is unfunded
394,300 of which:
  71,950 is funded 
322,350 is unfunded

Accrued value of annual pension 
at 31 December 2013, assuming 
retirement at normal age 
(9 October 2021)
Additional annual pension benefit 
on early retirement under EERF  
at 31 December 2013
In addition, in 2013 Richard Solomons received a cash 
allowance in lieu of pension contributions of £110,850.

78,860 of which:
14,390 is funded
64,470 is unfunded

The breakdown of the pension element of the single figure 
for 2012 and 2013 for Richard Solomons is as follows:

Pension benefit under defined benefit 
section of IC Plan
Cash allowance in lieu of 
pension contribution
Total

2013
£000 

2012
£000

135

1,140

111

246

–

1,140

Governance  91

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONAnnual Report on Directors’ Remuneration continued

Tracy Robbins did not participate in any IHG pension plan in 2013.  
As a result of the reduction in the Lifetime Allowance in 2012, 
contributions ceased and instead Tracy Robbins receives a cash 
allowance in lieu of pension contributions. For 2013, the cash 
allowance received was £126,400. 

Tom Singer did not participate in any IHG pension plan and for 
2013, received a cash allowance of £164,400. 

Life assurance cover of four times pensionable salary was also 
provided for both Tracy Robbins and Tom Singer.

Kirk Kinsell participates in the US 401(k) Plan and the US Deferred 
Compensation Plan. The US 401(k) Plan is a tax qualified plan 
providing benefits on a defined contribution basis, with the 
member and 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 these 
plans for the year ended 31 December 2013 were:

Item

Director’s contributions to US Deferred 
Compensation Plan
Director’s contributions to US 401(k) Plan
Company contributions to US Deferred 
Compensation Plan
Company contributions to US 401(k) Plan

Age at 31 December 2013

£1

164,912

14,720

107,726

6,528

58

1 Sterling values have been calculated using an exchange rate of $1=£0.64.

Scheme interests awarded during 2013 (audited information)

During 2013, awards relating to shares were granted under the 2013/15 LTIP. Awards were made to each Executive Director over shares 
with a value of 205% of salary using an average share price over the three business days immediately prior to grant. These are in the  
form of conditional awards over IHG shares and do not carry the right to dividends or dividend equivalents during the vesting period.  
These awards will vest, and the shares will be transferred to the award holder in February 2016 to the extent performance targets are  
met (see page 90 for an explanation of the performance measures).

Executive Director

2013/15 cycle

Richard Solomons
Kirk Kinsell
Tracy Robbins
Tom Singer3

Award date Maximum shares awarded 

Market price per
share at grant1 
£

Face value of  
award at grant
£000

Number of shares  
received if minimum
performance achieved2

5 April 2013
5 April 2013
5 April 2013
5 April 2013

76,319
53,049
43,819
56,883

19.85
19.85
19.85
19.85

1,515
1,053
870
1,129

15,263
10,609
8,763
11,376

1 Share price was the closing mid-market share price on 4 April 2013.
2 Minimum performance is equal to 20% of maximum award.
3 Tom Singer’s award lapsed as a result of his resignation with effect from 1 January 2014.

The vesting date for these awards is the day after the announcement of our annual results in 2016. Net rooms growth and RevPAR growth 
will be measured by reference to the three years ending 30 September 2015; TSR will be measured by reference to the three years ending 
31 December 2015.

Other outstanding awards
During 2012, awards relating to shares were granted under the 2012/14 LTIP, as shown below on the same basis as the 2013/15 LTIP cycle 
(shown above). These awards will vest in February 2015 to the extent performance targets are met (see page 90 for an explanation of the 
performance measures).

Executive Director

2012/14 cycle

Richard Solomons
Kirk Kinsell
Tracy Robbins
Tom Singer3

Award date Maximum shares awarded 

5 April 2012
5 April 2012
5 April 2012
5 April 2012

103,722
68,463
59,270
51,789

Market price per
share at grant1 
£

Face value of  
award at grant
£000

Number of shares
received if minimum
performance achieved2

14.25
14.25
14.25
14.25

1,478
976
845
738

20,744
13,692
11,854
10,358

1 Share price was the closing mid-market share price on 4 April 2012.
2 Minimum performance is equal to 20% of maximum award.
3  Following Tom Singer’s resignation with effect from 1 January 2014, Tom Singer’s award will vest in line with the LTIP plan rules on a pro-rated basis for the 
proportion of the performance period in which Tom Singer remained in employment, as determined by the Committee. The pro-rated award is shown in the table 
above. Vesting will not be accelerated.

The vesting date for these awards is the day after the announcement of our annual results in 2015. Net rooms growth and RevPAR growth 
will be measured by reference to the three years ending 30 September 2014; TSR will be measured by reference to the three years ending 
31 December 2014.

92 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Directors’ Remuneration Report continuedCurrent position on outstanding awards
Details of the performance measures and potential vesting outcomes for outstanding awards as at 31 December 2013 are as follows:

Performance  
measure

2013/15 cycle

Threshold  
performance

Maximum  
performance

Threshold/ 
maximum vesting

Weighting

Maximum award  
(% of salary)

Potential vesting 
outcome

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%

Growth equal to the 
DJGH index

Growth exceeds  
the index by 8%  
per year or more

TSR

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%

Improved 
performance  
needed to achieve 
threshold vesting
Improved 
performance  
needed to achieve 
threshold vesting
Improved 
performance  
needed to achieve 
threshold vesting

Improved 
performance  
needed to achieve 
threshold vesting
Improved 
performance  
needed to achieve 
threshold vesting
Maximum vesting if 
current performance 
maintained

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.

Director

Richard Solomons
Kirk Kinsell

31 December 2013

31 December 2012

31 December 2013

31 December 2012

nil
nil

330,870
nil

330,8701
nil

nil
109,150

Options vested but unexercised

Options exercised

1 Share price on date of exercise was 1,942p.

Option prices during the year ranged from 438.00p to 619.83p per IHG share. The closing market value share price on 31 December 2013 
was 2,013p and the range during the year was from 1,737p to 2,039p per share. Share price range data was provided by Bank of America 
Merril Lynch.

The gain, before tax, made by Richard Solomons on the exercise of options during the year 2013 was £4,663,884. London and New York 
Stock Exchange announcements concerning this option exercise were made on 22 May 2013.

No options were exercised by any other Director during the year.

Governance  93

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONAnnual Report on Directors’ Remuneration continued

Statement of Directors’ shareholdings and share interests (audited information)

The Committee believes that share ownership by Executive Directors and senior executives strengthens the link between the individuals’ 
personal interests and those of shareholders.

Guideline Executive Director shareholding requirement
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.

Shares and awards held by Executive Directors as at 31 December 2013: % of salary

Director

Richard Solomons
Kirk Kinsell
Tracy Robbins

Tom Singer

Guideline shareholding 

Shares held outright 

Total shares & awards held 

300
200
200

200

1,011
519
407

199

1,985
1,580
1,423

1,044

Percentages are based on shareholding and a share price of 2,013p per share as at 31 December 2013.

Shares held by Executive Directors as at 31 December 2013: number of shares 

Richard Solomons

Kirk Kinsell

Tracy Robbins

Tom Singer

0 
% of salary

200 

400 

600 

800 

1000 

1200 

  1400 

1600 

1800 

2000 

Director

Number of shares held outright

APP deferred share awards2

LTIP share awards (unvested)3 Total number of shares & awards held

Richard Solomons
Kirk Kinsell
Tracy Robbins
Tom Singer

2013

371,198
127,4441
85,703
54,386

2012

322,379
155,6281
85,703
20,846

2013

90,068
66,502
55,905
17,930

2012

64,524
50,152
40,381
n/a

2013

267,275
194,384
158,337
213,263

2012

292,774
216,746
170,391
226,332

2013

728,541
388,330
299,945
285,579

2012

679,677
422,526
296,475
247,178

1 Comprised 155,034 ordinary shares and 594 American Depositary Receipts.
2 Awards not subject to performance conditions.
3 Awards still subject to performance conditions as set out on page 97.

Percentage change in remuneration of Chief Executive Officer

The table below shows the percentage change in the remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer compared to UK employees between 
2012 and 2013:

Salary
Taxable benefits
Annual incentive

Chief Executive Officer

UK employees

+2.7%
-29.0%
+11.0%

+3.5%1
0.0%2
+16.0%3

1  The percentage change for UK employees shown is the budget for the 2013 
annual pay review and promotions/market adjustments during 2013.
2 Based on taxable benefits for tax year ending 5 April in relevant year.
3  Change shown assumes “very good performance” individual performance 
rating and global responsibilities in role.

We believe that an appropriate comparator group is UK-based 
employees because:

•	 the structure and composition of remuneration for that group 
most closely reflects that of the Chief Executive Officer; and

•	 the same UK market dynamics will apply to salary movements, 
providing a better like-for-like comparison than an international 
comparator group of employees.

For the annual incentive, the comparator group used is the grade 
of executives below Executive Committee level, who are subject to 
the same performance measures as the Chief Executive Officer.

94 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Directors’ Remuneration Report continued 
Relative performance graph and table

Throughout 2013, IHG was a member of the FTSE 100 share 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 Group’s performance. The graph below shows the TSR performance of IHG from 31 December 2008 to 31 December 2013, 
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. 

TSR: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC vs FTSE 100 and Dow Jones Global Hotels indices

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

500

DJGH Index

FTSE 100 Index

Source: Datastream

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

Dec 08

Dec 09

Dec 10

Dec 11

Dec 12

Dec 13

Chief Executive Officer’s remuneration
The table below shows the single figure of total remuneration for the incumbent Chief Executive Officer for the five years to 31 December 2013:

Financial
year ended  
31 December

Single figure
£000

Chief Executive Officer

Richard Solomons

Andrew Cosslett

 Annual incentive 

Richard Solomons

received  
(% of maximum)

Andrew Cosslett

 Shares received  

Richard Solomons

under the LTIP  
(% of maximum)

Andrew Cosslett

2009

n/a

1,953

n/a

nil2

n/a

46.0

2010

n/a

5,430

n/a

100.0

n/a

73.8

20111

4,724

3,770

83.0

43.03

73.9

61.6

2012

4,881

n/a

68.0

n/a

100.0

n/a

2013

3,149

n/a

74.0

n/a

59.0

n/a

1  Andrew Cosslett retired on 30 June 2011 and Richard Solomons was appointed Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 2011, having previously held the position of Chief 
Financial Officer and Head of Commercial Development; the single figure value is the total remuneration received by each Director for that year.
2 There was no annual incentive award paid in respect of financial year ended 31 December 2009.
3 No deferred shares were awarded in respect of the 2011 ABP. Andrew Cosslett received his award as 100% cash pro-rated to 30 June 2011.

Relative importance of spend on pay

Remuneration advisers

The table below sets out the actual expenditure of the Group 
in 2011, 2012 and 2013 on employee remuneration and distributions 
to shareholders and shows the difference in spend between 
those years:

Item

Remuneration paid to  
all employees

2013
$m

% 
change

2012
$m

% 
change

2011
$m

656

5

6261 

(1)

6341

Distributions: 
Final dividend  
(previous year)
Ordinary (interim) dividend
Special dividend
Repurchase of own shares

115
63
3552
2834

113
61
 5053
1075

102
46
0
0

Total distributions

816

3.8

786

431

148

1  Restated for the adoption of IAS 19R ’Employee Benefits’.
2  A special dividend of $1.33 per share was paid to shareholders on 4 October 
2013.
3  A special dividend of $1.72 per share was paid to shareholders on 22 October 
2012.
4  Under the authority granted by shareholders at the General Meeting held  
on 8 October 2012 and the AGM held on 24 May 2013, 9,773,912 shares were 
purchased in the period from 8 October 2012 to 31 December 2013 for a total 
consideration of $283m.
5  Under the authority granted by shareholders at the General Meeting held  
on 8 October 2012, 4,143,960 shares were purchased in the period to  
31 December 2012 for a total consideration of $107m. 

The Committee continued to retain PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
(PwC) throughout 2013 as independent advisers. Fees of £132,050 
were paid to PwC in respect of advice provided to the Committee on 
executive remuneration matters in 2013. This was in the form of an 
agreed fee for support in preparation of papers and attendance at 
meetings, with work on additional items charged at hourly rates. 
PwC also provided tax and other consulting services to the Company 
during the year.

The terms of engagement for PwC are available from the Company 
Secretary’s office on request. 

PwC was appointed following a competitive tender process.  
The Committee is satisfied that the advice received from PwC  
was objective and independent as PwC is a member 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.

Governance  95

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Report on Directors’ Remuneration continued

Payments to past Directors (audited information)

Special dividends paid to Executive Directors

In February 2013, Andrew Cosslett received 80,403 shares when 
the 2010/12 LTIP vested. These relate to awards made while  
Andrew Cosslett was Chief Executive Officer. The share price at  
vesting on 20 February 2013 was 1,953p.

Sir Ian Prosser, who retired as a Director on 31 December 2003, 
had an ongoing healthcare benefit of £1,379 during the year.

Payments for loss of office (audited information)

There were no payments made for loss of office in 2013. 

Voting at IHG Annual General Meetings

At IHG’s most recent AGMs, the annual advisory vote in respect of 
the Directors’ Remuneration Report was as follows:

AGM

2013

2012

2011

Votes for

Votes against

Abstentions

160,795,577 
(85.73%)
203,110,989 
(95.46%)
180,843,226 
(96.24%)

26,762,429 
(14.27%)
 9,651,718 
(4.54%)
 7,062,882 
(3.76%)

1,226,617

1,750,533

9,927,433

The vote at the 2011 AGM related to the 2010 Remuneration Report, 
which contained details of the introduction of new LTIP measures 
for the 2011/13 cycle (relative net rooms and RevPAR growth).

The Company paid special dividends to its shareholders on 
22 October 2012 and 4 October 2013. 

The 2012 special dividend 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. Neither LTIP award holders nor IHG 
Executive Share Option Plan holders were entitled to receive  
the special dividend. Executive Directors holding forfeitable 
shares under the ABP (the predecessor plan to the APP) received 
the special dividend and their share awards were subject to  
the share consolidation.

The 2013 special dividend was not accompanied by a share 
consolidation. Neither LTIP award holders nor IHG Executive Share 
Option Plan holders were entitled to receive the special dividend. 
Executive Directors holding forfeitable shares under the ABP 
received the special dividend. 

Kirk Kinsell holds some of his ABP deferred shares in the form  
of conditional awards, which were not eligible to receive the  
special dividend, rather than forfeitable shares. To ensure equity  
of treatment with other Executive Committee members, a dividend 
equivalent was paid in respect of these awards to Kirk Kinsell.

Single total figure of remuneration: Non-Executive Directors (audited information)

Fees (£000)

Benefits6(£000)

Total (£000)

Non-Executive Director

Patrick Cescau1
David Webster2
Ian Dyson3
David Kappler
Jennifer Laing
Jonathan Linen
Jill McDonald4
Luke Mayhew
Dale Morrison
Ying Yeh
Graham Allan5

2013

400
nil
23
109
80
69
40
91
69
69
nil

2012

nil
406
nil
105
78
66
nil
88
66
66
31

2013

2012

14
nil
1
2
2
90
3
2
22
72
nil

nil
12
nil
2
3
64
nil
2
16
11
nil

2013

414
nil
24
111
82
159
43
93
91
141
nil

2012

nil
418
nil
107
81
130
nil
90
82
77
31

1 Patrick Cescau was appointed as Chairman of the Board on 1 January 2013.
2 David Webster retired as Chairman of the Board on 31 December 2012. 
3 Ian Dyson was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 September 2013.
4 Jill McDonald was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 1 June 2013.
5 Graham Allan resigned as Non-Executive Director on 15 June 2012.
6  Benefits include taxable travel and accommodation expenses to attend Board meetings away from home location; under concessionary HM Revenue & Customs 
rules, non-UK based Non-Executive Directors (Jonathan Linen, Dale Morrison and Ying Yeh) are not subject to tax on travel expenses for the first five years. 

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 similar complexity. These fees also reflect the time commitment and responsibilities of the roles. 
Accordingly, higher fees are payable to the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee (David 
Kappler) and the Chairmen of the Remuneration (Luke Mayhew) and Corporate Responsibility Committees (Jennifer Laing). The 
Chairman’s fees are agreed by the Committee.

Non-Executive Directors’ fee levels are reviewed annually.

96 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Directors’ Remuneration Report continuedImplementation of Remuneration Policy in 2014

We set out below a statement of the implementation of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy in 2014.

 Salary: Executive Directors

For TSR, threshold performance (20% vesting) is achieved when 
growth is equal to the DJGH index and maximum performance 
(100% vesting) is achieved when growth exceeds the index by  
8% per year or more.

Executive Director

Richard Solomons
Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson
Kirk Kinsell1 
Tracy Robbins

2014  
£

2014  
$

2013  

£

2013  

$

Fees: Non-Executive Directors

765,000
420,000

739,000
–

The following fee levels will apply from 1 January 2014:

793,500

774,000

Non-Executive 
Director

Role

2014 
£

2013 
£

437,000

424,300

Patrick Cescau Chairman of the Board

412,000 400,000

David Kappler

Luke Mayhew

Jennifer Laing

Others

Senior Independent Director 
and Chairman of Audit 
Committee
Chairman of Remuneration 
Committee
Chairman of Corporate 
Responsibility Committee 
Non-Executive Director

111,750

108,500

93,750

91,000

82,500

80,000

70,500

68,500

David Kappler will step down as Chairman of the Audit Committee on 
1 April 2014 and retire as a Non-Executive Director on 31 May 2014. 

With effect from 1 April 2014, Ian Dyson will become Chairman of 
the Audit Committee and his annual fee will increase to £93,750. 

With effect from 31 May 2014, Dale Morrison will become Senior 
Independent Non-Executive Director and his annual fee will 
increase to £93,750.

Luke Mayhew, Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
17 February 2014

1  Kirk Kinsell is paid in US dollars and his annual base salary for 2013 and 2014  
is shown in US dollars above. The equivalent sterling values calculated using 
an exchange rate of $1=£0.64 are: 2013 – £494,635; and 2014 – £507,096.

The overall budget for salary increases for IHG corporate 
employees in the UK and US, and the overall increase in the 
Executive Directors’ salaries for 2014 is as follows: 

UK corporate employees

US corporate employees

Executive Directors

3.0%

3.0%

3.0%

Performance measures and targets

The performance measures and targets for the 2014 APP and 
the 2014/16 LTIP cycle are the same as for the 2013 APP and the 
2013/15 LTIP cycle respectively.

 2014 APP

For 2014, the Committee has approved a maximum opportunity 
of 200% of salary (50% cash and 50% IHG shares deferred for 
three years).

Awards will be based on individual and Group achievement using 
performance measures relating to:

•	 Guest satisfaction (Guest HeartBeat) 20%;

•	 Employee Engagement 10%; and

•	 EBIT 70%.

For Guest HeartBeat and Employee Engagement, the 2014 targets 
are set as an improvement over 2013 scores. The 2014 EBIT 
element relates to the 2014 EBIT target figure.

The actual targets under the performance measures for the APP 
for 2014 are not and will not be disclosed as they are, in the opinion 
of the Directors, commercially sensitive. Disclosure would provide 
IHG’s major competitors with an unfair commercial advantage as 
these companies are either unlisted or listed on a stock exchange 
other than the London Stock Exchange, and therefore not subject 
to the same obligation to disclose incentive plan targets.

 2014/16 LTIP cycle

For the 2014/16 LTIP, the Committee has approved awards to 
Executive Directors over shares with a maximum value of 205%  
of salary. Share awards will vest after three years if the following 
performance conditions are met:

•	 25% relative net rooms growth;

•	 25% relative RevPAR growth; and

•	 50% relative TSR vs the DJGH index.

For net rooms and RevPAR growth, threshold performance 
(20% vesting) is equal to the average of the comparator group;  
and maximum performance (100% vesting) is achieved when IHG  
is first in the comparator group.

Governance  97

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONStaybridge Suites Hamilton –  
Downtown, Ontario, Canada

1997

Staybridge Suites®
Staybridge Suites hotels, launched in 1997, 
is IHG’s extended-stay brand for business and 
leisure travellers who spend an extended time 
away from home and prefer a warm, home-like 
and community environment.

196 properties; 21,518 rooms open  
80 properties in the pipeline

98 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Group Financial 
Statements

Candlewood Suites St. Joseph,
Missouri, US

2003

Contents

Candlewood Suites®
Candlewood Suites is IHG’s extended-stay brand 
in North America aimed at providing guests with 
a relaxed, casual and home-like environment at 
great value. The two brand hallmarks of the 
Candlewood Cupboard® and Lending Locker 
depict the trust system, which has always 
prevailed for the brand. 

312 properties; 29,778 rooms open  
80 properties in the pipeline

 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

100 
101  Independent Auditor’s UK Report 
103  Independent Auditor’s US Report
104  Group income statement 
105 
106 
109 
110 
111 
117 

 Group statement of comprehensive income 
 Group statement of changes in equity 
 Group statement of financial position 
 Group statement of cash flows 
 Accounting policies 
 Notes to the Group Financial Statements

Group Financial Statements  99

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFinancial Statements and accounting records

The laws of England and Wales require the Directors to prepare 
financial statements which give a true and fair view of the assets, 
liabilities and financial position of the Company and of the Group at 
the end of the financial year together with the profit or loss of the 
Group 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;

•	 state whether the Consolidated Financial Statements have been 
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board (IASB), for use in the EU and Article 4 of the  
EU IAS Regulation; 

•	 state for the Company Financial Statements whether applicable 

UK accounting standards have been followed; 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 proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable 
accuracy the financial position of the Group and the Company to 
enable them to ensure that the Financial Statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Consolidated Financial 
Statements, Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulation. The Directors are 
also responsible for the system of internal control, for safeguarding 
the assets of the Company and the Group, and taking reasonable 
steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure and Transparency Rules

The Board confirms that to the best of its knowledge:

•	 the Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with 
IFRS as issued by the IASB and IFRS as adopted by the EU, give a 
true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and 
profit and loss of the Group; and

•	 the Annual Report, including the Strategic Report, includes a fair 
review of the development and performance of the business and 
the position of the Group together with a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.

Directors’ statement under the UK Corporate 
Governance Code

Having taken advice from the Audit Committee, the Board considers 
that the Annual Report and Form 20-F, taken as a whole is fair, 
balanced and understandable and that it provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s performance, 
business model and strategy.

Disclosure of information to Auditor

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 (as defined by section 418(3) 
of the Companies Act 2006). None of the Directors are aware of 
any relevant audit information which has not been disclosed to 
the Company’s Auditor. 

Management’s report on internal control over 
financial reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining 
adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Group, 
as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 as a process designed to provide reasonable 
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in 
accordance with IFRS. The Group’s internal control over financial 
reporting includes policies and procedures that:

•	 pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, 

accurately and fairly reflect the Group’s transactions and 
dispositions of assets;

•	 are designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions 
are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of the 
Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS as issued by the 
IASB and the IFRS adopted by the EU, and that receipts and 
expenditure are being made only in accordance with authorisation 
of management and the Directors of the Company; and

•	 provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely 
detection of unauthorised acquisition, use or disposition of  
the Group’s assets that could have a material effect on the 
Financial Statements.

Any internal control framework has inherent limitations and 
internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect 
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness 
to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 
inadequate because of changes in conditions or the degree of 
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

Management has undertaken an assessment of the effectiveness 
of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting at 31 December 
2013 based on criteria established in the Internal Control-Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations  
of the Treadway Commission (1992 Framework) (the COSO criteria). 
Based on this assessment, management has concluded that as at  
31 December 2013 the Group’s internal control over financial reporting 
was effective. 

During the period covered by this document there were no changes 
in the Group’s internal control over financial reporting that have 
materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect  
the effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting.

The Group’s internal financial control over financial reporting  
at 31 December 2013, together with the Group’s Consolidated 
Financial Statements, were audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an 
independent registered public accounting firm. Their report on 
internal control over financial reporting can be found on page 103.

On behalf of the Board 

Richard Solomons  
Chief Executive Officer 
17 February 2014 

Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson
Chief Financial Officer
17 February 2014

100 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
Independent Auditor Report to the members of 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC

We have audited the Group Financial Statements of 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC for the year ended  
31 December 2013 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 and the related notes 
1 to 36. 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 Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities statement on page 100, 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 (ISAs) (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 and Form 20-F 2013 
to identify material inconsistencies with the audited Financial 
Statements and to identify any information that is apparently 
materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with,  
the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit.  
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 2013 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. 

Our assessment of risks of material misstatement 

We identified the following risks that have had the greatest effect 
on the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the 
audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team: 

•	 The measurement of the future redemption liability of the 

Group’s loyalty programme; 

•	 Accounting for the hotel assessments collected as part of  

the revenue cycle and the allocation of expenditures related 
to the marketing, advertising and loyalty point programmes 
(the System Fund);

•	 The assessment of the carrying value of deferred tax assets  

for trading losses; 

•	 The accounting for the purchase of a qualifying insurance policy 

by the UK defined benefit pension plan; and

•	 The accounting for the disposal of the InterContinental London 

Park Lane hotel.

Our application of materiality 

We determined planning materiality for the Group to be $27m,  
which is approximately 5% of adjusted profit before tax. We used 
adjusted pre-tax profit excluding exceptional items and significant 
liquidated damages as we considered that to be reflective of ongoing 
operating activity and the most relevant performance measure to the 
stakeholders of the entity. This provided a basis for determining the 
nature, timing and extent of risk assessment procedures, identifying 
and assessing the risk of material misstatement and determining  
the nature, timing and extent of further audit procedures. 

On the basis of our risk assessment, together with our assessment 
of the Group’s overall control environment, our judgement was that 
overall performance materiality (i.e. our tolerance for misstatement 
in an individual account or balance) for the Group should be 75% of 
planning materiality, namely $20m. Our objective in adopting this 
approach was to ensure that total detected and audit differences  
in all accounts did not exceed our planning materiality level. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the 
Committee all audit differences in excess of $1.4m, as well as 
differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted 
reporting on qualitative grounds.

An overview of the scope of our audit 

Following our assessment of the risk of material misstatement  
to the Group Financial Statements, we selected 24 components 
which represent the principal business units within the Group and 
account for 84% (2012: 70%) of the Group’s profit before tax and 
79% (2012: 78%) of the Group’s revenue. 15 of these were subject  
to a full audit, whilst the remaining nine were subject to a partial 
audit where the extent of audit work was based on our assessment 
of the risks of material misstatement and of the materiality of the 
Group’s business operations in that component. These components 
were also selected to provide an appropriate basis for undertaking 
audit work to address the risks of material misstatement identified 
above. For the remaining components, we performed other 
procedures to confirm that there were no significant risks of 
material misstatement in the Group Financial Statements.

The audit work in the 24 components was executed at levels of 
materiality applicable to each individual entity, which were lower 
than Group materiality.

The Group audit team interacted regularly with the component teams 
where appropriate during various stages of the audit, visited key 
accounting locations in the US and India, visited owned hotels in 
France and Hong Kong, reviewed key working papers and was 
responsible for the scope and direction of the audit process. 

Group Financial Statements  101

Independent Auditor’s UK ReportOVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThe principal ways in which we responded to the risks identified 
above included:

The accounting for the disposal of the InterContinental 
London Park Lane hotel

The measurement of the future redemption liability of 
the Group’s loyalty programme

We tested the effectiveness of internal financial controls over the 
liability valuation process. We undertook substantive procedures and 
analytical procedures to validate the movement in outstanding loyalty 
points in the year and the balance at the year end. We used actuarial 
specialists to challenge the appropriateness of the methodology, 
data and assumptions applied by management in determining key 
redemption ratio assumptions for members’ outstanding loyalty 
points at the balance sheet date. In addition to testing the integrity 
and accuracy of the Group’s model, we developed our own model to 
form an independent view on an acceptable range for the redemption 
ratios and assess the reasonableness of key assumptions applied by 
management in valuing the liability. We undertook substantive and 
analytical procedures to validate the redeemed point cost to be 
applied in the liability calculation.

Accounting for the hotel assessments collected as part 
of the revenue cycle and the allocation of expenditures 
related to the marketing, advertising and loyalty point 
programmes (the System Fund) 

As outlined in the Strategic Report on page 16, the System Fund is a 
key part of the Group’s business model. In auditing the accounting 
for the System Fund cash flows, we carried out controls testing and 
undertook substantive and analytical procedures to test that the 
assessment fees and designated System Fund expenditures were 
properly excluded from the Group’s income statement. We reviewed 
contractual agreements to validate the appropriateness of costs 
allocated to the System Fund.

The assessment of the carrying value of deferred tax 
assets for trading losses

We evaluated the integrity of the forecast models and considered 
the appropriateness of management’s assumptions and estimates 
in relation to the likelihood of generating suitable future taxable 
profits to support the recognition of deferred tax assets.  
We evaluated the historical accuracy of forecasting and the 
integrity of the forecast models and as a result of these 
procedures, we formed our own view on the Group’s capacity  
to get effective relief for tax losses over the forecast period. 

In addition to the risk identified as part of our audit planning, the 
Group undertook a number of material non-routine transactions in 
the year which affected the allocation of resources and the direction 
of our audit effort and for which our audit response was as follows:

The accounting for the purchase of a qualifying 
insurance policy by the UK defined benefit pension plan

We evaluated the terms of the insurance policy purchased by the 
UK defined benefit pension plan to ensure it met the criteria to  
be classified as a qualifying insurance policy. We challenged the 
assumptions used by management in the IAS 19 pension liability 
valuation as at the date of the buy-in transaction and we used 
Ernst & Young LLP pension actuaries to assist us with this 
procedure. We tested the valuation of retirement benefit assets 
transferred to the insurance company as consideration for the 
insurance policy and tested the calculation of the resultant 
$147m accounting loss recognised as a result of this transaction. 
We considered the appropriateness of classifying the loss as  
an exceptional item in accordance with the Group’s disclosed 
accounting policy for exceptional items.

102 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

We reviewed the sale and purchase agreement and the hotel 
management agreement to ensure that the de-recognition of  
the hotel, at the date of signing the sale and purchase agreement, 
was appropriate. We challenged the key assumptions applied in the 
valuation of the hotel management agreement recognised as part 
of the deemed fair value of consideration on disposal. We validated 
the calculation of the accounting gain recognised on disposal and 
classified as an exceptional item, including the amounts recycled 
from the currency translation reserve. We ensured that the 
financial statement disclosures, as set out in note 11 were in 
accordance with accounting standards.

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies 
Act 2006 

In our opinion the information given in the Strategic Report and 
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 ISAs (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, 
in our opinion, information in the Annual Report is: 

•	 materially inconsistent with the information in the audited 

Financial Statements; or 

•	 apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group acquired  
in the course of performing our audit; or 

•	 is otherwise misleading. 

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have identified 
any inconsistencies between our knowledge acquired during the audit 
and the Directors’ statement that they consider the Annual Report is 
fair, balanced and understandable and whether the Annual Report 
appropriately discloses those matters that we communicated to the 
Audit Committee which we consider should have been disclosed. 

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, on page 100, 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.

Other matter 

We have reported separately on the Parent Company Financial 
Statements of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC for the year 
ended 31 December 2013 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
17 February 2014

Pages 101 and 102 do not form part of IHG’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed  
with the SEC.

Independent Auditor’s UK Report continuedReport of independent registered public accounting firm 
on internal control over financial reporting

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of InterContinental 
Hotels Group PLC.

We have audited InterContinental Hotels Group PLC’s internal 
control over financial reporting as of 31 December 2013, based on 
criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission (1992 Framework) (the COSO criteria). 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC’s management is responsible 
for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, 
and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over 
financial reporting included in the Annual Report and Form 20-F. 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Group’s internal 
control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public 
Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards 
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether effective internal control over financial 
reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit 
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over 
financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 
exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness 
of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such 
other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. 
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A group’s internal control over financial reporting is a process 
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability  
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. A group’s internal control over financial reporting includes 
those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of 
records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the 
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the group; (2) provide 
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary  
to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with 
generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and 
expenditures of the group are being made only in accordance  
with authorisations of management and directors of the group;  
and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely 
detection of unauthorised acquisition, use, or disposition of the group’s 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial 
reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections 
of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the 
risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in 
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or 
procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC maintained, in all 
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting 
as of 31 December 2013, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the 
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the accompanying Group statement of financial position of 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC as of 31 December 2013 and  
2012, and the related Group income statement, Group statement  
of comprehensive income, Group statement of changes in equity  
and Group statement of cash flows for each of the three years in the 
period ended 31 December 2013, and our report dated 17 February 
2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP
London, England 17 February 2014

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC report of 
independent registered public accounting firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of InterContinental 
Hotels Group PLC.

We have audited the accompanying Group statement of financial 
position of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC as of 31 December 2013 
and 2012, and the related Group income statement, Group statement  
of comprehensive income, Group statement of changes in equity and 
Group statement of cash flows for each of the three years in the  
period ended 31 December 2013. These financial statements are the 
responsibility of the Group’s management. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on these Financial Statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of  
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Statements are 
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a  
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the 
Financial Statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting 
principles used and significant estimates made by management,  
as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the Financial Statements referred to above present 
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position  
of InterContinental Hotels Group PLC at 31 December 2013  
and 2012, and the consolidated results of its operations and its 
consolidated cash flows for each of the three years in the period 
ended 31 December 2013, in conformity with International  
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union 
and International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 
International Accounting Standards Board. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the 
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC’s internal control over 
financial reporting as of 31 December 2013, based on criteria 
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued  
by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission (1992 Framework) and our report dated 17 February 
2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP
London, England 17 February 2014

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.

Group Financial Statements  103

Independent Auditor’s US ReportOVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGroup income statement

For the year ended 31 December 2013

Revenue
Cost of sales
Administrative expenses
Share of profits of associates and joint 
ventures
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

Note

2

2

2

2

6

6

7

9

Before
exceptional
items
$m

Exceptional
items
(note 5)
$m

Before
exceptional
items
$m

Exceptional
items
(note 5)
$m

1,903
(784)
(374)

2
6

753
(85)
–

668
5
(78)

595
(175)

–
–
(167)

6
166

5
–
–

5
–
–

5
(51)

2013

Total
$m

1,903
(784)
(541)

8
172

758
(85)
–

673
5
(78)

600
(226)

Before
exceptional
items
$m

Exceptional
items
(note 5)
$m

1,835
(772)
(372)

3
5

699
(94)
–

605
3
(57)

551
(151)

–
–
(16)

–
(11)

(27)
–
23

(4)
–
–

(4)
142

2012 
(restated1)

Total
$m

1,835
(772)
(388)

3
(6)

672
(94)
23

601
3
(57)

547
(9)

1,768
(771)
(361)

1
10

647
(99)
–

548
2
(64)

486
(117)

420

(46)

374

400

138

538

369

418
2

420

(46)
–

(46)

372
2

374

399
1

400

138
–

138

537
1

538

369
–

369

20112 
(restated1)

Total
$m

1,768
(771)
(370)

1
56

684
(99)
20

605
2
(64)

543
(78)

465

465
–

465

–
–
(9)

–
46

37
–
20

57
–
–

57
39

96

96
–

96

140.9¢
139.3¢

187.1¢
183.9¢

160.9¢
157.1 ¢

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).
2 See note on ‘Comparatives for 2011’ on page 111.

Notes on pages 111 to 153 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

104 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Group Financial StatementsGroup statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 December 2013

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:
Gains on valuation of available-for-sale financial assets
Losses reclassified to income on impairment of available-for-sale financial assets
Losses relating to cash flow hedges reclassified to financial expenses
Exchange (losses)/gains on retranslation of foreign operations, net of related tax credit of $2m (2012 
credit of $3m, 2011 charge of $3m)
Exchange losses reclassified to profit on hotel disposal

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Re-measurement gains/(losses) on defined benefit plans, net of related tax charge of $20m (2012 
credit of $5m, 2011 credit of $19m)
Tax related to pension contributions

Total other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interest

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).
2 See note on ‘Comparatives for 2011’ on page 111.

Notes on pages 111 to 153 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

2013
$m

374

28
–
–

(35)
46

39

20
–

20

59

433

433
–

433

2012  
(restated1)
$m

538

20112  
(restated1)
$m

465

1
–
1

24
–

26

(10)
18

8

34

572

571
1

572

15
3
4

(21)
–

1

(13)
–

(13)

(12)

453

452
1

453

Group Financial Statements  105

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONIHG share-
holders’
equity
$m

Non-
controlling
interest
$m

Total
equity
$m

317

374

28

(35)

46

39

20

20

59

433

5
(283)

(53)

3
27
11
(534)
–

(74)

9

2

–

(2)

–

(2)

–

–

(2)

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
(1)
–

8

308

372

28

(33)

46

41

20

20

61

433

5
(283)

3
27
11
(533)
–

(82)

–

(53)

Group statement of changes in equity

At 1 January 2013

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be subsequently reclassified 
to profit or loss:

Gains on valuation of available-for-sale 
financial assets
Exchange differences on retranslation of 
foreign operations
Exchange losses reclassified to profit on 
hotel disposal

Items that will not be reclassified to profit 
or loss:

Re-measurement gains on defined  
benefit plans

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Issue of ordinary shares
Repurchase of 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

Equity 
share
capital
$m

Capital
redemption
reserve
$m

179

–

11

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5
–

–

–
–
–
–
5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
1

Shares
held by
employee
share 
trusts
$m

Unrealised
gains and
losses
reserve
$m

Currency
translation
reserve
$m

Other
reserves
$m

(48)

(2,901)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

(53)

64
–
–
–
(1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
(5)

72

–

28

–

–

28

–

–

28

28

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

214

–

–

(33)

46

13

–

–

13

13

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

Retained
earnings
$m

2,781

372

–

–

–

–

20

20

20

392

–
(283)

(61)
27
11
(533)
–

At 31 December 2013

189

12

(38)

(2,906)

100

227

2,334

All items above are shown net of tax. 

Notes on pages 111 to 153 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

106 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Group Financial Statements continuedGroup statement of changes in equity continued

At 1 January 2012

Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be subsequently reclassified 
to profit or loss: 

Gains on valuation of available-for-sale 
financial assets
Losses reclassified to financial expenses on 
cash flow hedges
Exchange differences on retranslation of 
foreign operations

Items that will not be reclassified to profit 
or loss:

Re-measurement losses on defined benefit 
plans
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

Equity
share
capital
$m

Capital
redemption
reserve
$m

162

–

10

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

10
(1)
–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
8

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–
1

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

Shares
held by
employee
share 
trusts
$m

Unrealised
gains and
losses
reserve
$m

Other
reserves
$m

Currency
translation
reserve
$m

Retained
earnings
(restated1)
$m

IHG share-
holders’
equity
(restated1)
$m

Non-
controlling
interest
$m

Total
equity
(restated1)
$m

(27)

(2,893)

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

(84)

63
–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
(8)

71

–

189

–

3,035

537

547

537

1

1

(1)

1

–
–

–

1

1

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–

25

25

–
–

–

25

25

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–

–

–

(10)
18

8

8

545

–
(106)
(1)

(2)

–

(63)
27
20
(679)

5
–

1

1

24

26

(10)
18

8

34

571

10
(107)
–

(2)

(84)

–
27
20
(679)

5
–

8

1

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

1

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–

9

555

538

1

1

24

26

(10)
18

8

34

572

10
(107)
–

(2)

(84)

–
27
20
(679)

5
–

317

At 31 December 2012 

179

11

(48)

(2,901)

72

214

2,781

308

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).

All items above are shown net of tax. 

Notes on pages 111 to 153 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

Group Financial Statements  107

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGroup statement of changes in equity continued

At 1 January 20111
Profit for the year1
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be subsequently reclassified 
to profit or loss:

Gains on valuation of available-for-sale 
financial assets
Losses reclassified to income on 
impairment of available-for-sale 
financial assets
Losses reclassified to financial expenses on 
cash flow hedges
Exchange differences on retranslation of 
foreign operations

Items that will not be reclassified to profit 
or loss: 

Re-measurement losses on defined  
benefit plans

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

Equity
share
capital
$m

Capital
redemption
reserve
$m

155

–

10

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

8

–

–
–
–
–
(1)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

Shares
held by
employee
share 
trusts
$m

Unrealised
gains and
losses
reserve
$m

Other
reserves
$m

Currency
translation
reserve
$m

Retained
earnings
(restated2)
$m

IHG share-
holders’
equity
(restated2)
$m

Non-
controlling
interest
$m

Total
equity
(restated2)
$m

211

–

2,775

465

271

465

(35)

(2,894)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(75)

83
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
1

49

–

15

3

4

–

22

–

–

22

22

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

(22)

(22)

–

–

(22)

(22)

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

–

(13)

(13)

(13)

452

–

–

(80)
29
7
(148)
–

15

3

4

(22)

–

(13)

(13)

(13)

452

8

(75)

3
29
7
(148)
–

547

7

–

–

–

–

1

1

–

–

1

1

–

–

–
–
–
–
–

8

278

465

15

3

4

(21)

1

(13)

(13)

(12)

453

8

(75)

3
29
7
(148)
–

555

At 31 December 2011 

162

10

(27)

(2,893)

71

189

3,035

1 See note on ‘Comparatives for 2011’ on page 111.
2 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).

All items above are shown net of tax.

Notes on pages 111 to 153 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

108 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Group Financial Statements continuedGroup statement of financial position

31 December 2013

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 (liabilities)/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

Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson
17 February 2014

Notes on pages 111 to 153 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

Note

10

12

13

14

26

15

27

16

17

23

15

18

11

2

22

19

20

22

23

26

19

20

27

11

2

29

29

29

29

29

29

29

2013
$m

1,169
80
438
85
7
236
16
108

2,139

4
423
12
1
12
134

586

228

2012
$m

1,056
93
354
84
99
155
24
204

2,069

4
422
31
2
6
195

660

534

2,953

3,263

(16)
(748)
(3)
(47)

(814)

(1,269)
(11)
(184)
(574)
–
(175)

(2,213)

–

(3,027)

(74)

189
12
(38)
(2,906)
100
227
2,334

(82)
8

(74)

(16)
(709)
(1)
(54)

(780)

(1,242)
(19)
(187)
(563)
(1)
(93)

(2,105)

(61)

(2,946)

317

179
11
(48)
(2,901)
72
214
2,781

308
9

317

Group Financial Statements  109

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGroup statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 December 2013

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
Dividends from associates and joint ventures
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 hotel assets, net of costs 
Proceeds from other financial assets
Distribution from associate on sale of hotel
Proceeds from other associates and joint ventures
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
Dividend paid to non-controlling interests
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

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).
2 See note on ‘Comparatives for 2011’ on page 111.

Notes on pages 111 to 153 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

110 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

2013
$m

374

73
226
85
–
(5)
22
5
2

782
(9)
61
8
(3)
(18)
(33)

788
(74)
2
(92)

624

(159)
(86)
(154)
(10)
460
109
17
3
(5)

175

5
(283)
(44)
(533)
(1)
–
–
(1)

(857)

(58)
195
(3)

134

2012  
(restated1)
$m

538

20112  
(restated1)
$m

465

54
9
94
(23)
27
22
1
(3)

719
(50)
57
26
(12)
(95)
(6)

639
(50)
2
(119)

472

(44)
(84)
(2)
(3)
4
4
–
–
(3)

(128)

10
(107)
(84)
(679)
–
(2)
632
(99)

(329)

15
182
(2)

195

62
78
99
(20)
(37)
25
1
(1)

672
(11)
66
(20)
(19)
(33)
(32)

623
(56)
1
(89)

479

(55)
(48)
(50)
(41)
142
15
–
–
(1)

(38)

8
–
(75)
(148)
–
–
–
(119)

(334)

107
78
(3)

182

Group Financial Statements continuedGeneral information

This document constitutes the Annual Report and Financial 
Statements in accordance with UK Listing Rules requirements 
and the Annual Report on Form 20-F in accordance with the US 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In previous years the Group 
issued separate documents. 

The Consolidated Financial Statements of InterContinental Hotels 
Group PLC (the Group or IHG) for the year ended 31 December 2013 
were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the 
Directors on 17 February 2014. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC 
(the Company) is incorporated and domiciled in Great Britain and 
registered in England and Wales.

Comparatives for 2011

The comparative information presented for the year ended  
31 December 2011 is that previously issued on Form 20-F for that 
year which differs from the Consolidated Financial Statements 
issued to the UK listing authorities for 2011. The difference arose 
in respect of a litigation provision of $22m ($13m net of tax) which 
was recorded on Form 20-F in the year ended 31 December 2010 
but not in the UK Consolidated Financial Statements until the 
following year. An unfavourable court judgement on 23 February 
2011, between the authorisation of the respective documents  
(UK Consolidated Financial Statements on 14 February 2011 and 
Form 20-F on 11 April 2011), resulted in the litigation provision 
being recorded as an adjusting post balance sheet event in the 
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2010 issued 
on Form 20-F.

The respective numbers reported were as follows:

2011 Financial Statements2

Form 20-F1

UK filing

Profit before tax ($m)

Profit for the year ($m)
Net assets ($m)
Basic earnings per ordinary 
share (cents)
Diluted earnings per ordinary 
share (cents)

554

473
555

163.7

159.8

532

460
555

159.2

Group statement of comprehensive income

Profit for the year
Re-measurement gains, net of related tax 
charge of $2m (2012 $1m, 2011 $1m)
Tax related to pension contributions

Total comprehensive income for  
the year

Earnings per share

Basic
Diluted

2013  
$m

(4)

4
–

–

2013  
cents

(1.5)
(1.5)

2012 
$m

(7)

8
(1)

–

2012 
cents

(2.4)
(2.4)

2011  
$m

(8)

10
(2)

–

2011  
cents

(2.8)
(2.7)

There has been no change to previously reported retained 
earnings, balance sheet amounts or cash flows, other than 
consequential adjustments to the analysis of operating cash flows.

The Group has also adopted IAS 1 (Amendment) ‘Presentation  
of Items of Other Comprehensive Income’, which changes  
the grouping of items presented in the Group statement of 
comprehensive income so that items which may be reclassified  
to profit or loss in the future are presented separately from  
items that will never be reclassified. The amendment affects 
presentation only and has had no impact on the Group’s financial 
position or performance.

In addition, with effect from 1 January 2013, the Group has 
implemented IAS 28 (Amendment) ‘Investments in Associates  
and Joint Ventures’, IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’, 
IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’, IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in 
Other Entities’ and IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’. The adoption 
of these standards has had no material impact on the Group’s 
financial performance or position and there has been no 
requirement to restate prior year comparatives. IFRS 13 has 
resulted in new disclosures which are provided in note 24.

In accordance with IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures – 
Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities’ (Amendments 
to IFRS 7) additional disclosures have been made in note 18 
regarding the Group’s cash pooling arrangements.

155.4

Summary of significant accounting policies

1  These numbers form the basis of the comparatives included in this  
document and exclude the litigation provision described above.
2  Before restatement for the adoption of IAS 19R ‘Employee Benefits’ 
(see below).

Changes in accounting policies

With effect from 1 January 2013, the Group has adopted IAS 19 
(Revised) ‘Employee Benefits’ which introduces a number of 
changes to accounting for defined benefit plans. The key change 
that impacts the Group is the removal of expected returns on plan 
assets from the income statement and its replacement with a 
requirement to recognise interest on the net defined benefit asset/
liability (after any asset restrictions), calculated using the discount 
rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation. 

The impact of this change in accounting policy on the current 
and prior year Financial Statements, which have been restated, 
is as follows:

Basis of preparation
The Consolidated Financial Statements of IHG have been prepared  
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRSs) as issued by the IASB and in accordance with IFRS 
as adopted by the European Union (EU) and as applied in 
accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.  
IFRS as adopted by the EU differs in certain respects from IFRS  
as issued by the IASB. However, the differences have no impact  
on the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the  
years presented.

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.

Group income statement

Administrative expenses

Operating profit and profit before tax
Tax

Profit for the year

2013  
$m

2012 
$m

2011  
$m

(6)

(6)
2

(4)

(9)

(9)
2

(7)

(11)

(11)
3

(8)

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.

Group Financial Statements  111

Accounting policiesOVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION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.

Basis of consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements comprise the Financial 
Statements of the parent company and entities controlled by the Group.  
Control exists when the Group has:

•	 power over an investee (i.e. existing rights that give it the current 

ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee);

•	 exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with  

the investee; and

•	 the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns.

All intra-group balances and transactions are eliminated 
on consolidation. 

The assets, liabilities and results of those businesses acquired or 
disposed of are consolidated for the period during which they were 
under the Group’s control.

The Group operates a deferred compensation plan in the US  
which allows certain employees to make additional provision for 
retirement, through the deferral of salary with matching company 
contributions. Employees can draw down on the plan in certain limited 
circumstances during employment. The assets of the plan are held  
in a company-owned trust which is not consolidated as the relevant 
activity of the trust, being the investment of the funds in the trust,  
is directed by the participating employees of the plan and the  
company has no exposure to the gains and losses resulting from 
those investment decisions. The assets of the trust are held solely for 
the benefit of the participating employees and to pay plan expenses, 
other than in the case of a company insolvency in which case they can 
be claimed by the general creditors of the company. At 31 December 
2013, the trust had assets with a fair value of $135m (2012 $113m).

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.

•	 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.

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 and internally developed software 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.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less depreciation and 
any impairment. 

Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when events or  
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may  
not be recoverable.

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:

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  

112 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Accounting policies continued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 significant 
influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the 
financial and operating policy decisions of the entity, but does not 
have control or joint control over those policies.

A joint venture exists when two or more parties have joint control 
over, and rights to the net assets of, the venture. Joint control is  
the contractually agreed sharing of control which only exists when 
decisions about the relevant activities require the unanimous 
consent of the parties sharing control.

Associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity 
method unless the associate or joint venture 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 joint venture.

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.

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 and expected to complete within one year. For a sale to be 
highly probable, management need to be committed to a plan to sell 
the asset and the asset must be actively marketed for sale at a price 
that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value. 

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 re-measured 
at fair value. The method of recognising the re-measurement 
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.

Group Financial Statements  113

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION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 at 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 subsidiaries,  
gains rolled over into replacement assets, gains on previously  
revalued properties and other short-term temporary differences. 

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 re-assessed 
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, including qualifying insurance policies, 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 

114 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

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, together 
with the net interest expense or income for the year, is charged to the 
income statement within ‘administration expenses’. Net interest is 
calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit asset 
or liability, after any asset restriction. Past service costs and gains, 
which are the change in the present value of the defined benefit 
obligation for employee service in prior periods resulting from plan 
amendments, are recognised immediately the plan amendment occurs.

Re-measurements comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on 
plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest) and changes  
in the amount of any asset restrictions. Actuarial gains and losses  
may result from: 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. Re-measurement gains and losses, and taxation 
thereon, are recognised in other comprehensive income and are not 
reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods.

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 earned and recognised 
on a monthly basis.

Management fees – earned from hotels managed by the Group, 
usually under long-term contracts with the hotel owner. 
Management fees include a base fee, generally a percentage of  
hotel revenue, which is earned and recognised on a monthly basis 
and an incentive fee, generally based on the hotel’s profitability or 
cash flows and recognised when the related performance criteria 
are met 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.

Franchise fees and management fees include liquidated damages 
received from the early termination of contracts.

Accounting policies continued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.

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.

Fair value measurement
The Group measures available-for-sale equity securities and 
derivatives at fair value on a recurring basis and other assets when 
impaired by reference to fair value less costs to sell. Additionally, the 
fair value of other financial assets and liabilities require disclosure.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid  
to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market 
participants. Fair value is measured by reference to the principal 
market for the asset or liability assuming that market participants act  
in their economic best interests.

The fair value of a non-financial asset assumes the asset is used in its 
highest and best use, either through continuing ownership or by selling it.

The Group uses valuation techniques that maximise the use of relevant 
observable inputs using the following valuation hierarchy:

Level 1: 

 quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for  
identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: 

Level 3: 

 other techniques for which all inputs which have a  
significant effect on the recorded fair value are  
observable, either directly or indirectly.

 techniques which use inputs which have a significant  
effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on 
observable market data.

Further disclosures on the particular valuation techniques used  
by the Group are provided in note 24.

For impairment testing purposes and where significant assets (such as 
property) are valued by reference to fair value less costs to sell, an 
external valuation will normally be obtained using professional valuers 
who have appropriate market knowledge, reputation and independence.

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.

Treasury shares
Own shares repurchased by the Company and not cancelled (treasury 
shares) are recognised at cost and deducted from retained earnings.  
If reissued, any excess of consideration over carrying amount is 
recognised in the share premium reserve.

Critical accounting policies and the use of judgements, 
estimates and assumptions

In determining and applying the Group’s accounting policies, 
management are required to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions. An accounting policy is considered to be critical if its 
selection or application could materially 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. Management 
consider accounting for the System Fund to be a critical judgement 
and that critical estimates and assumptions are used in impairment 
testing and for measuring the loyalty programme liability, retirement 
and other post-employment obligations, tax assets and liabilities, and 
litigation provisions, as discussed in further detail below. Estimates 
and assumptions are evaluated by management using historical 
experience and other factors believed to be reasonable based on 
current circumstances. Actual results could differ under different 
policies, judgements, estimates and assumptions or due to 
unforeseen circumstances.

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 IHG Rewards Club 
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 IHG Rewards Club 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.

Group Financial Statements  115

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION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 IHG Rewards Club 
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 34.

Loyalty programme – the hotel loyalty programme, IHG Rewards 
Club, 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 calculated by multiplying 
the number of points expected to be redeemed by the redemption cost 
per point. On an annual basis the Group engages an external actuary 
who uses statistical formulas to assist in the estimate of the number 
of points that will never be redeemed (‘breakage’). 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. The future redemption liability, 
which is included in trade and other payables, was $649m at  
31 December 2013. Based on the conditions existing at the balance 
sheet date, a 5% decrease in the breakage estimate would increase 
this liability by approximately $31m.

Impairment testing – intangible assets, property, plant and 
equipment are tested for impairment when events or circumstances 
indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is 
subject to an impairment test on an annual basis or more frequently  
if there are indicators of impairment. Assets that do not generate 
independent cash flows are combined into cash-generating units.

The impairment testing of individual assets or cash-generating  
units requires an assessment of the recoverable amount of the  
asset or cash-generating unit. If the carrying value of the asset or 
cash-generating unit exceeds its estimated recoverable amount,  
the asset or cash-generating unit is written down to its 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 is based on the Group’s weighted average cost of 
capital adjusted to reflect the risks specific to the business model and 
territory of the cash-generating unit or asset being tested. The outcome 
of such an assessment is subjective, and the result sensitive to the 
assumed future cash flows to be generated by the cash-generating 
units or assets and discount rates applied in calculating the value in use.

At 31 December 2013, the Group had intangible assets of $438m and 
property, plant and equipment of $1,169m, none of which were subject 
to an impairment charge during the year. In respect of those assets 
requiring an impairment test and depending on how recoverable 
amount was assessed, neither a 10% reduction in fair value or 
estimated future cash flows would have resulted in an impairment loss.

Information on impairment testing of goodwill, which had a net book 
value of $80m at 31 December 2013, is included in note 12.

116 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Pensions and other post-employment benefit plans – accounting for 
pensions and other post-employment benefit plans requires the Group 
to make assumptions including, but not limited to, discount rates,  
rates of inflation, life expectancies and healthcare costs. The use of 
different assumptions could have a material effect on the accounting 
values of the relevant liabilities which could result in a material change 
to the cost of such liabilities as recognised in the income statement  
over time. These assumptions are subject to annual review and are 
determined with the assistance of an external actuary. A sensitivity 
analysis to changes in the key assumptions is included in note 26.

On 15 August 2013, the UK defined benefit plan completed a buy-in 
transaction whereby the assets of the plan were invested in a bulk 
insurance annuity contract that fully insures the benefits payable to  
the members of the plan. As the contract has been structured to enable 
the plan to move to full buy-out (following which the insurance company 
would become directly responsible for the pension payments) and the 
intention is to proceed on this basis, the buy-in transaction has been 
accounted for as a settlement with the loss arising of $147m recorded in 
the income statement as an exceptional item. An acceptable alternative 
accounting treatment would have been to record the loss as an actuarial 
loss in other comprehensive income.

Income taxes – deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it 
is regarded as probable that deductible temporary differences can be 
realised. The Group estimates deferred tax assets and liabilities based 
on current tax laws and rates, and in certain cases, business plans, 
including management’s expectations regarding the manner and timing 
of recovery of the related assets. Changes in these estimates may affect 
the amount of deferred tax liabilities or the valuation of deferred tax 
assets and therefore the tax charge in the income statement.

Provisions for tax liabilities require judgements on the interpretation of 
tax legislation, developments in case law and the potential outcomes of 
tax audits and appeals which may be subject to significant uncertainty. 
Therefore the actual results may vary from expectations resulting in 
adjustments to provisions, the valuation of deferred tax assets, cash tax 
settlements, and therefore the tax charge in the income statement.

Exceptional tax charges and credits have arisen in 2013, 2012 and 2011 
as explained in note 7.

Litigation – 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. A provision for litigation  
is made when it is considered probable that a payment will be  
made and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  
Significant judgment is made when evaluating, amongst other  
factors, the probability of unfavourable outcome and the ability  
to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of potential loss.  
Litigation provisions are reviewed at each accounting period and 
revisions made for changes in facts and circumstances.

New standards issued but not effective

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments: Classification and Measurement’ 
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. The effective date for 
IFRS 9 is not expected to be before 1 January 2017.

The amendments to existing accounting standards that are effective 
from 1 January 2014, ‘Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial 
Liabilities’ (Amendments to IAS 32) and ‘Recoverable Amount 
Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets’ (Amendments to IAS 36),  
are not expected to have a material impact on the Group’s reported 
income or financial position.

Accounting policies continued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=£0.64 (2012 $1=£0.63, 2011 $1=£0.62).  
In the case of the euro, the translation rate is $1=€0.75 (2012 
$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=£0.60 (2012 $1=£0.62, 2011 $1=£0.65).  
In the case of the euro, the translation rate is $1=€0.73 (2012 
$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:

fee 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  

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 2013

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

576
128
212
–

916

104
156
140
–

400

16
170
44
–

230

3
92
141
–

236

–
–
–
121

121

Americas
$m

Europe
$m

AMEA
$m

Greater China
$m

Central
$m

499
74
30
(53)

550
6

556

79
30
30
(34)

105
19

124

12
92
4
(22)

86
–

86

5
51
47
(21)

82
(10)

72

–
–
–
(155)

(155)
(10)

(165)

Group
$m

699
546
537
121

1,903

Group
$m

595
247
111
(285)

668
5

673

Group
$m

668
5

673
(73)

600
(226)

374

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  117

Notes to the Group Financial StatementsOVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION2. Segmental information continued

31 December 2013

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
Unallocated liabilities:
Current tax payable
Deferred tax liabilities
Loans and other borrowings
Derivative financial instruments

Total liabilities

Year ended 31 December 2013

Other segmental information
Capital expenditure (see below)
Non-cash items:

Depreciation and amortisation1
Share-based payments cost
Share of profit of associates and joint ventures

Americas
$m

Europe
$m

AMEA
$m

Greater China
$m

Central
$m

851
228

1,079

654
–

654

253
–

253

392
–

392

304
–

304

Group
$m

2,454
228

2,682

16
108
12
1
134

2,953

(364)

(286)

(56)

(62)

(741)

(1,509)

Americas
$m

Europe
$m

AMEA
$m

Greater China
$m

Central
$m

116

19
–
5

37

18
–
–

17

10
–
3

8

15
–
–

91

23
22
–

(47)
(175)
(1,285)
(11)

(3,027)

Group
$m

269

85
22
8

1 Included in the $85m of depreciation and amortisation is $34m relating to administrative expenses and $51m relating to cost of sales.

Reconciliation of capital expenditure
Capital expenditure per management reporting
Management contract acquired on disposal of hotel
Other financial assets relating to pensions
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
Investment in associates and joint ventures
Other financial assets

Americas
$m

Europe
$m

AMEA
$m

Greater China
$m

Central
$m

Group
$m

116
–
–
8

124

93
5
6
6
14

124

37
40
48
–

125

22
3
45
–
55

125

17
–
–
–

17

8
–
5
4
–

17

8
–
–
(1)

7

7
–
–
–
–

7

91
–
92
8

191

20
–
79
–
92

191

269
40
140
15

464

150
8
135
10
161

464

118 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued2. Segmental information continued

Year ended 31 December 20121

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

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).

All items above relate to continuing operations. 

Americas
$m

Europe
$m

AMEA
$m

Greater China
$m

Central
$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
(35)

112
(4)

108

12
90
6
(20)

88
(5)

83

4
51
45
(19)

81
–

81

–
–
–
(162)

(162)
(18)

(180)

Group
$m

653
485
583
114

1,835

Group
$m

547
221
125
(288)

605
(4)

601

Group
$m

605
(4)

601
(54)

547
(9)

538

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  119

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION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 amortisation1
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

725
232

957

626
302

928

282
–

282

390
–

390

250
–

250

(403)
(61)

(464)

(249)
–

(249)

(58)
–

(58)

(61)
–

(61)

(690)
–

(690)

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
–

Group
$m

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)

1 Included in the $94m of depreciation and amortisation is $31m relating to administrative expenses and $63m relating to cost of sales.

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
Investment 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
–

24

19
–

19

9
–
8
–
2

19

6
–

6

2
–
4
–
–

6

7
2

9

9
–
–
–
–

9

76
–

76

6
–
70
–
–

76

133
1

134

41
5
84
2
2

134

120 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued2. Segmental information continued

Year ended 31 December 20111

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.

Year ended 31 December 2011

Other segmental information
Capital expenditure 
Non-cash items:

Depreciation and amortisation2
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

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
35

486

65
26
49
(40)

100
(39)

61

12
87
5
(20)

84
26

110

3
43
37
(16)

67
–

67

–
–
–
(154)

(154)
35

(119)

Americas
$m

Europe
$m

AMEA
$m

Greater China
$m

Central
$m

84

23
–
(25)
–
–

15

24
2
–
–
–

14

16
3
–
–
(1)

8

16
–
–
–
–

72

20
–
–
25
–

Group
$m

609
470
577
112

1,768

Group
$m

511
208
108
(279)

548
57

605

Group
$m

548
57

605
(62)

543
(78)

465

Group
$m

193

99
5
(25)
25
(1)

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111). See note on ‘Comparatives for 2011’ on page 111.
2 Included in the $99m of depreciation and amortisation is $30m relating to administrative expenses and $69m relating to cost of sales.

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  121

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION2. Segmental information continued

Geographical information

Revenue
United Kingdom
United States
People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong)
Rest of World

Year ended
31 December
2013
$m

Year ended
31 December
2012
$m

Year ended
31 December
2011
$m

90
843
247
723

152
769
238
676

139
740
210
679

1,903

1,835

1,768

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
2013
$m

31 December
2012
$m

31 December
2011
$m

131
705
342
326
268

78
590
329
333
257

361
559
328
331
270 

1,772

1,587

1,849

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. In addition to the United Kingdom, 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.

122 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

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 plans1 (note 26)
Defined contribution plans

1 Before exceptional items.
2 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111). 

Average number of employees, including part-time employees:

Americas
Europe
Asia, Middle East and Africa
Greater China
Central

2013
$m

580
41

10
25

656

2012 
(restated2)
$m

2011
(restated2)
$m

547
44

13
22

626

550
43

19
22

634

2013

2012

2011

2,548
1,602
1,545
1,083
1,401

8,179

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. Of these, 94% were employed on a full-time basis and 6% were employed on a 
part-time basis. 

In addition to the above, the Group has employees who work directly on behalf of the System Fund and whose costs are borne by the Fund 
as disclosed in note 34. In line with IHG’s business model, IHG also employs 578 (2012 587, 2011 577) General Managers who work in the 
managed hotels and whose costs of $135m (2012 $132m, 2011 $125m) are borne by those hotels and, in the US predominantly, there are 
12,588 (2012 12,494, 2011 14,596) other hotel workers in the managed hotels who have contracts or letters of service with IHG whose costs 
of $376m (2012 $430m, 2011 $448m) are borne by those hotels.

Directors’ emoluments
Base salaries, fees, performance payments and benefits
Pension benefits under defined contribution plans

2013
$m

8.5
0.4

2012
$m

9.7
0.2

2011
$m

8.3
0.2

More detailed information on the emoluments, pensions, option holdings and shareholdings for each Director is shown in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 74 to 97. 

4. Auditor’s remuneration paid to Ernst & Young LLP

Audit of the Financial Statements
Audit of subsidiaries
Audit-related assurance services
Other assurance services
Tax compliance
Tax advisory
Other non-audit services not covered by the above

Audit fees in respect of the pension scheme were not material.

2013
$m

2.0
1.4
0.5
1.2
0.2
0.4
0.1

5.8

2012
$m

2.8
1.5
1.0
1.4
0.3
0.2
–

7.2

2011
$m

1.9
1.5
0.8
1.2
0.2
0.5
0.1

6.2

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  123

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION5. Exceptional items

Exceptional operating items
Administrative expenses:

Litigation
Loyalty programme rebranding costs
Pension settlement loss 
Reorganisation costs 
Resolution of commercial dispute
Pension past service gain

Share of profits of associates and joint ventures:
Share of gain on disposal of a hotel (note 14)

Other operating income and expenses:

Gain/(loss) on disposal of hotels (note 11)
Write-off of software (note 13)
Demerger liability released
VAT refund

Impairment:

Impairment charges:

Property, plant and equipment
Other financial assets

Reversals of previously recorded impairment:

Property, plant and equipment
Associates

Tax
Tax on exceptional operating items
Exceptional tax 

1 See note on ‘Comparatives for 2011’ on page 111.

All items above relate to continuing operations.

The above items are treated as exceptional by reason of their size or nature.

Note

2013
$m

2012
$m

20111
$m

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

j

k

l

m

(10)
(10)
(147)
–
–
–

(167)

6

166
–
–
–

166

–
–

–
–

–

5

–
–
–
(16)
–
–

(16)

–

(2)
(18)
9
–

(11)

–
–

23
–

23

(4)

(6)
(45)

(51)

1
141

142

–
–
–
–
(37)
28

(9)

–

37
–
–
9

46

(2)
(3)

23
2

20

57

(4)
43

39

  Arose in respect of a hotel in Europe following a re-assessment of its recoverable amount, based on fair value less costs to sell.

a  Relates to an agreed settlement in respect of a lawsuit filed against the Group in the Greater China region.
b  Relates to costs incurred in support of the worldwide rebranding of IHG Rewards Club that was announced 1 July 2013.
c  Arises from a buy-in of the Group’s UK funded defined benefit obligations with the insurer, Rothesay Life, on 15 August 2013 (see note 26 for further details).
d  Arose from a reorganisation of the Group’s support functions together with a restructuring within the AMEA region. 
e  Related to the settlement of a prior period commercial dispute in the Europe region.
f  Related to the closure of the UK defined benefit pension scheme to future accrual with effect from 1 July 2013.
g  Resulted from a release of a liability no longer required which arose on the demerger of the Group from Six Continents PLC.
h  Arose in the UK relating to periods prior to 1996.
i 
j  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.
k   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 on the 
classification of a North American hotel as held for sale and was based on the expected net sales proceeds which were subsequently realised on the disposal of the 
hotel. A further $12m arose in respect of another North American hotel following a re-assessment of its recoverable amount, based on value in use. 
 The impairment reversal arose in the Americas region.

l 
m   In 2013, comprises a deferred tax charge of $63m consequent on the disposal of the InterContinental London Park Lane hotel (see note 27), together with charges 
and credits of $38m and $19m respectively from associated restructurings (including intra-group dividends) and refinancings, offset by the recognition of $37m  
of previously unrecognised tax credits. In 2012, represented the recognition of $104m of deferred tax assets, principally relating to pre-existing overseas tax 
losses, whose value had 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.

124 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

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

2013
$m

2012
$m

2011
$m

4
1

5

59
–
19

78

2
1

3

37
1
19

57

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 (2012 $2m, 2011 $1m) payable to the IHG Rewards Club 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 23.25% (2012 24.50%, 2011 26.50%):

Current period
Benefit of tax reliefs on which no deferred tax previously recognised
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 

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).
2 See note on ‘Comparatives for 2011’ on page 111.

All items above relate to continuing operations.

Note

2013
$m

2012  
(restated1)
$m

20112  
(restated1)
$m

a

b

c

b

d

62
(49)
–

13

184
(42)
(17)

125

138

122
(1)
(39)
6

88

226

175

6
45

226

21
–
(34)

(13)

170
(31)
(27)

112

99

7
(2)
(105)
10

(90)

9

151

(1)
(141)

9

28
–
(25)

3

98
(16)
(65)

17

20

81
(2)
(12)
(9)

58

78

117

4
(43)

78

a   Includes $45m in respect of the utilisation of unrecognised capital losses against the gain on disposal of the InterContinental London Park Lane hotel.
b   In 2012, included $37m (2011 $39m) of exceptional credits included at note d 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.

c   Represents corporate income taxes on profit taxable in foreign jurisdictions, a significant proportion of which relates to the Group’s US subsidiaries.
d   In 2013, comprises a deferred tax charge of $63m consequent on the disposal of the InterContinental London Park Lane hotel (see note 27), together with charges 
and credits of $38m and $19m respectively from associated restructurings (including intra-group dividends) and refinancings, offset by the recognition of $37m of 
previously unrecognised tax credits. In 2012, represented the recognition of $104m of deferred tax assets, principally relating to pre-existing overseas tax 
losses, whose value had 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.

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  125

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION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
Non-recoverable withholding taxes
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
Deferred tax provision on unremitted earnings
Other

Total2

Before
exceptional items4

2012 
(restated1)
%

20113 
(restated1)
%

2013
%

2012 
(restated1)
%

2011 
(restated1)
%

2013
%

23.3
16.6
1.2
11.6
(0.1)
(15.0)
(6.4)
(2.2)
10.5
(1.8)

37.7

24.5
2.0
2.0
7.7
(0.3)
(5.6)
(19.4)
(9.8)
–
0.4

1.5

26.5
1.9
4.5
4.5
(0.5)
(2.9)
(2.2)
(18.4)
–
0.8

14.2

23.3
1.9
1.2
11.9
(0.1)
(1.1)
(4.9)
(2.1)
–
(0.6)

29.5

24.5
1.0
2.0
7.8
(0.1)
(5.6)
(0.2)
(2.5)
–
0.5

27.4

26.5
2.7
5.1
4.9
(0.4)
(3.3)
(0.3)
(12.4)
–
1.2

24.0

Tax paid
Total net tax paid during the year of $97m (2012 $122m, 2011 $90m) comprises $92m (2012 $119m, 2011 $89m) paid in respect of operating 
activities and $5m (2012 $3m, 2011 $1m) paid in respect of investing activities.

Tax paid represents an effective rate of 16% (20121 22%, 20111 16%) on total profits and is lower than the effective income statement tax 
rate of 29% (2012 27%, 2011 24%) 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.

Corporation tax liabilities did not arise in 2013 in the UK and are not expected to arise for a number of years thereafter due to expenses 
and associated tax losses attributable principally to employment matters, in particular additional shortfall contributions made to the UK 
pension plan in the years 2007 to 2013.

Tax risks, policies and governance
Information concerning the Group’s tax governance can be found in the Taxation section of the Strategic Report on page 51.

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).
2 Calculated in relation to total profits including exceptional items.
3 See note on ‘Comparatives for 2011’ on page 111.
4 Calculated in relation to profits excluding exceptional items.

8. Dividends and shareholder returns

Paid during the year:

Final (declared for previous year)
Interim 
Special (note 29)

2013
cents per
share

2012
cents per
share

2011
cents per
share

43.0
23.0
133.0

199.0

39.0
21.0
172.0

232.0

35.2
16.0
–

51.2

2013
$m

115
63
355

533

2012
$m

113
61
505

679

2011
$m

102
46
–

148

Proposed (not recognised as a liability at 31 December):

Final

47.0

43.0

39.0

121

115

113

The final dividend of 28.1p (47.0¢ converted at the closing exchange rate on 14 February 2014) is proposed for approval at the Annual 
General Meeting (AGM) on 2 May 2014 and is payable on the shares in issue at 21 March 2014.

Under the $500m share repurchase programme announced 7 August 2012, 9,773,912 shares were repurchased in the year to 31 December 
2013 for a consideration of $283m, increasing the total amount repurchased to $390m. All of the shares repurchased in 2013 were held  
as treasury shares at 31 December 2013, the cost of which has been deducted from retained earnings. There were no treasury shares  
held at 31 December 2012 or earlier.

126 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

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 ($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)

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).
2 See note on ‘Comparatives for 2011’ on page 111.

Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares is calculated as:

Basic weighted average number of ordinary shares
Dilutive potential ordinary shares – employee share options

2013

372
264
140.9

372
267
139.3

372

(5)
6
45

418
264
158.3

418
267
156.6

2012  
(restated1)

20112 
(restated1)

537
287
187.1

537
292
183.9

537

4
(1)
(141)

399
287
139.0

399
292
136.6

465
289
160.9

465
296
157.1

465

(57)
4
(43)

369
289
127.7

369
296
124.7

2013
millions

2012
millions

2011
millions

264
3

267

287
5

292

289
7

296

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  127

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION10. Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2012
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
Additions
Disposals
Exchange and other adjustments

At 31 December 2013

Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2012
Provided
System Fund expense
Net transfers to non-current assets classified as held for sale
Reclassification to intangible assets
Impairment reversals (note 5)
Disposals
Exchange and other adjustments

At 31 December 2012
Provided
System Fund expense
Disposals
Exchange and other adjustments

At 31 December 2013

Net book value
At 31 December 2013
At 31 December 2012
At 1 January 2012

Land and
buildings
$m

Fixtures, 
fittings and 
equipment
$m

1,237
8
(265)
–
–
15

995
96
(2)
12

1,101

(174)
(11)
–
16
–
23
–
–

(146)
(11)
–
2
(1)

(156)

945
849
1,063

917
33
(99)
(25)
(12)
10

824
54
(8)
1

871

(618)
(46)
(3)
42
2
–
11
(5)

(617)
(35)
(4)
8
1

(647)

224
207
299

Total
$m

2,154
41
(364)
(25)
(12)
25

1,819
150
(10)
13

1,972

(792)
(57)
(3)
58
2
23
11
(5)

(763)
(46)
(4)
10
–

(803)

1,169
1,056
1,362

The Group’s property, plant and equipment mainly comprises hotels, but also offices, throughout the world. In addition to the hotels 
included above, there was one hotel (2012 two hotels) classified as held for sale at 31 December 2013 (see note 11). Including the hotels 
classified as held for sale, 81% (2012 90%) of the net book value relates to the four (2012 five) largest owned and leased hotels (in terms  
of net book value) of a total of 12 hotels (2012 10 hotels), nine of which are open (2012 10 open). There were three hotels acquired during  
the year for $70m which are under conversion, not yet in use and therefore not being depreciated. 

The carrying value of property, plant and equipment held under finance leases at 31 December 2013 was $187m (2012 $187m).

Including assets classified as held for sale, 55% (2012 43%) of hotel properties by net book value were directly owned, with 39% (2012 54%) 
held under leases having a term of 50 years or longer. 

All impairment charges and reversals are included within impairment on the face of the Group income statement.

No borrowing costs were capitalised during the current or prior year.

Following the sale of the InterContinental London Park Lane hotel there are no longer charges (2012 $89m) over the Group’s property, 
plant and equipment.

The table below analyses the net book value of the Group’s property, plant and equipment by operating segment at 31 December 2013:

Land and buildings
Fixtures, fittings and equipment

Americas
$m

367
33

400

Europe
$m

290
63

353

AMEA
$m

Greater China
$m

Central
$m

8
12

20

259
48

307

21
68

89

Total
$m 

945
224

1,169

128 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued 
11. Assets sold and held for sale 

Assets sold 
During the year ended 31 December 2013, the Group sold one hotel in the Europe region, the InterContinental London Park Lane.

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 5) in March 2011 on classification as held for sale.

2013
$m

2012
$m

2011
$m

Consideration
Current year disposals:

Cash consideration, net of costs paid
Management contract value

Net assets disposed of
Exchanges losses recycled from currency translation reserve

Gain/(loss) on disposal of assets from continuing operations

Net cash inflow
Current year disposals:

Cash consideration, net of costs paid
Distribution from associate on sale of hotel
Tax

Prior year disposals:

Tax

460
40

500
(288)
(46)

166

460
17
(5)

–

472

4
–

4
(6)
–

(2)

4
–
–

(3)

1

Assets held for sale
One hotel, the InterContinental New York Barclay, met the held for sale criteria of IFRS 5 at 31 December 2013. Two hotels, the 
InterContinental New York Barclay and the InterContinental London Park Lane, and one associate investment were held for sale at 31 
December 2012.

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 27)

2013
$m

228
–

228

–

142
2

144
(107)
–

37

142
–
(1)

–

141

2012
$m

524
10

534

61

On 19 December 2013, the Group signed an agreement to dispose of an 80% interest in the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel for 
gross proceeds of $240m. The transaction is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2014.

Deferred tax in relation to the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel is no longer classified as held for sale at 31 December 2013 as no 
such liabilities are expected to leave the Group upon disposal of the asset as a result of the agreement signed during the year.

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  129

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION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 

2013
$m

234
(13)

221

2012
$m

233
1

234

(141)

(141)

80
93

93
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:

AMEA franchised and managed operations
Americas managed operations

2013
$m

80
141

221

Cost

2012
$m

93
141

234

Net book value

2012
$m

93
–

93

2013
$m

80
–

80

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, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) goodwill
At 31 December 2013, the recoverable amount of the CGU has been assessed based on the approved budget for 2014 and strategic plans 
covering a five-year period, a perpetual growth rate of 3.5% (2012 3.5%) and a discount rate of 15.5% (2012 14.3%). In previous years,  
the goodwill was allocated to Asia Australasia franchised and managed operations but, due to a change in management structure, 
this CGU no longer exists as the business is now managed at the AMEA level.

Impairment was not required at either 31 December 2013 or 31 December 2012 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. 

130 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued13. Intangible assets

Cost
At 1 January 2012
Additions
Reclassification from property, plant and equipment
Disposals
Exchange and other adjustments

At 31 December 2012
Additions
Disposals
Exchange and other adjustments

At 31 December 2013

Amortisation and impairment
At 1 January 2012
Provided
System Fund expense
Reclassification from property, plant and equipment
Disposals
Exchange and other adjustments

At 31 December 2012
Provided
System Fund expense
Disposals
Exchange and other adjustments

At 31 December 2013

Net book value
At 31 December 2013
At 31 December 2012
At 1 January 2012

Software
$m

Management
contracts
$m

Other
intangibles
$m

252
70
25
(21)
(1)

325
79
(8)
(1)

395

(138)
(17)
(9)
(2)
2
1

(163)
(21)
(12)
8
(1)

(189)

206
162
114

231
–
–
–
4

235
40
–
2

277

(116)
(10)
–
–
–
–

(126)
(7)
–
–
2

(131)

146
109
115

138
14
–
(3)
2

151
16
(7)
(1)

159

(59)
(10)
–
–
3
(2)

(68)
(11)
–
7
(1)

(73)

86
83
79

Total
$m

621
84
25
(24)
5

711
135
(15)
–

831

(313)
(37)
(9)
(2)
5
(1)

(357)
(39)
(12)
15
–

(393)

438
354
308

Software disposals in 2012 included an exceptional write-off of $18m resulting from a re-assessment of the ongoing value of elements of 
the technology infrastructure.

Substantially all of software additions are internally developed.

Borrowing costs of $0.2m (2012 $0.3m) were capitalised during the year in respect of software projects.

The weighted average remaining amortisation period for management contracts is 24 years (2012 19 years).

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  131

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION14. Investment in associates and joint ventures

Cost
At 1 January 2012
Reclassification
Additions
Transfer to non-current assets classified as held for sale
Share of profit
Dividends
Share of reserve movement

At 31 December 2012
Additions
Capital returns
Share of profit
Dividends
Exchange and other adjustments

At 31 December 2013

Impairment
At 1 January 2012, 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2013

Net book value
At 31 December 2013
At 31 December 2012
At 1 January 2012

Associates
$m

Joint ventures
$m

Total
$m

60
4
–
(10)
3
(3)
5

59
8
–
2
(5)
(3)

61

(3)

58
56
57

30
(4)
2
–
–
–
–

28
2
(3)
–
–
–

27

–

27
28
30

90
–
2
(10)
3
(3)
5

87
10
(3)
2
(5)
(3)

88

(3)

85
84
87

Total

2011
$m

1
–

1

Share of profit/(loss)
Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items
Exceptional items

Associates

Joint ventures

2013
$m

2012
$m

2011
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

2011
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

2
6

8

3
–

3

2
–

2

–
–

–

–
–

–

(1)
–

(1)

2
6

8

3
–

3

The exceptional profit arose on the sale of a hotel owned by an associate investment that was classified as held for sale at 31 December 2012. 
Following completion of the sale, the Group received a $17m cash distribution from the associate, being the Group's share of the net 
disposal proceeds.

Related party transactions
Revenue from associates and joint ventures
Amounts owed by associates and joint ventures
Loans from associates and joint ventures

Associates

Joint ventures

2013
$m

2012
$m

2011
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

2011
$m

2013
$m

2012
$m

4
2
–

5
2
–

5
1
(2)

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

4
2
–

5
2
–

None of the Group’s investments in associates and joint ventures are individually material.

15. Other financial assets

Equity securities available-for-sale:

Quoted equity shares
Unquoted equity shares

Loans and receivables:

Trade deposits and loans
Restricted funds
Bank accounts pledged as security

Total other financial assets

132 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

2013
$m

9
127

136

20
40
52

112

248

Total

2011
$m

5
1
(2)

2012
$m

18
94

112

20
29
–

49

161

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued15. Other financial assets continued

Analysed as:
Current
Non-current

2013
$m

12
236

248

2012
$m

6
155

161

Equity securities available-for-sale are measured at fair value (see note 24) and loans and receivables are held at amortised cost.

Equity securities available-for-sale were denominated in the following currencies: US dollars $84m (2012 $59m), Hong Kong dollars 
$27m (2012 $24m) and other currencies $25m (2012 $29m). Unlisted equity shares are mainly investments in entities that own hotels 
which the Group manages. Dividend income from available for-sale equity securities of $6m (2012 $5m) is reported as other operating 
income and expenses in the Group income statement.

Trade deposits and loans include a deposit of $37m 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 $12m (2012 $11m); the discount unwinds to the income statement within financial income over the period to repayment. 

Restricted funds include cash held in bank accounts which is pledged as collateral to insurance companies for risks retained by the Group, 
cash held in the IHG Funding Trust (see note 26) and other amounts held in escrow.

The bank accounts pledged as security (£31m) are subject to a charge in favour of the members of the UK unfunded pension arrangement 
(see note 26). 

The movement in the provision for impairment of other financial assets during the year is as follows:

At 1 January
Reclassification
Amounts written off

At 31 December

2013
$m

(26)
–
1

(25)

2012
$m

(25)
(1)
–

(26)

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.

16. Inventories

Finished goods
Consumable stores

17. Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments

2013
$m

2
2

4

2013
$m

338
20
65

423

2012
$m

2
2

4

2012
$m

344
18
60

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.

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  133

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION17. Trade and other receivables continued

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

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

236
66
57
42

401

Provision
$m

–
(4)
(3)
(36)

(43)

2013

Net
$m

236
62
54
6

358

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

Gross
$m

223
74
69
43

409

2013
$m

(47)
(18)
14
8

(43)

2013
$m

193
78
53
34

358

Provision
$m

–
(3)
(3)
(41)

(47)

2012
$m

(46)
(18)
10
7

(47)

2013
$m

63
71

134

Short-term deposits are highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, in various currencies. 

Cash at bank includes gross cash assets of $114m (2012 $194m) and gross overdrafts of $114m (2012 $192m) which are offset under  
cash pooling arrangements.

Cash and cash equivalents includes $12m (2012 $7m) that is not available for use by the Group due to local exchange controls. 

2012
$m

186
83
64
29

362

2012

Net
$m

223
71
66
2

362

2011
$m

(58)
(15)
7
20

(46)

2012
$m

57
138

195

2012
$m

117
35
268
289

709

2013
$m

97
32
335
284

748

574

563

19. Trade and other payables

Current
Trade payables
Other tax and social security payable
Other payables
Accruals

Non-current
Other payables

Trade payables are non-interest-bearing and are normally settled within an average of 45 days.

Other payables include $649m (2012 $623m) relating to the future redemption liability of the Group’s loyalty programme, of which $120m 
(2012 $108m) is classified as current and $529m (2012 $515m) as non-current. 

134 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued20. Provisions

At 1 January 2012
Utilised

At 31 December 2012
Provided
Utilised

At 31 December 2013

Analysed as:
Current 
Non-current

Onerous 
management 
contracts 
$m

Litigation  
$m

3
(1)

2
–
(1)

1

11
(11)

–
4
(2)

2

2013
$m

3
–

3

Total 
$m

14
(12)

2
4
(3)

3

2012
$m

1
1

2

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.

Litigation during 2013 largely relates to actions brought against the Group in the Greater China region and during 2012 in the 
Americas region.

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 risks faced by 
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 swaps, 
interest rate swaps 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. 
Most significant exposures of the Group are in currencies that  
are freely convertible.

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 $4.1m (2012 $2.8m, 2011 $3.3m) and 
increase net assets by an estimated $16.0m (2012 increase of 
$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 $2.6m (2012 $2.3m, 2011 $1.9m) and decrease net 
assets by an estimated $14.8m (2012 $16.1m, 2011 $10.3m).

Interest rate exposure is managed, using interest rate swaps if 
appropriate, within set parameters depending on the term of the 
debt, with a minimum fixed proportion of 25% of borrowings for each 
major currency. 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 2013.

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 have a material 
impact on the annual net interest charge in the current or prior 
two years.

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  135

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION21. Financial risk management continued

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 bonds were issued under the Group’s 
£750m Medium Term Notes programme. Short-term borrowing 
requirements are met from drawings under bilateral bank facilities. 
The $1.07bn Syndicated Facility was undrawn at the year end.

Hedging
Interest rate risk 
The Group hedges its interest rate risk by ensuring that interest 
flows are fixed on at least 25% of its borrowings in major 
currencies. If required, the Group uses interest rate swaps  
to manage the exposure although none were held at either  
31 December 2013 or 31 December 2012. The Group designates 
interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges. At both 31 December 
2013 and 31 December 2012, the Group’s interest flows were  
100% fixed due to the low interest environment and profile of the 
Group’s debt.

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 2013 or 31 December 2012. 

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 2013, the Group held currency swaps with  
a principal of $415m (2012 $415m) and short dated foreign 
exchange swaps with principals of €75m (2012 €75m) and $100m 
(2012 $170m) (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 (2012 $415m)  
and short dated foreign exchange swaps with principals of €75m 
(2012 €75m) and $310m (2012 $350m).

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.

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 $134m 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 $12m (2012 $7m) is held in countries where repatriation 
is restricted as a result of foreign exchange regulations. 

The Group had net liabilities of $74m at 31 December 2013 
reflecting that its brands, in accordance with accounting standards, 
are not recorded on the balance sheet. 

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.

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. 

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 $1,071m at 
31 December 2013 (2012 $1,382m). 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. 

136 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued21. Financial risk management continued

Liquidity risk
The following are the undiscounted contractual cash flows of financial liabilities, including interest payments:

31 December 2013
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 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

Credit risk
The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum exposure to credit risk. 

Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities available-for-sale
Derivative financial instruments
Loans and receivables:

Other financial assets 
Trade and other receivables, excluding prepayments 

Less than  
1 year  
$m

Between 1 and  
2 years  
$m

Between 2 and  
5 years  
$m

More than  
5 years  
$m

–
25
26
16
748
3

(1)
26
(25)

4
25
26
16
162
–

–
26
(25)

–
438
77
48
193
–

–
441
(438)

–
–
764
3,300
289
–

–
–
–

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)

Total  
$m

4
488
893
3,380
1,392
3

(1)
493
(488)

Total  
$m

5
501
897
3,396
1,339
2

(2)
519
(501)

2012
$m

195
112
2

49
362

720

–
–
772
3,316
285
–

–
–
–

2013
$m

134
136
1

112
358

741

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  137

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
 
 
22. Loans and other borrowings

Secured bank loans
Finance lease obligations
£250m 6% bonds 2016
£400m 3.875% bonds 2022

Total borrowings 

Denominated in the following currencies:
Sterling
US dollars
Other

Current 
$m

Non-current 
$m

Current 
$m

Non-current 
$m

2013

Total  
$m

4
215
412
654

4
199
412
654

1,269

1,285

1,066
199
4

1,269

1,066
215
4

1,285

–
16
–
–

16

–
16
–

16

2012

Total  
$m

5
212
403
638

5
196
403
638

1,242

1,258

1,041
196
5

1,242

1,041
212 
5

1,258

–
16
–
–

16

–
16
–

16

Secured bank loans
The New Zealand dollar mortgage is secured on the hotel property to which it relates. Non-current amounts include $4m (2012 $5m) 
repayable by instalments.

Finance lease obligations 
Finance lease obligations, which relate to the 99-year lease (of which 92 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
3,300

3,380
(3,165)

215

2013

Present 
value of 
payments 
$m

16
48
151

215
–

215

Minimum 
lease 
payments 
$m

16
64
3,316

3,396
(3,184)

212

2012

Present 
value of 
payments 
$m

16
48
148

212
–

212

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.

£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.

138 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued22. Loans and other borrowings continued

Facilities provided by banks

Committed
Uncommitted

Unutilised facilities expire:

Within one year
After two but before five years

Utilised 
$m

Unutilised 
$m

4
–

4

1,070
80

1,150

2013

Total 
$m

1,074
80

1,154

Utilised 
$m

Unutilised 
$m

5
–

5

1,070
96

1,166

2013
$m

80
1,070

1,150

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

2013
$m

11
(1)

10

(1)
11

10

2012

Total 
$m

1,075
96

1,171

2012
$m

96
1,070

1,166

2012
$m

19
(2)

17

(2)
19

17

Derivatives are recorded at their fair values as set out in note 24.

Currency swaps
At 31 December 2013, the Group held currency swaps with a principal of $415m (2012 $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: $2m (2012 $11m) relating to the repayment of the underlying principal and $9m 
(2012 $8m) relating to interest payments. The element relating to the underlying principal is disclosed as a component of net debt (see 
note 25). The currency swaps are designated as net investment hedges.

Forward foreign exchange contracts
At 31 December 2013, the Group held short dated foreign exchange swaps with principals of €75m (2012 €75m) and $100m (2012 $170m). 
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.

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  139

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION24. Fair value measurement

Fair values
The following table compares carrying amounts and fair values of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities: 

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Equity securities available-for-sale1 
Loans and receivables:
Other financial assets
Trade and other financial receivables, excluding prepayments

Derivatives1

Financial liabilities
£250m 6% bonds 2016
£400m 3.875% bonds 2022
Finance lease obligations
Other borrowings
Trade and other payables
Derivatives1
Provisions

Carrying 
value 
$m

Note

2013

Fair value 
$m

Carrying 
value 
$m

2012

Fair value 
$m

18

15

15

17

23

22

22

22

22

19

23

20

134
136

112
358
1

741

(412)
(654)
(215)
(4)
(1,322)
(11)
(3)

(2,621)

134
136

112
358
1

741

(461)
(650)
(233)
(4)
(1,322)
(11)
(3)

(2,684)

195
112

49
362
2

720

(403)
(638)
(212)
(5)
(1,272)
(19)
(2)

(2,551)

195
112

49
362
2

720

(456)
(652)
(268)
(5)
(1,272)
(19)
(2)

(2,674)

1 Financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value.

There are no other assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis, or for which fair value is disclosed.

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates book value due to the short maturity of the investments and deposits,  
and the fair value of other financial assets approximates book value based on prevailing market rates. The fair value of other  
borrowings approximates book value as interest rates reset to market rates on a frequent basis. 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 following table provides the fair value measurement hierarchy of the above assets and liabilities, other than those with carrying 
amounts which are reasonable approximations of their fair values:

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 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:

Quoted equity shares
Unquoted equity shares

Derivatives

Liabilities
£250m 6% bonds 2016
£400m 3.875% bonds 2022
Finance lease obligations
Derivatives

Level 1  
$m

Level 2 
$m

Level 3 
$m

9
–
–

(461)
(650)
–
–

–
–
1

–
–
(233)
(11)

–
127
–

–
–
–
–

2013

Total 
$m

9
127
1

(461)
(650)
(233)
(11)

Level 1  
$m

Level 2 
$m

Level 3 
$m

18
–
–

(456)
(652)
–
–

–
–
2

–
–
(268)
(19)

–
94
–

–
–
–
–

2012

Total 
$m

18
94
2

(456)
(652)
(268)
(19)

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.

140 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued24. Fair value measurement continued

The fair value of quoted equity shares and the bonds is based on their quoted market price.

Derivatives are fair valued using discounted future cash flows, taking into consideration exchange rates prevailing on the last day of  
the reporting period and interest rates from observable swap curves. As the Group’s derivatives are not cash collaterised, a valuation 
adjustment is made for credit risk, being counterparty risks in respect of derivative assets and own credit risks in respect of derivative 
liabilities. At 31 December 2013, the interest rates used to fair value the derivative liabilities ranged from 1.4% to 2.5%, depending on the 
currency and the term of the derivative contract.

Finance lease obligations relate to the lease of the InterContinental Boston and are fair valued by discounting the future cash flows 
payable under the loan, which are fixed, at a risk adjusted long term interest rate. The interest rate used to discount the cash flows at  
31 December 2013 was 8.4% (2012 7.4%).

Unquoted equity shares are fair valued using the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines either 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 if the investment is currently loss-making. The average P/E ratio for the year was 23.9 and a non-marketability factor of 30% is 
applied. A 10% increase in the average P/E ratio would result in a $5m increase (2012 $5m) in the fair value of the investments and a 10% 
decrease in the average P/E ratio would result in a $5m decrease (2012 $5m) in the fair value of the investments. A 10% increase in net 
assets would result in a $5m increase (2012 $2m) in the fair value of the investments and a 10% decrease in net assets would result in a 
$5m decrease (2012 $2m) in the fair value of the investments.

The following table reconciles the movements in the fair values of investments classified as Level 3 during the year:

At 1 January
Additions
Repaid
Valuation gains/(losses) recognised in other comprehensive income

At 31 December

25. 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 (decrease)/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 in net debt arising from cash flows
Non-cash movements:

Finance lease obligations
Exchange and other adjustments

Increase in net debt
Net debt at beginning of the year

Net debt at end of the year

2013
$m

94
8
–
25

127

2013
$m

134
(16)
(1,269)
(2)

(1,153)

(58)

–
1

(57)

(3)
(19)

(79)
(1,074)

(1,153)

2012
$m

97
–
(1)
(2)

94

2012
$m

195
(16)
(1,242)
(11)

(1,074)

15

(632)
99

(518)

(3)
(15)

(536)
(538)

(1,074)

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. 

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  141

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
 
26. Retirement benefits

UK
UK retirement and death in service benefits are provided for eligible Group employees in the UK principally by the InterContinental Hotels UK 
Pension Plan, which is HM Revenue & Customs registered. The defined benefit section of the plan, which provides benefits based on final salary 
and is funded, closed to new entrants in 2002 and closed to future accrual for current members with effect from 1 July 2013. New members, 
including those who have been auto-enrolled since 1 September 2013, are provided with defined contribution arrangements as are members  
of the defined benefit section since 1 July 2013. The assets of the plan are held in a self-administered trust fund which is governed by a  
Trustee Board who are responsible for the administration and investment strategy of the plan. The Trustee Board comprises a combination of 
independent, company nominated and member nominated trustees, and is assisted by professional advisers as and when required. As required 
by the Pensions Act 2004, the plan is required to meet a Statutory Funding Objective in respect of its defined benefit obligations and a formal 
recovery plan is required to meet a funding shortfall. The overall operation of the plan is subject to the oversight of The Pensions Regulator. 

On 15 August 2013, the Trustee Board completed a buy-in transaction whereby the assets of the plan were invested in a bulk purchase annuity 
policy with the insurer Rothesay Life, under which the benefits payable to defined benefit members are now fully insured. The insurance policy 
was purchased using the existing assets of the plan and a final company contribution of £5m. It is the intention of the Trustee Board that the 
plan will move to a full buy-out as soon as practical, following which the insurance company will become directly responsible for pension 
payments. Under the most recent recovery plan, the company agreed to make additional contributions of £130m by 31 July 2014; in addition to 
the £5m referred to above, £55m was paid in 2012 and a further amount of £60m was paid into a funding trust (the IHG Funding Trust) during 
the year. £30m of the funding trust payments occurred on the sale of the InterContinental London Park Lane in May 2013, over which there was 
previously a charge for the same amount in favour of the pension plan. As the buy-in transaction has resulted in the defined benefit obligations 
being fully insured, the company has no further contributions to make and £57m has been returned to the company from the funding trust. It is 
expected that the remaining £3m held in the funding trust will be returned to the company on completion of the planned buy-out.

In addition to the above, additional benefits are provided to certain members of the defined benefit section of the plan who are affected by 
lifetime or annual allowances through an unfunded pension arrangement. The unfunded pension arrangement also held a charge over the 
InterContinental London Park Lane which, on sale of the hotel, was replaced with a charge over certain ring-fenced bank accounts 
totalling £31m (see note 15). 

US and other
The Group also maintains the following US-based defined benefit plans; the funded Inter-Continental Hotels Pension Plan, unfunded 
Inter-Continental Hotels Non-qualified Pension Plans and unfunded Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation Postretirement Medical,  
Dental, Vision and Death Benefit Plan. All plans are closed to new members. In respect of the funded plan, an Investment Committee has 
responsibility for the oversight and management of the Plan’s assets, which are held in a separate trust. The Committee comprises senior 
company employees and is assisted by professional advisers as and when required. The company currently makes contributions that equal 
or exceed the minimum funding amounts required by the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act of 1974 (‘ERISA’). The investment 
objective is to achieve full funding over time by following a specified ‘glide path approach’ which results in a progressive switching from 
return seeking assets to liability-matching assets as the funded status of the plan increases. During the year, the funded status reached 
80% which triggered a further de-risking of the investment portfolio.

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
Past service cost
Net interest expense
Administration costs

Operating profit before exceptional items
Exceptional items:
Settlement loss
Past service gain

UK

Pension plans

US and 
other

Post-employment 
benefits

2012
(restated1)
$m

2011
(restated1) 
$m

2013 
$m

2012
(restated1) 
$m

2011
(restated1) 
$m

2013 
$m

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

2011 
$m

Total

2012 
(restated1) 
$m

2011 
(restated1) 
$m

2013 
$m

2
–
–
1

3

147
–

150

5
–
1
1

7

–
–

7

6
–
6
1

13

–
(28)

(15)

1
1
3
1

6

–
–

6

1
–
3
1

5

–
–

5

1
–
3
1

5

–
–

5

–
–
1
–

1

–
–

1

–
–
1
–

1

–
–

1

–
–
1
–

1

–
–

1

3
1
4
2

10

147
–

157

6
–
5
2

13

–
–

13

7
–
10
2

19

–
(28)

(9)

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS 19R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).

The settlement loss results from the buy-in transaction described above and comprises a past service cost of $5m relating to additional 
benefits secured by the transaction, the difference between the cost of the insurance policy and the accounting value of the liabilities secured 
of $137m and transaction costs of $5m. As the policy has been structured to enable the plan to move to a buy-out and the intention is to 
proceed on this basis, the buy-in transaction has been accounted for as a settlement with the loss arising recorded in the income statement.

The past service 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.

142 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued26. Retirement benefits continued

Re-measurement gains and losses recognised in the Group statement of comprehensive income are:

Plan 
assets
$m

Plan
obligations
$m

2013

Total 
$m

Plan 
assets
$m

Plan 
obligations
$m

20121

Total 
$m

Plan 
assets
$m

Plan 
obligations
$m

20111

Total 
$m

Return on plan assets (excluding amounts included  
in interest)
Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in:

Demographic assumptions
Financial assumptions
Experience adjustments

Change in asset restriction (excluding amounts included 
in interest)

Other comprehensive income

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS 19R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).

2

–
–
–

89

91

–

2

22

–

22

27

–

27

12
(57)
(6)

–

(51)

12
(57)
(6)

89

40

–
–
–

(23)

(1)

(6)
(25)
17

–

(14)

(6)
(25)
17

(23)

(15)

–
–
–

(8)

19

(1)
(52)
2

(1)
(52)
2

–

(8)

(51)

(32)

The assets and liabilities of the schemes and the amounts recognised in the Group statement of financial position are:

Retirement benefit assets
Fair value of plan assets
Present value of benefit obligations

Surplus in schemes
Asset restriction

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

Pension plans

US and 
other

Post-
employment 
benefits

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

2013 
$m

UK

2012 
$m

695
(507)

188
(91)

97

2013 
$m

582
(577)

5
(2)

3

17
(13)

17
(15)

4
–

4

2
–

2

–
(82)

(82)

–
(62)

(62)

142
(220)

(78)

132
(232)

(100)

582
(659)

695
(569)

159
(233)

149
(247)

Total

2012 
$m

712
(522)

190
(91)

99

599
(590)

9
(2)

7

142
(326)

(184)

132
(319)

(187)

741
(916)

844
(841)

–
–

–
–

–

–
(24)

(24)

–
(24)

–
–

–
–

–

–
(25)

(25)

–
(25)

The ‘US and other’ surplus of $4m (2012 $2m) relates to a defined benefit pension scheme in Hong Kong. Included within the ‘US and other’ 
deficit is $2m (2012 $2m) relating to a defined benefit pension plan in the Netherlands.

Assumptions
The principal financial assumptions used by the actuaries to determine the benefit obligations are:

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 2023)

Ultimate rate that the cost trend rate trends to

2013 
%

2012 
%

–
3.6
4.6
3.6

4.5
3.0
4.5
3.0

UK

2011 
%

4.6
3.1
4.7
3.1

Pension plans

2013 
%

2012 
%

–
–
4.5
–

–
–
3.5
–

US

2011 
%

–
–
4.1
–

Post-employment 
benefits

2013 
%

2012 
%

2011 
%

–
–
4.6
–

8.5
17.5
5.2

4.0
–
3.5
–

9.0
11.8
5.0

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 RP2000 Generational with Scale BB 2D mortality tables.

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  143

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION26. Retirement benefits continued

Accordingly, assumed life expectancy at retirement age is as follows:

Current pensioners at 651 

Future pensioners at 652 

– male
– female
– male
– female

2013 
Years

2012 
Years

24
27
27
30

24
27
27
30

UK

2011 
Years

24
27
26
29

Pension plans

2013 
Years

2012 
Years

21
23
22
25

19
21
21
22

US

2011 
Years

19
21
21
22

1  Relates to assumptions based on longevity (in years) following retirement at the end of the reporting period.
2  Relates to assumptions based on longevity (in years) relating to an employee retiring in 2033. 

The assumptions allow for expected increases in longevity.

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 key assumptions are the pension increases, discount rate, the rate of inflation  
and the assumed mortality rate. The sensitivity analysis below is based on extrapolating reasonable changes in these assumptions,  
using year-end conditions and assuming no interdependency between the assumptions.

Discount rate 

Pension increases  – 0.25% decrease
– 0.25% increase
– 0.25% decrease
– 0.25% increase
– 0.25% increase
– 0.25% decrease
– one year increase

Mortality rate 

Inflation rate 

UK

US

Higher/
(lower) 
pension cost 
$m

Increase/ 
(decrease) 
in liabilities 
$m

Higher/
(lower) 
pension cost 
$m

Increase/ 
(decrease) 
in liabilities 
$m

–
0.2
–
(0.2)
0.2
(0.2)
0.2

(2.3)
3.0
4.0
(3.6)
3.6
(3.0)
1.8

–
–
0.1
(0.1)
–
–
0.3

–
–
6.3
(6.6)
–
–
8.0

A one percentage point increase in assumed healthcare costs trend rate would increase the accumulated post-employment benefit 
obligations as at 31 December 2013 by $2.8m (2012 $2.6m, 2011 $2.9m) and a one percentage point decrease would decrease the 
obligations by $2.3m (2012 $2.3m, 2011 $2.7m).

Movement in benefit obligation

Benefit obligation at 1 January
Current service cost
Past service cost 
Members’ contributions
Interest expense
Benefits paid
Re-measurement losses/(gains)
Exchange adjustments

Benefit obligation at 31 December

Comprising:

Funded plans
Unfunded plans

UK

2012
(restated1) 
$m

525
5
–
1
25
(14)
3
24

569

507
62

569

2013 
$m

569
2
5
–
26
(22)
62
17

659

577
82

659

Pension plans

US and other

2012
(restated1) 
$m

Post-employment 
benefits

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

233
1
–
–
9
(12)
16
–

247

193
54

247

25
–
–
–
1
(1)
(1)
–

24

–
24

24

30
–
–
–
1
(1)
(5)
–

25

–
25

25

2013 
$m

247
1
1
–
7
(13)
(10)
–

233

182
51

233

Total

2012 
(restated1) 
$m

788
6
–
1
35
(27)
14
24

841

700
141

841

2013 
$m

841
3
6
–
34
(36)
51
17

916

759
157

916

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS 19R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).

144 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26. Retirement benefits continued

Movement in plan assets

Fair value of plan assets at 1 January
Company contributions
Members’ contributions
Benefits paid
Interest income
Settlement loss
Re-measurement (losses)/gains
Administration costs
Exchange adjustments

Fair value of plan assets at 31 December

UK

2012
(restated1) 
$m

551
97
1
(14)
27
–
7
(1)
27

695

2013 
$m

695
20
–
(22)
29
(137)
(7)
(1)
5

582

Pension plans

US and other

Post-employment benefits

2012
(restated1) 
$m

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

133
10
–
(12)
4
–
15
(1)
–

149

–
1
–
(1)
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
1
–
(1)
–
–
–
–
–

–

2013 
$m

149
10
–
(13)
4
–
9
(1)
1

159

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS 19R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).

Company contributions are expected to be $12m in 2014.

The plan assets are measured at fair value and comprise the following:

Investments quoted in active markets
Investment funds:
Global equities
Corporate bonds
Property
Hedge funds
Swap funds
Cash funds

Government bonds
Unquoted investments
Qualifying insurance policy
Property
Cash and other

2013 
$m

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

577
–
5

582

UK

2012 
$m

62
97
17
31
71
170
135

–
18
94

695

Total

2012 
(restated1) 
$m

684
108
1
(27)
31
–
22
(2)
27

844

2013 
$m

844
31
–
(36)
33
(137)
2
(2)
6

741

US and other

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

33
107
4
–
–
–
–

10
–
5

159

60
72
6
–
–
–
–

9
–
2

149

In accordance with accounting standards, the fair value of a qualifying insurance policy is deemed to be the present value of the pension 
obligations secured by that policy.

Movement in asset restriction

Balance at 1 January
Interest expense
Re-measurement (losses)/gains
Exchange adjustments

Balance at 31 December

Pension plans

UK

2012
(restated1) 
$m

US and other

Post-employment benefits

2013 
$m

2012
(restated1) 
$m

2013 
$m

2012 
$m

63
3
23
2

91

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–

2013 
$m

91
3
(89)
(3)

2

Total

2012 
(restated1) 
$m

63
3
23
2

91

2013 
$m

91
3
(89)
(3)

2

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS 19R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).

The asset restriction relates to tax that would be deducted at source in respect of a refund of a surplus taking into account amounts 
payable under funding commitments. As a result of the buy-in transaction, substantially all of the asset restriction has been released 
through other comprehensive income during the year.

Estimated future benefit payments

Within one year
Between one and five years
After five years

Average duration of obligation (years)

2013 
$m

19
84
123

226

21.6

UK

2012 
$m

15
65
93

173

21.5

Pension plans

US and other

Post-employment benefits

2013 
$m

14
57
76

147

11.8

2012 
$m

14
57
74

145

12.0

2013 
$m

1
5
7

13

11.3

2012 
$m

1
5
7

13

11.5

2013 
$m

34
146
206

386

Total

2012 
$m

30
127
174

331

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  145

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION27. Deferred tax

At 1 January 2012
Income statement (restated1)
Statement of comprehensive income 
(restated1)
Statement of changes in equity
Exchange and other adjustments

At 31 December 2012 
Income statement
Statement of comprehensive income
Statement of changes in equity
Exchange and other adjustments

At 31 December 2013

Property, 
plant and 
equipment 
$m

Deferred 
gains on 
loan notes 
$m

221
12

–
–
3

236
1
–
–
3

240

137
(26)

–
–
3

114
(8)
–
–
1

107

Losses 
$m

(133)
(74)

–
–
(8)

(215)
20
–
–
9

(186)

1 Restated for the adoption of IAS 19R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).
2 Primarily relates to provisions, accruals, amortisation and share-based payments.

Analysed as:

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Liabilities held for sale

Employee 
benefits 
$m

Intangible 
assets 
$m

Undistributed 
earnings of 
subsidiaries
$m

Other 
short-term 
temporary 
differences2 
$m

(59)
5

(5)
(4)
–

(63)
2
24
–
–

(37)

38
(6)

–
–
1

33
2
–
–
(1)

34

–
–

–
–
–

–
63
–
–
3

66

(153)
(1)

1
(1)
(1)

(155)
8
–
4
(14)

(157)

2013 
$m

(108)
175
–

67

Total 
$m

51
(90)

(4)
(5)
(2)

(50)
88
24
4
1

67

2012 
$m

(204)
93
61

(50)

Deferred gains on loan notes includes $55m (2012 $55m) which is expected to fall due for payment in 2016.

The deferred tax asset recognised in respect of losses of $186m (2012 $215m) includes $53m (2012 $78m) in respect of capital losses 
available to be utilised against the realisation of capital gains which are recognised as a deferred tax liability and $133m (2012 $137m)  
in respect of revenue tax losses. Deferred tax assets of $17m (2012 $22m) 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. 
A deferred tax provision was made during the year in respect of current and prior year earnings which are expected to be repatriated 
within the foreseeable future, consequent upon the disposal of the InterContinental London Park Lane hotel as the proceeds are not 
expected to be reinvested by the relevant subsidiaries.

The Group has unrecognised deferred tax assets as follows:

Revenue losses
Capital losses

Total losses1
Employee benefits
Foreign tax credits
Other2

Total

2013 
$m

127
85

212
16
–
55

283

2012 
$m

132
140

272
32
34
53

391

1  These may be carried forward indefinitely other than $12m which expires after three years, $1m which expires after seven years, $1m which expires after eight years 
and $9m which expires after nine years (2012 $11m which expires after four years and $1m which expires after eight years).
2 Primarily relates to provisions, accruals, amortisation and share-based payments.

These 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 the assets more certain.

The Group has provided deferred tax in relation to temporary differences associated with post-acquisition undistributed earnings of 
subsidiaries only to the extent that it is either probable that it will reverse in the foreseeable future or where the Group cannot control 
the timing of the reversal. The remaining unprovided liability that would arise on the reversal of these temporary differences is not 
expected to exceed $10m (2012 $20m).

146 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued 
28. Share-based payments

Annual Performance Plan 
The IHG Annual Performance Plan (APP), formerly the 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 APP 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 318,911 
(2012 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 2,227,293  
(2012 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 2013 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 2013 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 2013 and at  
31 December 2013 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 such 
options were exercised and 106,699 lapsed, leaving no such options 
outstanding at 31 December 2012.

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  147

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION28. Share-based payments continued

The Group recognised a cost of $22m (2012 $22m, 2011 $25m) in operating profit and $nil (2012 $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 $5m (2012 $10m, 2011 $8m).

The following table sets forth awards and options granted during 2013. 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 2013

APP

318,911

LTIP

2,227,293

The Group uses separate option pricing models and assumptions depending on the plan. The following tables set out information about 
awards granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011:

APP

LTIP

2013

Valuation model

Weighted average share price
Expected dividend yield
Risk-free interest rate
Volatility1
Term (years)

2012

Valuation model

Weighted average share price
Expected dividend yield
Risk-free interest rate
Volatility1
Term (years)

2011

Valuation model

Weighted average share price
Expected dividend yield
Risk-free interest rate
Volatility1
Term (years)

Binomial

1,928.0p
2.63%

3.0

ABP

Binomial

1,440.0p
2.95%

3.0

ABP

Binomial

1,415.0p
2.14%

3.0

Monte Carlo  
Simulation and  
Binomial

1,913.0p
2.59%
0.27%
28%
3.0

LTIP

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

1  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.

148 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued 
 
28. Share-based payments continued

Movements in the awards and options outstanding under the schemes are as follows:

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
Granted
Vested
Lapsed or cancelled

Outstanding at 31 December 2013

Fair value of awards granted during the year
2013
2012
2011

Weighted average remaining contract life (years)
At 31 December 2013
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
Exercised

Outstanding at 31 December 2013

Options exercisable
At 31 December 2013
At 31 December 2012
At 31 December 2011

APP 
Number of 
shares 
thousands

1,274
528
(702)
(150)

950
341
(643)
(18)
(8)

622
319
(72)
(29)

840

2,873.4¢
2,199.8¢
2,141.1¢

1.1
1.6
0.9

LTIP 
Number of 
shares 
thousands

11,342
3,257
(3,454)
(2,115)

9,030
2,699
(2,621)
–
(1,948)

7,160
2,227
(2,206)
(406)

6,775

1,127.9¢
792.5¢
819.7¢

1.1
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)

308.5-619.8
308.5-619.8
422.8

308.5-619.8
308.5-619.8
434.2

698
(638)

438.0-619.8
438.0-619.8

60

494.2-619.8

60
698
2,170

494.2–619.8
438.0–619.8
308.5–619.8

489.3
476.5
422.8

497.0
492.8
434.2

514.8
512.3

541.3

541.3
514.8
497.0

Included within the options outstanding under the Executive Share Option Plan are options over nil (2012 nil, 2011 458,814) 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 1,934.9p. The closing share price on 
31 December 2013 was 2,013.0p and the range during the year was 1,737.0p to 2,039.0p per share.

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  149

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
28. Share-based payments continued

Summarised information about options outstanding at 31 December 2013 under the share option schemes is as follows:

Range of exercise prices (pence) 

Executive Share Option Plan
494.2
619.8

29. Equity

Equity share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid
At 1 January 2011 (ordinary shares of 1329⁄47p each)
Issued on exercise of share options
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2011 (ordinary shares of 1329⁄47p each)
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)
Issued on exercise of share options
Exchange adjustments

At 31 December 2013 (ordinary shares of 14194⁄329p each)

Options outstanding and exercisable

Number 
outstanding 
thousands

Weighted 
average 
remaining 
contract life 
years

Weighted 
average 
option price 
pence

37
23

60

0.3
1.3

0.6

494.2
619.8

541.3

Number of 
shares 
millions

Nominal 
value 
$m

Share  
premium 
$m

Equity share 
capital 
$m

289
1
–

290
(19)
1
(4)
–

268
1
–

269

61
–
–

61
–
1
(1)
2

63
–
2

65

94
8
(1)

101
–
9
–
6

116
5
3

124

155
8
(1)

162
–
10
(1)
8

179
5
5

189

The Company was incorporated and registered in England and Wales with registered number 5134420 on 21 May 2004 as a limited 
company under the Companies Act 1985 with the name Hackremco (No. 2154) Limited. On 24 March 2005 Hackremco (No. 2154)  
Limited changed its name to New InterContinental Hotels Group Limited. On 27 April 2005 New InterContinental Hotels Group Limited  
re-registered as a public limited company and changed its name to New InterContinental Hotels Group PLC. On 27 June 2005 New 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC changed its name to InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.

On 7 August 2012, the Company announced a $1bn return of funds to shareholders comprising a $500m special dividend with share 
consolidation and a $500m 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.  
Under the same programme, a further 9,773,912 shares were purchased in the year to 31 December 2013 for a total consideration of $283m. 
Shares repurchased in the year to 31 December 2013 are held as treasury shares whereas those shares repurchased in the year to 
31 December 2012 were cancelled. No shares were repurchased in 2011.

The authority given to the Company at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 24 May 2013 to purchase its own shares was still valid at 
31 December 2013. A resolution to renew the authority will be put to shareholders at the AGM on 2 May 2014.

On 6 August 2013, the Company announced a special dividend of 133.0¢ per share amounting to $355m which was paid to shareholders on 
4 October 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.

150 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued29. Equity continued

The nature and purpose of the other reserves shown in the Group statement of changes in equity on pages 106 to 108 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 $37.6m (2012 $48.0m, 2011 $26.5m) in respect of 1.2m (2012 1.8m, 2011 1.5m) InterContinental Hotels Group PLC ordinary 
shares held by employee share trusts, with a market value at 31 December 2013 of $39.8m (2012 $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 111 to 112), 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.

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 2013 
was a $10m net liability (2012 $17m, 2011 $36m).

Treasury shares
At 31 December 2013, 9.8m shares (2012 nil, 2011 nil) with a nominal value of $2.4m (2012 $nil, 2011 $nil) were held as treasury shares 
at cost and deducted from retained earnings.

Non-controlling interest
A non-controlling interest is equity in a subsidary of the Group not attributable, directly or indirectly, to the Group. Non-controlling interests 
are not material to the Group.

30. Operating leases

During the year ended 31 December 2013, $67m (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 $24m (2012 
$19m, 2011 $18m).

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Due within one year
One to two years
Two to three years
Three to four years
Four to five years
More than five years

2013 
$m

42
33
29
23
23
202

352

2012 
$m

47
34
25
22
22
237

387

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 18 years (2012 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 (2012 $10m).

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  151

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION31. Capital and other commitments

Contracts placed for expenditure not provided for in the Group Financial Statements:

Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets

2013 
$m

70
13

83

2012 
$m

66
15

81

The Group has also committed to invest up to $61m in three investments accounted for under the equity method of which $41m had been 
spent at 31 December 2013.

32. Contingencies

Contingent liabilities not provided for in the Group Financial Statements

2013 
$m

–

2012 
$m

11

1 On Form 20-F for the year ended 31 December 2012, this number was disclosed as $25m due to an arbitral award in Greater China on 21 March 2013.

In limited cases, the Group may provide performance guarantees to third-party hotel owners to secure management contracts.  
At 31 December 2013, the amount provided in the Financial Statements was $6m (2012 $6m) and the maximum unprovided exposure 
under such guarantees was $48m (2012 $50m). 

At 31 December 2013, the Group had outstanding letters of credit of $41m (2012 $38m, 2011 $51m) mainly relating to self  
insurance programmes.

The Group may guarantee loans made to facilitate third-party ownership of hotels in which the Group has an equity interest and also a 
management contract. At 31 December 2013, there were guarantees of $20m in place (2012 $nil, 2011 $nil). 

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 a claim by Pan American Life Insurance Company and class action  
law suits in the US (see ‘Legal proceedings’ on page 172). 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.

33. Related party disclosures

Total compensation of key management personnel
Short-term employment benefits
Post-employment benefits 
Termination benefits
Equity compensation benefits

2013 
$m

20.7
0.8
–
8.1

29.6

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 years ended 31 December 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Related party disclosures for associates and joint ventures are included in note 14.

Key management personnel comprises the Board and Executive Committee.

152 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continued34. 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 IHG Rewards Club loyalty programme and the global reservation system. The Fund and loyalty programme are accounted 
for in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 115 and 116 of the Financial Statements. 

The following information is relevant to the operation of the Fund:

Income1:

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

Key elements of expenditure1:

Marketing
IHG Rewards Club
Payroll costs

Net surplus for the year1
Interest payable to the Fund

2013 
$m

1,154
153

245
219
239
35
2

2012 
$m

1,106
144

250
250
221
12
2

2011 
$m

1,025
128

203
232
182
19
1

1 Not included in the Group income statement in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies.

The payroll costs above relate to 4,615 (2012 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

2013 
$m

86
649

735

2012 
$m

51
623

674

2011 
$m

39
578

617

The net change in the loyalty programme liability and Fund surplus contributed an inflow of $61m (2012 $57m, 2011 $66m) to the Group’s 
cash flow from operations.

35. Events after the reporting period

In February 2014, the Group signed an agreement to sell the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco for $120m in cash and enter 
into a long term management contract on the hotel. The hotel had a net book value of $90m at 31 December 2013.

36. Principal operating subsidiary undertakings

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC was the beneficial owner of all of the equity share capital, indirectly through subsidiary undertakings, 
of the following companies during the year:

Six Continents Limited1

IHG Hotels Limited1

Six Continents Hotels, Inc.2

Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation2

111 East 48th Street Holdings, LLC2

InterContinental Hotels Group Resources, Inc.2

InterContinental Hong Kong Limited3

Société Nouvelle du Grand Hotel SA4

The companies listed above include those which principally affect the amount of profit and assets of the Group.
1 Incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.
2 Incorporated in the US.
3 Incorporated in Hong Kong.
4 Incorporated in France.

Notes to the Group Financial Statements  153

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONHotel Indigo Hong Kong Island,
People’s Republic of China

2003

2004

On 15 April 2003, InterContinental Hotels 
Group PLC became a standalone hotel 
company, listed on the London and New York 
stock exchanges.

Hotel Indigo®
Hotel Indigo is our boutique brand. Each hotel 
reflects the local culture, character and history 
of the neighbourhood and therefore, just as no 
two neighbourhoods are alike, no two Hotel 
Indigo properties are alike. 

55 hotels; 6,199 rooms open  
51 hotels in the pipeline

154 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Parent Company 
Financial Statements

Contents

156  Parent company balance sheet 
157 
161 

 Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements 
 Independent Auditor’s Report

Parent Company Financial Statements  155

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONParent company balance sheet

31 December 2013

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

Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson
17 February 2014

Note

2013 
£m

2012 
£m

3

4

5

5

6

7

7

7

7

2,968

2,951

28
(484)

(456)

2,512
(645)

1,867

39
75
7
201
1,545

1,867

16
(1,440)

(1,424)

1,527
(644)

883

39
72
7
184
581

883

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 £1,487m (2012 £610m).

Notes on pages 157 to 160 form an integral part of these Financial Statements.

156 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

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 28 of 
the Group Financial Statements on pages 147 to 150.

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 135 and 137.

Capital risk management
The Group’s capital risk management policy is set out in note 21 of the Group Financial Statements on page 136.

Related party transactions
The Company takes advantage of the exemption under FRS 8 and does not disclose transactions with wholly owned subsidiaries.

Treasury shares
Own shares repurchased by the Company and not cancelled (treasury shares) are recognised at cost and deducted from retained 
earnings. If reissued, any excess of consideration over carrying amount is recognised in the share premium reserve.

Parent Company Financial Statements  157

Notes to the Parent Company Financial StatementsOVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION2. Directors

Number of Directors

Directors’ emoluments
Base salaries, fees, performance payments and benefits
Pension benefits under defined contribution plan

2013

13

2013 
£m

5.5
0.2

Detailed information on the emoluments, pensions, option holdings and shareholdings for each Director is shown in the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 74 to 97.

3. Investments

At 1 January 2013
Share-based payments capital contribution

At 31 December 2013

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 36 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

11

2012 
£m

6.1
0.1

£m

2,951
17

2,968

2012 
£m

5
11

16

2013 
£m

14
14

28

2013 
£m

2012 
£m

484

1,440

250
395

645

249
395

644

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.

158 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued6. Share capital

Allotted, called up and fully paid 
At 1 January 2013 (ordinary shares of 14194⁄ 329p each)
Issued on exercise of share options
At 31 December 2013 (ordinary shares of 14194⁄329p each)

Number 
of shares 
millions

268
1
269

£m

39
–
39

Under the authority granted by shareholders at the General Meeting (GM) held on 8 October 2012, the share repurchase programme 
commenced in November 2012. 9,773,912 shares were repurchased in the year to 31 December 2013 for a total consideration of £181m. 

The authority given to the Company at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 24 May 2013 to purchase its own shares was still valid at 
31 December 2013. A resolution to renew the authority will be put to shareholders at the AGM on 2 May 2014.

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 £3m (2012 £7m).

Options to subscribe for ordinary shares
At 1 January 2013
Exercised1

At 31 December 2013

Option exercise price per ordinary share (pence)
Final exercise date

1  The weighted average option price was 512.3p for shares exercised under the Executive Share Option Plan.

Thousands

698
(638)

60

494.2-619.8
4 April 2015

7. Movements in reserves 

At 1 January 2013
Premium on allotment of ordinary shares
Repurchase of shares
Profit after tax
Share-based payments capital contribution
Dividends

At 31 December 2013

Share 
premium 
account 
£m

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m

Share-based 
payments 
reserve 
£m

Profit and  
loss account 
£m

72
3
–
–
–
–

75

7
–
–
–
–
–

7

184
–
–
–
17
–

201

581
–
(181)
1,487
–
(342)

1,545

At 31 December 2013, 9,773,912 shares with a nominal value of £1,425,981 were held as treasury shares at cost.

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements  159

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION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

2013 
£m

1,487
(342)

1,145
3
(181)
–
17

984
883

1,867

2012 
£m

610
(426)

184
7
(67)
(1)
17

140
743

883

9. Profit and dividends

Profit on ordinary activities after tax amounts to £1,487m (2012 £610m).

A final dividend, declared in the previous year, of 27.7p (2012 24.7p) per share was paid during the year, amounting to £74m (2012 £72m). 
An interim dividend of 15.1p (2012 13.5p) per share was paid during the year, amounting to £40m (2012 £39m). A special interim dividend 
of 87.1p (2012 108.4p) per share was paid during the year, amounting to £228m (2012 £315m). A final dividend of 28.1p (2012 27.7p) per 
share, amounting to £72m (2012 £74m), is proposed for approval at the AGM. The proposed final dividend is payable on shares in issue 
at 21 March 2014.

The audit fee of £0.02m (2012 £0.02m) was borne by a subsidiary undertaking in both years.

160 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued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 Strategic Report and 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 2013.

Alison Duncan (Senior statutory auditor) for and on behalf of 
Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor
London 17 February 2014

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 Parent Company Financial Statements of 
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC for the year ended 31 December 
2013 which comprise the parent company balance sheet and the 
related notes 1 to 9. 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 100, 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 and to identify any information that is apparently 
materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with,  
the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. 
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 2013;

•	 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.

Parent Company Financial Statements  161

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members  of InterContinental Hotels Group PLCOVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONEVEN Hotels,  
Norwalk, Conneticut, US

2012

EVEN™ Hotels 
Launched in February 2012, after more than  
24 months of consumer insights research,  
EVEN Hotels offer a fresh perspective on travel  
to wellness-minded travellers, and stakes a  
claim for IHG in the wellness space. The first  
two EVEN hotels will open in 2014.

5 hotels in the pipeline

162 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts,
Lobby and Tea Room

2012

HUALUXE® Hotels & Resorts
Launched in March 2012, the brand is the  
world’s first international hotel brand designed 
specifically for the needs and preferences of 
Chinese guests. The hotels and resorts focus 
on the unique Chinese aspects of etiquette, 
rejuvenation in nature, status recognition, 
and providing spaces enabling social interactions. 
The first HUALUXE hotel will open in 2014.

21 hotels in the pipeline

Additional 
Information

2013

Contents

IHG® Rewards Club
Originally launched as Priority Club® Rewards 
in 1983, our loyalty programme is the oldest  
and largest in the industry, with 77.4 million 
members worldwide. In July 2013, during our 
10th year as a standalone hotel company, we 
renamed the programme to IHG® Rewards Club.

 Group information
164  History and developments
164  Risk Factors
167   Executive Committee members’ 

shareholdings

168  Description of securities other than  

equity securities
169  Articles of Association
170  Working Time Regulations 1998
170  Material contracts
172  Legal proceedings
172  Exchange controls

Shareholder information 
173  Taxation 
175  Disclosure controls and procedures
175   Summary of significant corporate   

governance differences from NYSE  
listing standards

176   Selected five-year consolidated 

financial information

178  Dividend history
178  Return of funds
179  Purchases of equity securities by the  
Company and affiliated purchasers

179  Share price information
180  Shareholder profiles
181  Investor information
182  Financial calendar
182  Contacts

183  Exhibits
184  Form 20-F cross-reference guide
186  Glossary
188  Forward-looking statements

Additional Information  163

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
 
Group information

History and developments 

The Company was incorporated and registered in England and 
Wales with registered number 5134420 on 21 May 2004 as a limited 
company under the Companies Act 1985 with the name Hackremco 
(No. 2154) Limited. In 2004/05, as part of a scheme of arrangement 
to facilitate the return of capital to shareholders, the following 
structural changes were made to the Group: (i) on 24 March  
2005 Hackremco (No. 2154) Limited changed its name to  
New InterContinental Hotels Group Limited; (ii) on 27 April 2005  
New InterContinental Hotels Group Limited re-registered as a public 
limited company and changed its name to New InterContinental 
Hotels Group PLC; and (iii) on 27 June 2005 New InterContinental 
Hotels Group PLC changed its name to InterContinental Hotels 
Group PLC and became holding company of the Group. 

The Group, formerly known as Bass and, more recently, 
Six Continents, was historically a conglomerate operating as,  
among other things, a brewer, soft drinks manufacturer, hotelier, 
leisure operator and restaurant, pub and bar owner. In the last 
several years, the Group has undergone a major transformation 
in its operations and organisation, as a result of the separation 
(as discussed below) and a number of significant disposals during 
this period, which has narrowed the scope of its business. 

On 15 April 2003, following shareholder and regulatory approval, 
Six Continents PLC (as it then was) separated into two new listed 
groups, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (as it then was) 
comprising the hotels and soft drinks businesses and Mitchells  
& Butlers plc comprising a retail and standard commercial 
property developments business. 

The Group disposed of its interests in the soft drinks business  
by way of an initial public offering of Britvic (Britannia Soft  
Drinks Limited for the period up to 18 November 2005, and 
thereafter, Britannia SD Holdings Limited (renamed Britvic plc  
on 21 November 2005), which became the holding company of  
the Britvic Group on 18 November 2005), a manufacturer and 
distributor of soft drinks in the UK, in December 2005. 

Following separation, the Group has undertaken an asset-disposal 
programme, realising, by the end of 2013, proceeds of $6 billion 
from the sale of 186 hotels. Of these 186 hotels, 167 remained in the 
IHG System through either franchise or management agreements. 
The asset-disposal programme has significantly reduced the capital 
requirements of the Group whilst largely retaining the hotels in the 
IHG System. 

A small number of hotels have been sold since the end of 2012,  
the most significant of which are set out below. 

Recent acquisitions and divestitures
•	 The Group agreed to dispose of the InterContinental Mark 

Hopkins San Francisco for $120 million in cash in February 2014;

•	 the Group announced its agreement to dispose of 80 per cent  
of its interest in the InterContinental New York Barclay for  
$240 million on 19 December 2013. The Group will continue to 
hold the remaining 20 per cent interest by way of a joint venture;

•	 the Group disposed of the InterContinental London Park Lane on 

1 May 2013 for £301.5 million ($469 million);

•	 the Group also divested a number of investments for total 

proceeds of $41 million in 2013; and

•	 the Group acquired three existing hotels, which are being 

converted to EVEN Hotels.

Capital expenditure
•	 Capital expenditure in 2013 totalled $269 million compared with 

$133 million in 2012 and $194 million in 2011;

•	 at 31 December 2013 capital committed, being contracts placed 
for expenditure on property, plant and equipment and intangible 
assets not provided for in the Group Financial Statements, 
totalled $83 million; and

•	 the Group has also committed to invest up to $61 million in  
three joint venture arrangements, of which $41 million had  
been spent at 31 December 2013. 

Risk Factors 

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 the Company and some that 
the Company does not currently believe to be material could later turn out to be material. 

The risk factors below are listed in accordance with the strategic, tactical and operational risks to ensure we’ve thought  
holistically about the possible risks that could impact the Group. These should be considered in connection with any financial  
and forward-looking information in this Annual Report and Form 20-F and the cautionary statements regarding forward-looking 
statements contained on page 188.

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 and availability of credit  
and currency fluctuations that could lower revenues and reduce income. The current outlook for 2014 may worsen due to escalating 
impacts of the US national debt, slowing pace of growth and political stability in China, uncertainty in some eurozone countries and 
unrest in the Middle East. The interconnected nature of economies suggests any of these or other events could trigger a recession 
which 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 their solvency and the Group’s ability to retain and secure franchise or management agreements. 
Specifically, the Group is most exposed to the US market and, accordingly, is particularly susceptible to adverse changes in the US 
economy as well as the US dollar. 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.

164 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

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 impact life safety, 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 subject to a competitive and changing industry
The Group operates in a competitive industry and must compete effectively against traditional competitors such as other global 
hotel chains, local hotel companies and independent hotels to win the loyalty of guests, employees and owners. The competitive 
landscape also includes other types of businesses, such as web-based booking channels (which include online travel agents and 
intermediaries), and alternative sources of accommodation such as private property. Failure to compete effectively in traditional  
and emerging areas of the business could impact the Group’s market share, system size, profitability and relationships with  
owners and guests.

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, insolvency, stakeholder behaviours or adverse reputations could impact on the 
Group’s performance and competitiveness, delivery of projects, 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 the overall IHG System size and the Group’s financial performance.

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
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 and owners 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.

Additional Information  165

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGroup information continued

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. The Group companies own 
a substantial number of service brands upon which it is dependent and the Group believes that its significant trademarks are 
protected in all material respects in the markets in which its brands currently operate. 

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 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 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 the Company’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 exposed to the risks related to information security and data privacy
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; and business performance, financial reporting and commercial 
development. The information is sometimes held in different formats such as digital, paper, voice recordings 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, and include cyber attacks, fraudulent use, loss or misuse by employees 
and breaches of our vendors’ security arrangements amongst others. The legal and regulatory environment around data privacy 
and requirements set out by the payment card industry surrounding information security 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 appropriate use and release of information through the appropriate channels in a timely and accurate manner, 
IHG 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 reputational damage.

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, 
the environment, bribery and corruption, employment law and diversity, disability access, 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 Group’s 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 reputational damage.

166 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

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 the 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 
adverse 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 may face difficulties insuring its business
Historically, the Group has maintained insurance at levels determined to be appropriate in light of the cost of cover and the risk 
profile of the business. 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.

Executive Committee members’ shareholdings

Shares held by Executive Committee members (excluding the Executive Directors) as at 31 December 2013 

Executive  
Committee  
Member

Keith Barr
Angela Brav
Kenneth 
Macpherson
Eric Pearson
Jan Smits
George Turner

Number of shares held outright

APP deferred share awards

LTIP share awards (unvested)

Total number of shares held

2013

24,399
19,286

1,797

65,293
106,350
3,277

2012

24,399
27,135

n/a

101,914
106,350
3,277

2013

27,695
22,501

8,421

22,356
28,738
35,893

2012

18,001
14,200

n/a

11,548
19,581
26,653

2013

111,079
99,650

41,654

103,553
116,234
106,100

2012

116,600
104,254

2013

163,173
141,437

2012

159,000
145,589

n/a

51,872

n/a

107,738
117,826
121,057

191,202
251,322
145,270

221,200
243,757
150,987

Details of the shares held by the Executive Directors can be found on page 94.

For further details on the APP deferred share award and for the LTIP share award see pages 78, 79 and 82.

Additional Information  167

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGroup information continued

Description of securities other than equity securities 

Fees and charges payable to a depositary

Category (as defined by SEC)

Depositary actions

Associated fee

(a)  Depositing or substituting the  

underlying shares

Each person to whom ADRs are issued 
against deposits of shares, including 
deposits and issuances in respect of:

•	

share distributions, stock split,  
rights, merger; and

•	 exchange of securities or any other 
transactions or event or other  
distribution affecting the ADSs or  
the Deposited Securities

$5 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)

(b) Receiving or distributing dividends

Distribution of stock dividends

$5 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)

Distribution of cash

$0.02 or less per ADS (or portion thereof)

$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)

$5.00 for each 100 ADSs (or portion thereof)

$1.50 per ADS

$0.02 per ADS (or portion thereof)1 not more 
than once each calendar year and payable at the 
sole discretion of the ADR Depositary by billing 
ADR holders or by deducting such charge from 
one or more cash dividends or other cash 
distributions.

Expenses payable at the sole discretion of  
the Depositary by billing ADR holders or by 
deducting charges from one or more cash 
dividends or other cash distributions are $20  
per transaction.

(c) Selling or exercising rights

(d) Withdrawing an underlying security

(e) Transferring, splitting or grouping receipts

Distribution or sale of securities, the fee  
being in an amount equal to the fee for the 
execution and delivery of ADSs which would 
have been charged as a result of the deposit  
of such securities

Acceptance of ADRs surrendered for  
withdrawal of deposited securities

Transfers, combining or grouping of  
depositary receipts

(f)  General depositary services, particularly 

those charged on an annual basis

Other services performed by the depositary 
in administering the ADRs

(g) Expenses of the depositary

Expenses incurred on behalf of ADR holders 
in connection with: 

•	

•	

•	

•	
•	

compliance with foreign exchange 
control regulations or any law or regulation 
relating to foreign investment; 
the ADR Depositary’s or its custodian’s 
compliance with applicable law,  
rule or regulation; 
stock transfer or other taxes and other 
governmental charges;
cable, telex, facsimile transmission/delivery;
transfer or registration fees in connection 
with the deposit and withdrawal of 
Deposited Securities;

•	 expenses of the ADR Depositary in 

connection with the conversion of foreign 
currency into US dollars (which are paid out 
of such foreign currency); and

•	 any other charge payable by the ADR 

Depositary or its agents.

1 These fees are not currently being charged by the ADR Depositary.

Fees and charges payable by a depositary
Direct payments
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. (JPMorgan or the ADR Depositary) is the depositary for IHG’s ADS programme. The ADR Depositary’s 
principal executive office is at: 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, Floor 58, New York, NY 10005-1401, United States of America. The ADR 
Depositary has agreed to reimburse certain reasonable Company expenses related to the Company’s ADR Programme and incurred  
by the Company in connection with the ADR Programme. During the year ended 31 December 2013, the Company received $486,293.28 
from the ADR Depositary in respect of legal, accounting and other fees incurred in connection with preparation of the Annual Report and 
Financial Statements and Annual Report on Form 20-F, ongoing SEC compliance and listing requirements, investor relations programmes 
and advertising and public relations expenditure.

Indirect payments
As part of its service to the Company, the ADR Depositary has agreed to waive fees for the standard costs associated with the administration 
of the ADR Programme, associated operating expenses and investor relations advice. In the year ended 31 December 2013, the ADR 
Depositary agreed to waive fees and expenses amounting to $20,000.

168 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Articles of Association 

The Company’s articles of association (Articles) were adopted at 
the AGM held on 28 May 2010. The following summarises material 
rights of holders of the Company’s ordinary shares under the 
material provisions of the Articles and English law. This summary  
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Companies Act and 
the Articles. 

The Company’s shares may be held in certificated or uncertificated 
form. No holder of the Company’s shares will be required to make 
additional contributions of capital in respect of the Company’s 
shares in the future. 

In the following description, a ‘shareholder’ is the person 
registered in the Company’s register of members as the holder  
of the relevant share. 

Principal objects
The Company is incorporated under the name InterContinental 
Hotels Group PLC and is registered in England and Wales with 
registered number 5134420. The Articles do not restrict its  
objects or purposes.

Directors
Under the Articles, a Director may have an interest in certain 
matters (Permitted Interest) without the prior approval of the 
Board provided he has declared the nature and extent of such 
Permitted Interest at a meeting of the Directors or in the manner 
set out in Section 184 or Section 185 of the Companies Act. 

Any matter which does not comprise a Permitted Interest must  
be authorised by the Board in accordance with the procedure and 
requirements contained in the Articles, including the requirement 
that a Director may not vote on a resolution to authorise a matter  
in which he is interested, nor may he count in the quorum of the 
meeting at which such business is transacted. 

Further, a Director may not vote in respect of any proposal in which 
he, or any person connected with him, has any material interest 
other than by virtue of his interests in securities of, or otherwise  
in or through, the Company, nor may he count in the quorum  
of the meeting at which such business is transacted. This is  
subject to certain exceptions, including in relation to proposals: 
(a) indemnifying him in respect of obligations incurred on behalf  
of the Company; (b) indemnifying a third party in respect of 
obligations of the Company for which the Director has assumed 
responsibility under an indemnity or guarantee; (c) relating to an 
offer of securities in which he will be interested as an underwriter; 
(d) concerning another body corporate in which the Director is 
beneficially interested in less than one percent of the issued  
shares of any class of shares of such a body corporate; (e) relating  
to an employee benefit in which the Director will share equally  
with other employees; and (f) relating to liability insurance that the 
Company is empowered to purchase for the benefit of Directors  
of the Company in respect of actions undertaken as Directors  
(or officers) of the Company. 

The Directors have authority under the Articles to set their own 
remuneration (provided certain criteria is met). While an agreement 
to award remuneration to a Director is an arrangement with the 
Company that comprises a Permitted Interest (and therefore  
does not require authorisation by the Board in that respect),  
it is nevertheless a matter that would be expected to give rise  
to a conflict of interest between the Director concerned and the 
Company, and such conflict must be authorised by a resolution 

of the Board. The Director that is interested in such matter may 
neither vote on the resolution to authorise such conflict, nor count 
in the quorum of the meeting at which it was passed. Furthermore, 
as noted above, the interested Director is not permitted to vote in 
respect of any proposal in which he has any material interest (except 
in respect of the limited exceptions outlined above) nor may he count 
in the quorum of the meeting at which such business is transacted. 

As such, a Director has no power, in the absence of an independent 
quorum, to vote on compensation to himself, but may vote on a 
resolution (and may count in the quorum of the meeting at which  
it was passed) to award compensation to Directors provided those 
arrangements do not confer a benefit on him.

The Directors are empowered to exercise all the powers of  
the Company to borrow money, subject to the limitation that  
the aggregate amount of all moneys borrowed by the Company  
and its subsidiaries shall not exceed an amount equal to three 
times the Company’s share capital and consolidated reserves, 
unless sanctioned by an ordinary resolution of the Company. 

Under the Articles, there are no age-limit requirements relating to 
a person’s qualification to hold office as a Director of the Company.

Directors are not required to hold any shares of the Company by 
way of qualification. 

Rights attaching to shares
Dividend rights and rights to share in the Company’s profits
Under English law, dividends are payable on the Company’s 
ordinary shares only out of profits available for distribution,  
as determined in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in the UK and by the Companies Act. No dividend will bear 
interest as against the Company.

Holders of the Company’s ordinary shares are entitled to receive 
such dividends as may be declared by the shareholders in general 
meeting, rateably according to the amounts paid up on such shares, 
provided that the dividend cannot exceed the amount recommended 
by the Directors. 

The Company’s Board of Directors may declare and pay to 
shareholders such interim dividends as appear to them to be 
justified by the Company’s financial position. If authorised by an 
ordinary resolution of the shareholders, the Board of Directors 
may also direct payment of a dividend in whole or in part by the 
distribution of specific assets (and in particular of paid-up shares 
or debentures of any other company).

Any dividend unclaimed by a member (or by a person entitled by 
virtue of transmission on death or bankruptcy or otherwise by 
operation of law) after six years from the date the dividend was 
declared, or became due for payment, will be forfeited and will 
revert to the Company. 

Voting rights
The holders of ordinary shares are entitled, in respect of their 
holdings of such shares, to receive notice of general meetings 
and to attend, speak and vote at such meetings in accordance  
with the Articles. 

Voting at any general meeting of shareholders is by a show of 
hands unless a poll, which is a written vote, is duly demanded.  
On a show of hands, every shareholder who is present in person  
or by proxy at a general meeting has one vote regardless of the 
number of shares held. 

Additional Information  169

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGroup information continued

On a poll, every shareholder who is present in person or by proxy 
has one vote for every share held by that shareholder. A poll may 
be demanded by any of the following: 

•	 the chairman of the meeting; 

•	 at least five shareholders present in person or by proxy and 

entitled to vote at the meeting; 

•	 any shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy 

representing in the aggregate not less than one-tenth of the total 
voting rights of all shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting; or 

•	 any shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy 
holding shares conferring a right to vote at the meeting and on 
which there have been paid up sums in the aggregate at least 
equal to one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all the shares 
conferring that right. 

A proxy form will be treated as giving the proxy the authority to 
demand a poll, or to join others in demanding one. 

The necessary quorum for a general meeting is three persons 
carrying a right to vote upon the business to be transacted, 
whether present in person or by proxy. 

Matters are transacted at general meetings of the Company by the 
proposing and passing of resolutions, of which there are two kinds: 

•	 an ordinary resolution, which includes resolutions for the 

election of Directors, the approval of financial statements,  
the cumulative annual payment of dividends, the appointment  
of the auditor, the increase of authorised share capital or the  
grant of authority to allot shares; and 

•	 a special resolution, which includes resolutions amending the 

Articles, disapplying statutory pre-emption rights, modifying the 
rights of any class of the Company’s shares at a meeting of the 
holders of such class or relating to certain matters concerning 
the Company’s winding up or changing the Company’s name. 

An ordinary resolution requires the affirmative vote of a majority of 
the votes of those persons present and entitled to vote at a meeting 
at which there is a quorum. 

Special resolutions require the affirmative vote of not less than 
three quarters of the persons present and entitled to vote at a 
meeting at which there is a quorum. 

AGMs must be convened upon advance written notice of 21 days. 
Subject to law, other meetings must be convened upon advance 
written notice of 14 days. The days of delivery or receipt of the 
notice are not included. The notice must specify the nature of the 
business to be transacted. The Board of Directors may, if they 
choose, make arrangements for shareholders who are unable  
to attend the place of the meeting to participate at other places. 

The Articles specify that each Director shall retire every three 
years at the AGM and, unless otherwise decided by the Directors, 
shall be eligible for re-election. However, the Code recommends 
that all directors of FTSE 350 companies submit themselves for 
election or re-election (as appropriate) by shareholders every year. 
Therefore, all Directors will retire and offer themselves for election 
or re-election at the 2014 AGM. 

Variation of rights
If, at any time, the Company’s share capital is divided into different 
classes of shares, the rights attached to any class may be varied, 
subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, with the consent in 
writing of holders of three-fourths in nominal value of the issued 
shares of that class or upon the adoption of a special resolution 
passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that 
class. At every such separate meeting, all of the provisions of the 

170 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Articles relating to proceedings at a general meeting apply, except 
that the quorum is to be the number of persons (which must be two 
or more) who hold or represent by proxy not less than one-third in 
nominal value of the issued shares of that class.

Rights in a winding-up
Except as the Company’s shareholders have agreed or may 
otherwise agree, upon the Company’s winding up, the balance of 
assets available for distribution: 

•	 after the payment of all creditors including certain preferential 
creditors, whether statutorily preferred creditors or normal 
creditors; and 

•	 subject to any special rights attaching to any class of shares,

is to be distributed among the holders of ordinary shares 
according to the amounts paid up on the shares held by them. 
This distribution is generally to be made in cash. A liquidator 
may, however, upon the adoption of a special resolution of the 
shareholders, divide among the shareholders the whole or any 
part of the Company’s assets in kind. 

Limitations on voting and shareholding
There are no limitations imposed by English law or the Articles  
on the right of non-residents or foreign persons to hold or vote  
the Company’s ordinary shares or ADSs, other than the limitations 
that would generally apply to all of the Company’s shareholders.

Working Time Regulations 1998

Under EU law, many employees of Group companies are now 
covered by the Working Time Regulations which came into force 
in the UK on 1 October 1998. These regulations implemented the 
European Working Time Directive and parts of the Young Workers 
Directive, and lay down rights and protections for employees in 
areas such as maximum working hours, minimum rest time, 
minimum days off and paid leave. 

In the UK, there is in place a national minimum wage under the 
National Minimum Wage Act. At 31 December 2013, the minimum 
wage for individuals between 18 and under the age of 21 was  
£5.03 per hour and £6.31 per hour for individuals age 21 and  
above (in each case, excluding apprentices aged under 19 years or, 
otherwise, in the first year of their apprenticeships). This particularly 
impacts businesses in the hospitality and retailing sectors. 
Compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act is being monitored 
by the Low Pay Commission, an independent statutory body 
established by the UK Government.

Less than five per cent of the Group’s UK employees are covered  
by collective bargaining agreements with trade unions. 

Continual attention is paid to the external market in order to ensure 
that terms of employment are appropriate. The Group believes the 
Group companies will be able to conduct their relationships with 
trade unions and employees in a satisfactory manner.

Material contracts

The following contracts have been entered into otherwise than in  
the course of ordinary business by members of the Group either:  
(i) in the two years immediately preceding the date of this document 
in the case of contracts which are or may be material; or (ii) which 
contain provisions under which any Group member has any 
obligation or entitlement which is material to the Group as at the  
date of this document. To the extent that these agreements include 
representations, warranties and indemnities, such provisions are 
considered standard in an agreement of that nature, save to the  
extent identified below.

Disposal of 80 per cent interest in the InterContinental  
New York Barclay
On 19 December 2013, Constellation Barclay Holding US, LLC, 
which is an affiliate of Constellation Hotels Holding Limited, 
agreed, pursuant to a contribution agreement, to acquire an  
80 per cent interest in a joint venture with IHG to own and refurbish 
the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel. The 80 per cent 
interest will be acquired for gross cash proceeds of $240 million. 
IHG will hold the remaining 20 per cent interest.

IHG has also secured a 30-year management contract on the hotel, 
commencing in 2014, with two 10-year extension rights at IHG’s 
discretion, giving an expected contract length of 50 years. 

Constellation Barclay Holding US, LLC and IHG have agreed to invest 
through the joint venture in a significant refurbishment, repositioning 
and extension of the hotel. This is expected to commence in 2014  
and will take place over a period of approximately 18 months.  
The transaction is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2014, 
subject to the satisfaction of certain standard conditions. 

Under the contribution agreement, IHG gave certain customary 
warranties and indemnities to Constellation Barclay Holding US, LLC.

Sale of interest in the InterContinental London Park Lane
On 27 March 2013, an asset sale and purchase agreement (APA)  
was entered into between Hotel Inter-Continental London Limited, 
Six Continents Limited and Constellation Hotel (Opco) UK S.A.,  
which is an affiliate of Constellation Hotels Holding Limited.  
Under the APA, Hotel Inter-Continental London Limited agreed to 
sell its leasehold interest in InterContinental London Park Lane  
to Constellation Hotel (Opco) UK S.A. The sale was completed on  
1 May 2013. In connection with the sale, IHG secured a 30-year 
management contract on the hotel, with three 10-year extension 
rights at IHG’s discretion, giving an expected contract length of  
60 years. 

Under the APA, Hotel Inter-Continental London Limited gave 
certain customary warranties and indemnities to the purchaser.

Under the Trust Deed, each of the Issuer and the Guarantors has 
given certain customary covenants in favour of the Trustee. 

Final Terms were issued (pursuant to the previous base 
prospectus dated 27 November 2009) on 9 December 2009 in 
respect of the issue of a Tranche of £250 million 6% Notes due  
9 December 2016 (2009 Issuance). 

Final Terms were issued pursuant to the Base Prospectus  
on 26 November 2012 in respect of the issue of a Tranche of  
£400 million 3.875% Notes due 28 November 2022 (2012 Issuance). 

The Final Terms issued under each of the 2009 Issuance and the 
2012 Issuance provide that the holders of the Notes have the right  
to repayment if the Notes (a) become non-investment grade within 
the period commencing on the date of announcement of a change  
of control and ending 90 days after the change of control (Change  
of Control Period) and are not subsequently, within the Change of 
Control Period, reinstated to investment grade; (b) are downgraded 
from a non-investment grade and are not reinstated to its earlier 
credit rating or better within the Change of Control Period; or (c) are 
not credit rated and do not become investment-grade credit rated 
by the end of the Change of Control Period. 

Further details of the Programme and the Notes are set out in the 
Base Prospectus, a copy of which is available (as is a copy of each 
of the Final Terms dated 7 December 2009 relating to the 2009 
Issuance and the Final Terms dated 26 November 2012 relating to 
the 2012 Issuance) on the Company’s website at www.ihgplc.com. 
The Notes issued pursuant to the 2009 Issuance and the Notes 
issued pursuant to the 2012 Issuance are referred to as ‘£250 million 
6% bonds’ and the ‘£400 million 3.875% bonds’ respectively in the 
Group Financial Statements. 

On 27 November 2009, the Issuer and the Guarantors entered into  
an agency agreement (Agency Agreement) with HSBC Bank plc  
as principal paying agent and the Trustee, pursuant to which the 
Issuer and the Guarantors appointed paying agents and calculation 
agents in connection with the Programme and the Notes. 

IHG’s share of the sale proceeds (before transaction costs) were 
£301.5 million in cash, £61 million of which was used to provide 
security over UK pension liabilities which were previously secured 
against the hotel.

Under the Agency Agreement, each of the Issuer and the Guarantors 
has given a customary indemnity in favour of the paying agents and 
the calculation agents. There was no change to the Agency 
Agreement in 2011 or 2012. 

£750 Million Euro Medium Term Note Programme
In 2012, the Group updated its Euro Medium Term Note programme 
(Programme) and issued a tranche of £400 million 3.875% notes 
due 28 November 2022. 

On 9 November 2012, an amended and restated trust deed  
(Trust Deed) was executed by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC 
as issuer (Issuer), Six Continents Limited and InterContinental 
Hotels Limited as guarantors (Guarantors) and HSBC Corporate 
Trustee Company (UK) Limited as trustee (Trustee), pursuant to 
which the trust deed dated 29 November 2009, as supplemented  
by the first supplemental trust deed dated 7 July 2011 between  
the same parties relating to the Programme, was amended and 
restated. Under the Trust Deed, the Issuer may issue notes  
(Notes) unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by the 
Guarantors, up to a maximum nominal amount from time to time 
outstanding of £750 million (or its equivalent in other currencies). 
Notes are to be issued in series (each a Series) in bearer form. 
Each Series may comprise one or more tranches (each a Tranche) 
issued on different issue dates. Each Tranche of Notes will be issued 
on the terms and conditions set out in the updated base prospectus 
dated 9 November 2012 (Base Prospectus) as amended and/or 
supplemented by a document setting out the final terms (Final Terms) 
of such Tranche or in a separate prospectus specific to such Tranche. 

On 9 November 2012, the Issuer and the Guarantors entered into  
a dealer agreement (Dealer Agreement) with HSBC Bank plc as 
arranger and Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Bank plc, 
Lloyds TSB Bank plc, Merrill Lynch International, Mitsubishi UFJ 
Securities International plc and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc as 
dealers (Dealers), pursuant to which the Dealers were appointed  
in connection with the Programme and the Notes. 

Under the Dealer Agreement, each of the Issuer and the 
Guarantors has given customary warranties and indemnities  
in favour of the Dealers. 

Syndicated Facility
On 7 November 2011, the Company signed a five-year $1.07 billion  
bank facility agreement with The Royal Bank of Scotland plc,  
NB International Finance B.V., Citigroup Global Markets Limited,  
HSBC Bank plc, Lloyds TSB Bank plc and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi 
UFJ, Ltd., all acting as mandated lead arrangers and Banc of America 
Securities Limited as facility agent (Syndicated Facility). 

The interest margin payable on borrowings under the Syndicated 
Facility is linked to IHG’s consolidated net debt to consolidated 
EBITDA ratio. The margin can vary between LIBOR + 0.90% and 
LIBOR + 1.70% depending on the level of the ratio. The facility was 
undrawn at 31 December 2013. 

Additional Information  171

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGroup information continued

Legal proceedings 

Group companies have extensive operations in the UK, as well  
as internationally, and are involved in a number of legal claims  
and proceedings incidental to those operations. It is the  
Company’s view that such proceedings, either individually or  
in the aggregate, have not in the recent past and are not likely  
to have a significant effect on the Group’s financial position or 
profitability. Notwithstanding the above, the Company notes the 
matters set out below. Litigation is inherently unpredictable and, 
as at 17 February 2014, the outcome of these matters cannot be 
reasonably determined. 

A claim was filed on 9 July 2013 by Pan American Life  
Insurance Company against Louisiana Acquisitions Corp. and  
Inter-Continental Hotels Corporation (IHC). The claimant identified  
eight causes of action: breach of contract; breach of partnership, 
fiduciary duties and good faith obligations; fraud; civil conspiracy; 
conversion; unfair trade practices; unjust enrichment; and alter 
ego. As at 17 February 2014, the likelihood of a favourable or 
unfavourable result cannot be reasonably determined and it is  
not possible to determine whether any loss is probable or to 
estimate the amount of any loss. 

On 20 August 2012, two claimants filed a class-action claim in 
California against several online travel companies and hotel 
companies, including a Group company, InterContinental Hotels 
Group Resources, Inc., in connection with alleged anti-competitive 
practices. Several similar claims were filed across the US by other 
claimants alleging similar complaints. All of these cases were 
consolidated in a multidistrict litigation proceeding in the U.S.  
District Court for the Northern District of Texas for the purpose  
of pre-trial proceedings (with the exception of cases which were 
voluntarily dismissed). On 1 May 2013, claimants filed a Consolidated 
Amended Complaint alleging federal and state antitrust and unfair 
trade practices associated with online hotel-room booking. On 1 July 
2013, the defendants moved to dismiss the Consolidated Amended 
Complaint. The motion to dismiss is fully briefed and argued, and the 
parties are awaiting a decision. The Court has stayed all discovery in 
the action pending a ruling on the motion to dismiss. It is not possible 
to determine whether any loss is probable or to estimate the amount 
of any loss. The Group intends to defend against these claims 
vigorously. As at 17 February 2014, the outcome of these matters 
could not be reasonably determined. 

On 10 August 2012, Shanghai Yaoda Real Estate Development Co., 
Ltd. (Yaoda), the owner of the InterContinental Shanghai Puxi hotel 
filed an arbitration petition with the Shanghai International Economic 
and Trade Arbitration Commission (SIETAC), which was formerly 
known as China International Economic and Trade Arbitration 
Commission Shanghai Sub Commission, containing numerous 
allegations relating to IHC’s alleged mismanagement of the hotel 
and the de-flagging of the hotel, which took place on 31 August 2012. 
Yaoda sought approximately $46 million relating to the alleged loss 
of value of the hotel, costs of compliance with the brand standards, 
lost revenue at the hotel, costs and general damages. Pursuant to 
the dispute mechanism specified under the management contract, 
IHC filed a counterclaim with the China International Economic and 
Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing (CIETAC Beijing).

On 21 March 2013, SIETAC issued an arbitral award (the Award) 
ordering IHC to pay Yaoda an aggregate amount of RMB 150,379,000 
(approximately $25 million). On 15 May 2013, IHC filed a motion to 
cancel the Award with the Shanghai 2nd Intermediate People’s 
Court. On 27 July 2013, IHC and Yaoda settled their respective 
claims, pursuant to a settlement agreement, and entered into a  
new hotel support management contract. 

172 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

On 31 July 2012, the UK’s Office of Fair Trading (OFT) issued a 
Statement of Objections alleging that the Company (together with 
Booking.com B.V. and Expedia, Inc.) had infringed competition law 
in relation to the online supply of room-only hotel accommodation 
by online travel agents. 

The Company has co-operated fully with the investigation.  
On 31 January 2014, the OFT announced its decision to accept a 
series of commitments and to conclude its investigation without any 
finding of infringement or wrongdoing, or the imposition of any fine. 

A class-action claim was filed on 3 July 2012 by two claimants 
alleging that InterContinental Hotels of San Francisco, Inc. and 
InterContinental Hotels Group Resources, Inc. violated California 
Penal Code 632.7, based upon the alleged improper recording of 
cellular phone calls originating from California to IHG customer 
care and reservations centres. The claimants subsequently 
amended the claim to include Six Continents Hotels, Inc.  
The Group intends to vigorously defend against these claims.  
As at 17 February 2014, the likelihood of a favourable or 
unfavourable result cannot be reasonably determined and it is  
not possible to determine whether any loss is probable or to 
estimate the amount of any loss.

On 20 April 2012, Sanya Huayu Tourism Co., Ltd. (Sanya), the owner 
of the former Crowne Plaza Sanya hotel, filed an arbitration petition 
against Holiday Inns (China) Limited (HICL) with CIETAC Beijing 
seeking compensation for its alleged losses in the amount of  
RMB 33,867,766.63 (approximately $5.2 million). The claims related  
to HICL’s alleged mismanagement of the hotel. Sanya filed additional 
damages claims on 20 November 2012, which increased the total 
alleged losses to RMB 43,225,523.53 (approximately $6.9 million).  
On 4 June 2012, and then by further amendment on 29 September 
2012, HICL filed a statement of counterclaim seeking numerous 
categories of counterclaims from Sanya totalling approximately  
$7.25 million.

On 9 September 2013, HICL and Sanya settled their respective 
claims, pursuant to a settlement agreement, and on 17 September 
2013, CIETAC Beijing issued a ruling approving both parties’ 
requests to withdraw all claims against each other. 

Exchange controls

There are no restrictions on dividend payments to US citizens. 

Although there are currently no UK foreign exchange control 
restrictions on the export or import of the capital or the payment  
of dividends on the ordinary shares or the ADSs, from time to time 
English law imposes restrictions on the payment of dividends to 
persons resident (or treated as so resident) in or governments of 
(or persons exercising public functions in) certain countries (each 
of the foregoing, a Prohibited Person). 

There are no restrictions under the Articles or under English law that 
limit the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote the 
ordinary shares. However, under current English law, ordinary 
shares or ADSs may not be owned by a Prohibited Person. In addition, 
the Articles contain certain limitations on the voting and other rights 
of any holder of ordinary shares whose holding may, in the opinion of 
the Directors, result in the loss or failure to secure the reinstatement 
of any license or franchise from any US governmental agency held by 
Six Continents Hotels, Inc. or any subsidiary thereof. 

Shareholder information

Taxation

This section provides a summary of material US federal income tax 
and UK tax consequences to the US holders, described below, of 
owning and disposing of ordinary shares or ADSs of the Company. 
This section addresses only the tax position of a US holder who holds 
ordinary shares or ADSs as capital assets. This section does not, 
however, discuss the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 
as amended (IR Code), known as the Medicare Contribution tax, or the 
tax consequences to holders subject to other special rules, such as: 

•	 certain financial institutions; 

•	 insurance companies; 

•	 dealers and traders in securities who use a mark-to-market 

method of tax accounting; 

•	 persons holding ordinary shares or ADSs as part of a straddle, 
conversion transaction integrated transaction or wash sale or 
persons entering into a constructive sale with respect to the 
ordinary shares or ADSs; 

•	 persons whose functional currency for US federal income tax 

purposes is not the US dollar; 

•	 partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for US 

federal income tax purposes; 

•	 persons liable for the alternative minimum tax; 

•	 tax-exempt organisations; 

•	 persons who acquired the Company’s ADSs or ordinary shares 

pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or 
otherwise in connection with employment; or 

•	 persons who, directly or indirectly, own 10 per cent or more of 

the Company’s voting stock. 

This section does not generally deal with the position of a US 
holder who is resident in the UK for UK tax purposes or who is 
subject to UK taxation on capital gains or income by virtue of 
carrying on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through  
a branch, agency or permanent establishment to which such  
ADSs or ordinary shares are attributable (‘trading in the UK’). 

As used herein, a ‘US holder’ is a person who, for US federal income 
tax purposes, is a beneficial owner of ordinary shares or ADSs and 
is: (i) a citizen or individual resident of the US; (ii) a corporation,  
or other entity taxable as a corporation, created or organised in 
or under the laws of the US or any political subdivision thereof; 
(iii) an estate whose income is subject to US federal income tax 
regardless of its source; or (iv) a trust if a US court can exercise 
primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or 
more US persons are authorised to control all substantial decisions 
of the trust. 

This section is based on the IR Code, its legislative history, existing 
and proposed regulations, published rulings and court decisions, 
and on UK tax laws and the published practice of HM Revenue and 
Customs (HMRC), all as of the date hereof. These laws, and that 
practice, are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. 

This section is further based in part upon the representations of 
the ADR Depositary and assumes that each obligation in the 
deposit agreement and any related agreement will be performed  
in accordance with its terms. For US federal income tax purposes,  
an owner of ADRs evidencing ADSs will generally be treated as the 
owner of the underlying shares represented by those ADSs. For UK 
tax purposes, in practice, HMRC will also regard holders of ADSs 
as the beneficial owners of the ordinary shares represented  
by those ADSs (although case law has cast some doubt on this).  
The discussion below assumes that HMRC’s position is followed. 

Generally, exchanges of ordinary shares for ADSs, and ADSs for 
ordinary shares, will not be subject to US federal income tax or  
UK taxation on capital gains, although UK stamp duty reserve tax 
(SDRT) may arise as described below. 

The US Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom 
ADRs are pre-released may be taking actions that are inconsistent 
with the claiming of foreign tax credits by US holders of ADSs.  
Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the 
preferential rates of tax, described below, for qualified dividend 
income. Accordingly, the availability of the preferential rates of tax 
for qualified dividend income described below could be affected by 
actions taken by parties to whom the ADRs are pre-released. 

The following discussion assumes that the Company is not, and 
will not become, a passive foreign investment company (PFIC),  
as described below. 

Investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding  
the US federal, state and local, the UK and other tax 
consequences of owning and disposing of shares or ADSs  
in their particular circumstances.

Taxation of dividends
UK taxation
Under current UK tax law, the Company will not be required to 
withhold tax at source from dividend payments it makes. 

A US holder who is not resident for UK tax purposes in the UK  
and who is not trading in the UK will generally not be liable for  
UK taxation on dividends received in respect of the ADSs or 
ordinary shares. 

US federal income taxation
A US holder is subject to US federal income taxation on the gross 
amount of any dividend paid by the Company out of its current or 
accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for US federal 
income tax purposes). Distributions in excess of the Company’s 
current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined  
for US federal income tax purposes, will be treated as a return of 
capital to the extent of the US holder’s basis in the shares or ADSs 
and thereafter as capital gain. Because the Company has not 
historically maintained, and does not currently maintain, books in 
accordance with US tax principles, the Company does not expect  
to be in a position to determine whether any distribution will be in 
excess of the Company’s current and accumulated earnings and 
profits as computed for US federal income tax purposes. As a 
result, the Company expects that amounts distributed will be 
reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as dividends. 

Subject to applicable limitations and the discussion above 
regarding concerns expressed by the US Treasury, dividends  
paid to certain non-corporate US holders will be taxable at the 
preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gain if the 
dividends constitute qualified dividend income. The Company 
expects that dividends paid by the Company with respect to the 
ADSs will constitute qualified dividend income. US holders should 
consult their own tax advisors to determine whether they are 
subject to any special rules that limit their ability to be taxed at 
these preferential rates. 

Dividends must be included in income when the US holder, in the 
case of shares, or the ADR Depositary, in the case of ADSs, actually 
or constructively receives the dividend, and will not be eligible  
for the dividends-received deduction generally allowed to US 
corporations in respect of dividends received from other US 
corporations. For foreign tax credit limitation purposes,  
dividends will generally be income from sources outside the US. 

Additional Information  173

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONShareholder information continued

Certain elections may be available (including a market-to-market 
election) to US holders that would result in alternative treatments 
of the ordinary shares or ADSs. If the Company were to be treated 
as a PFIC in any taxable year in which a US holder held ordinary 
shares or ADSs, a US holder may be required to file annual reports 
with the IRS containing such information as the Treasury 
Department may require.

Additional tax considerations
UK inheritance tax
An individual who is neither domiciled nor deemed domiciled in 
the UK (under certain UK rules relating to previous domicile or long 
residence) is only chargeable to UK inheritance tax to the extent the 
individual owns assets situated in the UK. As a matter of UK law,  
it is not clear whether the situs of an ADS for UK inheritance tax 
purposes is determined by the place where the depositary is 
established and records the entitlements of the deposit holders, 
or by the situs of the underlying share which the ADS represents,  
but the UK tax authorities are likely to take the view that the ADSs,  
as well as the ordinary shares, are or represent UK situs assets.

However, an individual who is domiciled in the US (for the purposes 
of the Estate and Gift Tax Convention (Convention)) and is not a UK 
national as defined in the Convention will not be subject to UK 
inheritance tax (to the extent UK inheritance tax applies) in respect 
of the ordinary shares or ADSs on the individual’s death or on a 
transfer of the ordinary shares or ADSs during their lifetime, 
provided that any applicable US federal gift or estate tax is paid, 
unless the ordinary shares or ADSs are part of the business 
property of a UK permanent establishment or pertain to a UK fixed 
base of an individual used for the performance of independent 
personal services. Where the ordinary shares or ADSs have been 
placed in trust by a settlor, they may be subject to UK inheritance tax 
unless, when the trust was created, the settlor was domiciled in the 
US and was not a UK national. If no relief is given under the 
Convention, inheritance tax may be charged on death and also on 
the amount by which the value of an individual’s estate is reduced  
as a result of any transfer made by way of gift or other undervalue 
transfer, broadly within seven years of death, and in certain other 
circumstances. Where the ordinary shares or ADSs are subject to 
both UK inheritance tax and to US federal gift or estate tax, the 
Convention generally provides for either a credit against US federal 
tax liabilities for UK inheritance tax paid or for a credit against UK 
inheritance tax liabilities for US federal tax paid, as the case may be.

UK stamp duty and SDRT 
Neither stamp duty nor SDRT will generally be payable in the UK on 
the purchase or transfer of an ADS, provided that the ADS and any 
separate instrument or written agreement of transfer are executed 
and remain at all times outside the UK. UK legislation does however 
provide for stamp duty (in the case of transfers) or SDRT to be 
payable at the rate of 1.5 per cent on the amount or value of the 
consideration (or, in some cases, the value of the ordinary shares) 
where ordinary shares are issued or transferred to a person  
(or a nominee or agent of a person) whose business is or includes 
issuing depositary receipts or the provision of clearance services.  
In accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement, any tax or 
duty payable on deposits of ordinary shares by the depositary or by 
the custodian of the depositary will typically be charged to the party 
to whom ADSs are delivered against such deposits. 

The amount of any dividend paid in pounds sterling will be the  
US dollar value of the sterling payments made, determined at the 
spot sterling/US dollar rate on the date the dividend distribution  
is includible in income, regardless of whether the payment is in  
fact converted into US dollars. If the dividend is converted into US 
dollars on that date, a US holder should not be required to recognise 
foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. 
Generally, any gain or loss resulting from currency exchange 
fluctuations during the period from the date the dividend payment  
is includible in income to the date the payment is converted into US 
dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss, from sources 
within the US. 

Taxation of capital gains
UK taxation
A US holder who is not resident for UK tax purposes in the UK and 
who is not trading in the UK will not generally be liable for UK taxation 
on capital gains, or eligible for relief for allowable losses, realised or 
accrued on the sale or other disposal of ADSs or ordinary shares.  
A US holder of ADSs or ordinary shares who is an individual and 
who, broadly, has temporarily ceased to be resident in the UK or has 
become temporarily treated as non-resident for UK tax purposes 
for a period of not more than five years (or, for departures before  
6 April 2013, ceases to be resident or ordinarily resident or becomes 
treated as non-resident for less than five years of assessment) and 
who disposes of ordinary shares or ADSs during that period may,  
for the year of assessment when that individual becomes resident 
again in the UK, be liable to UK tax on capital gains (subject to any 
available exemption or relief), notwithstanding the fact that such US 
holder was not treated as resident in the UK at the time of the sale 
or other disposal. 

US federal income taxation
A US holder who sells or otherwise disposes of ordinary shares  
or ADSs will recognise a capital gain or loss for US federal income 
tax purposes equal to the difference between the amount realised 
and its tax basis in the ordinary shares or ADSs, each determined 
in US dollars. Such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital  
gain or loss where the holder has a holding period greater than one  
year. The capital gain or loss will generally be income or loss from 
sources within the US for foreign tax credit limitation purposes.  
The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

PFIC rules
The Company believes that it was not a PFIC for US federal income 
tax purposes for its 2013 taxable year. However, this conclusion is  
an annual factual determination and thus may be subject to change. 
If the Company were to be treated as a PFIC, gain realised on  
the sale or other disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs would,  
in general, not be treated as capital gain. Instead, gain would be 
treated as if the US holder had realised such gain rateably over the 
holding period for the ordinary shares or ADSs and, to the extent 
allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other exchange and to 
any year before the Company became a PFIC, would be taxed as 
ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year 
would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each such year 
to which the gain was allocated, together with an interest charge  
in respect of the tax attributable to each such year. In addition, 
similar rules would apply to any “excess distribution” received  
on the ordinary shares or ADSs (generally, the excess of any 
distribution received on the ordinary shares or ADSs during  
the taxable year over 125 per cent of the average amount of 
distributions received during a specified prior period), and the 
preferential rates for “qualified dividend income” received  
by certain non-corporate US holders would not apply.  

174 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Following litigation on the subject, HMRC has accepted that it will 
no longer seek to apply the 1.5 per cent SDRT charge when new 
shares are issued to a clearance service or depositary receipt 
system on the basis that the charge is not compatible with EU law. 
In HMRC’s view, the 1.5 per cent SDRT or stamp duty charge will 
continue to apply to transfers of shares into a clearance service or 
depositary receipt system unless they are an integral part of an 
issue of share capital. This view is currently being challenged in 
further litigation. Accordingly, specific professional advice should 
be sought before paying the 1.5 per cent SDRT or stamp duty 
charge in any circumstances. 

A transfer of the underlying ordinary shares will generally be 
subject to stamp duty or SDRT, normally at the rate of 0.5 per cent  
of the amount of value of the consideration (rounded up to the next 
multiple of £5 in the case of stamp duty). A transfer of ordinary 
shares from a nominee to its beneficial owner, including the transfer 
of underlying ordinary shares from the depositary to an ADS holder, 
under which no beneficial interest passes, will not be subject to 
stamp duty or SDRT. 

US backup withholding and information reporting
Payments of dividends and other proceeds with respect to ADSs  
and ordinary shares may be reported to the IRS and to the US  
holder. Backup withholding may apply to these reportable 
payments if the US holder fails to provide an accurate taxpayer 
identification number or certification of exempt status or fails to 
report all interest and dividends required to be shown on its US 
federal income tax returns. Certain US holders (including, among 
others, corporations) are not subject to information reporting and 
backup withholding. The amount of any backup withholding from  
a payment to a US holder will be allowed as a credit against the 
holder’s US federal income tax liability and may entitle the holder 
to a refund, provided that the required information is timely 
furnished to the IRS. US holders should consult their tax advisors  
as to their qualification for exemption from backup withholding  
and the procedure for obtaining an exemption.

Disclosure controls and procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Group carried 
out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation  
of the Group’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and 
operation of the Group’s disclosure controls and procedures  
(as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities 
Exchange Act 1934). These are defined as those controls and 
procedures designed to ensure that information required to be 
disclosed in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act 1934 
is recorded, processed, summarised and reported within the 
specified periods. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Group’s 
disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Summary of significant corporate governance 
differences from NYSE listing standards

The Group’s statement of compliance with the principles and 
provisions specified in the UK Corporate Governance Code issued 
by the Financial Reporting Council in the UK (Code) is set out on 
page 56. 

IHG has also adopted the corporate governance requirements  
of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules and of the NYSE,  
to the extent that they are applicable to it as a foreign private 
issuer. As a foreign private issuer, IHG is required to disclose any 
significant ways in which its corporate governance practices differ 
from those followed by US companies. These are as follows: 

Basis of regulation
The Code contains a series of principles and provisions. It is not, 
however, mandatory for companies to follow these principles. 
Instead, companies must disclose how they have applied them  
and disclose, if applicable, any areas of non-compliance along with 
an explanation for the non-compliance. In contrast, US companies 
listed on the NYSE are required to adopt and disclose corporate 
governance guidelines adopted by the NYSE. 

Independent Directors
The Code’s principles recommend that at least half the Board, 
excluding the Chairman, should consist of independent  
Non-Executive Directors. As at 17 February 2014, the Board 
consisted of the Chairman, independent at the time of his 
appointment, four Executive Directors and eight independent 
Non-Executive Directors. NYSE listing rules applicable to  
US companies state that companies must have a majority of 
independent directors. The NYSE set out five bright line tests 
for director independence. The Board’s judgment is that all of  
its Non-Executive Directors are independent. However, it did  
not explicitly take into consideration the NYSE’s tests in reaching 
this determination.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
The Code recommends that the Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer should not be the same individual to ensure that there is  
a clear division of responsibility for the running of the Company’s 
business. There is no corresponding requirement for US 
companies. The roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
were, as at 17 February 2014 and throughout 2013, fulfilled by 
separate individuals.

Committees
The Company has a number of Board Committees which are 
similar in purpose and constitution to those required for domestic 
companies under NYSE rules. The NYSE requires US companies  
to have both remuneration and nominating/corporate governance 
committees composed entirely of independent directors,  
as defined under the NYSE rules. The Company’s Nomination 
Committee consists only of Non-Executive Directors and the 
Company’s Audit and Remuneration Committee consists entirely of 
Non-Executive Directors who are independent under the standards 
of the Code, which may not necessarily be the same as the NYSE 
independence standards. The nominating/ governance committee 
is responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become Board 
members and to recommend to the Board a set of corporate 
governance principles. As the Company is subject to the Code,  
the Company’s Nomination Committee is only responsible for 
nominating, for approval of the Board, candidates for appointment 
to the Board, though it also assists in developing the role of  
the Senior Independent Director. The Company’s Nomination 
Committee consists of the Chairman of the Company and all  
the independent Non-Executive Directors. 

The Chairman of the Company is not a member of either of the 
Remuneration or the Audit Committees. As set out on page 66,  
the Audit Committee is chaired by an independent Non-Executive 
Director who, in the Board’s view, has the experience and 
qualifications to satisfy the criteria under US rules for an  
“audit committee financial expert”.

Additional Information  175

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONShareholder information continued

Non-Executive Director meetings
Non-management directors of US companies must meet on a 
regular basis without management present, and independent 
directors must meet separately at least once per year. The Code 
requires: (i) the Board Chairman to hold meetings with the  
Non-Executive Directors without the Executive Directors present; 
and (ii) the Non-Executive Directors to meet at least annually 
without the Chairman present to appraise the Chairman’s 
performance. The Company’s Non-Executive Directors have met 
without Executive Directors being present, and intend to continue 
this practice, before every Board meeting if possible.

Shareholder approval of equity compensation plans
The NYSE rules require that shareholders must be given  
the opportunity to vote on all equity compensation plans and 
material revisions to those plans. The Company complies with  
UK requirements which are similar to the NYSE rules. The Board 
does not, however, explicitly take into consideration the NYSE’s 
detailed definition of “material revisions”.

Code of Conduct
The NYSE requires companies to adopt a code of business conduct 
and ethics, applicable to directors, officers and employees. 
Any waivers granted to directors or officers under such a code 
must be promptly disclosed. As set out on page 73, IHG’s Code  
of Conduct is applicable to all Directors, officers and employees, 
and further information on the Code of Conduct is available  
on the Company’s website at www.ihgplc.com/investors under 
corporate governance. No waivers have been granted  
under the Code of Conduct.

Compliance certification
Each Chief Executive of a US company must certify to the NYSE 
each year that he or she is not aware of any violation by the 
Company of any NYSE corporate governance listing standard. 
As the Company is a foreign private issuer, the Company’s  
Chief Executive Officer is not required to make this certification. 
However, he is required to notify the NYSE promptly in writing  
after any of the Company’s executive officers become aware of  
any non-compliance with those NYSE corporate governance  
rules applicable to the Company.

Selected five-year consolidated financial information

The selected consolidated financial data set forth in the table on the next page for the years ended 31 December 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 
2013 has been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU, and is derived 
from the Group Financial Statements which have been audited by its independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP.

IFRS as adopted by the EU differs in certain respects from IFRS as issued by the IASB. However, the differences have no impact on the 
Group’s Financial Statements for the years presented. The selected consolidated financial data set forth on the next page should be read 
in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Group Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere  
in this Annual Report and Form 20-F.

176 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Group income statement data

For the year ended 31 December

Revenue1

Total operating profit before exceptional 
operating items
Exceptional operating items1
Total operating profit/(loss)1
Financial income
Financial expenses

Profit/(loss) before tax

Tax:
On profit before exceptional items
On exceptional operating items
Exceptional tax

Profit after tax:
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, 
net of tax 

Profit for the year

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interest

Profit for the year

Earnings per ordinary share:
Continuing operations:

Basic
Diluted

Total operations:

Basic
Diluted

2013

1,903

668
5

673
5
(78)

600

(175)
(6)
(45)

(226)

374

–

374

372
2

374

140.9¢
139.3¢

140.9¢
139.3¢

1 Relates to continuing operations. 
2 Restated for the adoption of IAS I9R ‘Employee Benefits’ (see page 111).

Group statement of financial position data

31 December

Goodwill and intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments and other financial assets
Retirement benefit assets
Non-current tax receivable
Deferred tax assets
Current assets
Non-current assets classified as held for sale

Total assets

Current liabilities
Long-term debt
Net (liabilities) / assets
Equity share capital

IHG shareholders’ equity

Number of shares in issue at end of the year 
(millions)

2013

518
1,169
321
7
16
108
586
228

2,953

814
1,269
(74)
189

(82)

269

2012
(restated2)

2011
(restated1)

2010
(restated1)

2009
(restated1)

($m, except earnings per ordinary share)

1,835

1,768

1,628

1,538

605
(4)

601
3
(57)

547

(151)
1
141

(9)

538

–

538

537
1

538

187.1¢
183.9¢

187.1¢
183.9¢

2012

447
1,056
239
99
24
204
660
534

3,263

780
1,242
317
179

308

268

548
57

605
2
(64)

543

(117)
(4)
43

(78)

465

–

465

465
–

465

160.9¢
157.1¢

160.9¢
157.1¢

438
(7)

431
2
(64)

369

(96)
1
–

(95)

274

2

276

276
–

276

95.1¢
92.6¢

95.8¢
93.2¢

2011

2010

($m, except number of shares)

400
1,362
243
21
41
106
578
217

2,968

860
670
555
162

547

290

358
1,690
178
5
–
88
466
–

2,785

943
776
278
155

271

289

359
(373)

(14)
3
(57)

(68)

(14)
112
175

273

205

6

211

210
1

211

71.6¢
69.2¢

73.7¢
71.2¢

2009

356
1,836
175
12
–
95
419
–

2,893

1,040
1,016
156
142

149

287

Additional Information  177

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONShareholder information continued

Dividend history 

The table below sets forth the amounts of ordinary dividends on each ordinary share and special dividends, in respect of each financial 
year indicated.

Ordinary dividend

Interim dividend

Final dividend

Total dividend

Special dividend

2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
20081
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003

pence

cents

pence

cents

pence

cents

15
13.5
9.8
8
7.3
6.4
5.7
5.1
4.6
4.3
4.05

23
21
16
13
12
12
12
9.6
8.1
7.7
6.8

28.1
28
25
22
19
20
15
13
11
10
9.5

47
43
39
35
29
29
29
26
19
19
17

43.2
41
35
30
26
27
21
18
15
14
14

70
64
55
48
41
41
41
36
27
27
24

pence

87.1
108.42
–
–
–
–
2002
1182
–
72.02
–

cents

133
172
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

1  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.
2  Accompanied by a share consolidation.

Return of funds

Since March 2004, the Group has returned over £4.3 billion of funds to shareholders by way of special dividends, capital returns and share 
repurchase programmes by share consolidation.

On 7 August 2012, the Company announced a $1 billion return of funds to shareholders, split between a $500 million special dividend  
with share consolidation and a $500 million share buyback programme. The special dividend was paid on 22 October 2012 and as  
at 17 February 2014 $390 million (£248 million) of shares had been repurchased at an average price per share of 1,778 pence.  
Purchases are made under the existing authority from shareholders, which will be presented for renewal at the Company’s AGM  
to be held on 2 May 2014. Any shares repurchased may be cancelled or held as treasury shares.

On 6 August 2013, the Company announced a $350 million return of funds to shareholders via a special dividend without share 
consolidation. The special dividend was paid on 4 October 2013.

Return of funds programme

Timing

£501 million special dividend1
First £250 million share buyback
£996 million capital return1
Second £250 million share buyback
£497 million share buyback
Third £250 million share buyback
£709 million special dividend1
£150 million share buyback
$500 million special dividend1,2
$500 million share buyback
$350 million special dividend

Total

Paid in December 2004
Completed in 2004
Paid in July 2005
Completed in 2006
Paid in June 2006
Completed in 2007
Paid in June 2007
n/a3
Paid in October 2012
Ongoing
Paid in October 2013

Total return

£501m
£250m
£996m
£250m
£497m
£250m
£709m
£150m
£315m4 ($500m)
£315m4 ($500m)
£229m5 ($350m)

£4,462m

Returned to date

£501m
£250m
£996m
£250m
£497m
£250m
£709m
£120m
£315m ($505m)6
£248m ($390m)7,9
£228m ($355m)8

£4,319m

1 Accompanied by a share consolidation.
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. 
3 This programme was superseded by the share buyback programme announced on 7 August 2012.
4  The dividend was first determined in US dollars and converted to sterling immediately before announcement at the rate of $1=£0.63, as set out in the circular 
detailing the special dividend and share buyback programme published on 14 September 2012.
5  The dividend was first determined in US dollars and converted to sterling immediately before announcement at the rate of $1=£0.655, as announced in  
Half-Year Results to 30 June 2013.
6 Sterling divided translated at $1=£0.624. 
7 Translated into US dollars at the average rates of exchange for the relevant years (2013 $1=£0.64; 2012 $1=£0.63).
8 Sterling divided translated at $1=£0.644.
9 At 17 February 2014.

178 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Purchases of equity securities by the Company and affiliated purchasers

The Group’s current $500 million share repurchase programme was announced on 7 August 2012. By 31 December 2013, 11,484,351 
shares had been repurchased at an average price of 1,865.5301 pence per share (approximately £214 million).

Period of financial year

Month 1 (no purchases this month)

Month 2
Month 3 (no purchases this month)
Month 4 
Month 5 (pre-AGM)
Month 5 (post-AGM)
Month 6 
Month 7 (no purchases this month)
Month 8
Month 9 
Month 10
Month 11
Month 12

(a) Total number of shares  
(or units) purchased

(b) Average price paid per 
share (or unit)

(c) Total number of shares 
(or units) purchased as 
part of publicly announced  
plans or programmes

(d) Maximum number (or
approximate dollar value) of 
shares (or units) that may yet 
be purchased under the plans 
or programmes

nil

1,160,688
nil
1,369,415
323,758
370,872
2,613,459
nil
1,263,366
1,732,537
1,308,941
691,564
649,751

nil

1,948.9099
nil
1,895.7360
1,924.0195
1,918.4721
1,811.3233
nil
1,876.4824
1,849.5455
 1,808.6041
1,810.6577
2,006.0014

nil

100,000
nil
1,369,415
323,758
370,872
2,613,459
nil
1,263,366
 1,732,537
1,308,941
691,564
nil

23,073,3411
21,912,6531
21,912,6531
20,543,2381
20,219,4801
26,464,8752
23,851,4162
23,851,4162
22,588,0502
20,855,5132
19,546,5722
18,855,0082
18,855,0082

1 Reflects the resolution passed at the Company’s General Meeting held on 8 October 2012.
2 Reflects the resolution passed at the Company’s AGM held on 24 May 2013. 

During the financial year ended 31 December 2013, 1,196,061 ordinary shares were purchased by the Company’s Employee Share Ownership 
Trust at prices ranging from 1,939 pence to 2,028 pence per share, for the purpose of satisfying future share awards to employees.

Share price information

The principal trading market for the Company’s ordinary shares is the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The ordinary shares are also listed 
on the NYSE trading in the form of ADSs evidenced by ADRs. Each ADS represents one ordinary share. The Company has a sponsored ADR 
facility with JPMorgan as ADR Depositary. The following table shows, for the financial periods indicated, the reported high and low middle 
market quotations (which represent an average of closing bid and ask prices) for the ordinary shares on the LSE, as derived from the 
Official List of the UK Listing Authority, and the highest and lowest sales prices of the ADSs as reported on the NYSE composite tape.

£ per ordinary share

$ per ADS1

Year ended 31 December
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013

Quarters in the year ended 31 December

2012
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter

2013
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter

2014
First quarter (through to 14 February 2014)

Month ended
August 2013
September 2013
October 2013
November 2013
December 2013
January 2014
February 2014 (through to 14 February 2014)

high
9.04
12.66
14.35
17.25
20.39

14.97
15.73
17.25
17.10

20.22
20.39
20.30
20.25

2,038

20.30
19.16
18.65
19.08
20.25
20.38
2,003

low
4.46
8.87
9.55
11.57
17.07

11.57
13.95
15.02
15.24

17.07
17.37
17.88
 17.63

1,942

17.88
18.02
17.63
17.94
18.82
19.66
1,942

high
14.67
20.04
23.28
27.82
33.54

23.67
24.70
27.02
27.82

30.64
30.61
31.08
33.54

34.08

31.08
30.26
30.39
31.22
33.54
34.08
33.78

low
6.04
13.84
15.27
17.99
26.90

17.99
21.84
23.16
24.50

27.82
 26.90
27.77
28.27

31.69

27.77
28.09
28.27
28.74
30.90
32.44
31.69

1  Fluctuations in the exchange rates between sterling and the US dollar will affect the dollar equivalent of the sterling price of the ordinary shares on the LSE and, as a 
result, are likely to affect the market price of ADSs. 

Additional Information  179

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATION 
Shareholder information continued

Shareholder profiles

Shareholder profile by type as at 31 December 2013

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

Percentage total  
 of shareholders

Number of  
ordinary shares

45,248
1,512

1,501
167

12

48,440

93.41
3.12

3.10
0.34

0.02

100

15,517,490
234,757,478

2,595,009
5,862,369

422,959

259,155,305 

Shareholder profile by size as at 31 December 2013

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

Number of 
ordinary shares

30,577
9,269
4,488
3,192
248
324
103
157
31
51

48,440

63.12
19.14
9.27
6.59
0.51
0.67
0.21
0.32
 0.06
0.11

100

1,954,825
2,968,040
3,130,129
5,951,430
1,730,546
7,556,191
7,601,747
35,582,279
 21,340,235
171,339,883

259,155,305 

Shareholder profile by geographical location as at 31 December 2013

Country/
Jurisdiction

 UK
 Rest of Europe
 US (including ADRs)
 Rest of World

Total

Percentage  
of issued  
share capital 
See chart 

5.99
90.59

1.00
2.26

0.16

100

Percentage  
of issued  
share capital 
See chart 

0.75
1.15
1.21
2.30
0.67
2.92
2.93
13.73
 8.23
66.11

100

Percentage  
of issued  
share capital1 
See chart 

53.3
12.4
29.0
5.3

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 88.9% of total issued share capital. Therefore, the known 
percentage distributions have been multiplied by 100⁄88.9 (1.125) to achieve the figures shown in the table above.

As of 14 February 2014, 16,302,058 ADSs equivalent to 16,302,058 ordinary shares, or approximately  
6 per cent of the total issued share capital, were outstanding and were held by 762 holders. Since certain  
ordinary shares are registered in the names of nominees, the number of shareholders of record may not  
be representative of the number of beneficial owners.

As of 14 February 2014, there were a total of 48,255 record holders of ordinary shares, of whom 252 had  
registered addresses in the US and held a total of 685,165 ordinary shares (0.25 per cent of the total issued  
share capital).

180 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Investor information

Website and electronic communication
As part of IHG’s commitment to reduce the cost and environmental 
impact of producing and distributing printed documents in large 
quantities, this Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013 has been  
made available to shareholders through our website at  
www.ihgplc.com/investors under financial library.

Shareholders may electronically appoint a proxy to vote on their 
behalf at the 2014 AGM. 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
IHG offers discounted hotel stays (subject to availability) for 
registered shareholders only, through a controlled access website. 
This is not available to shareholders who hold shares through 
nominee companies, ISAs or ADRs. For further details please 
contact the Company Secretariat department (see page 182).

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 local communities, employees and guests when  
a disaster occurs, 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 at 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 21321,2 (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 22681,2. 
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 clearance of funds on the payment date. For further 
information, please contact our Registrar (see page 182).

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 (see page 182).

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 22441,2.

Share dealing services
Equiniti offers the following share dealing facilities: 

Postal dealing 
For more information call 0871 384 22481,2

Telephone dealing 
For more information call 0845 603 70371,3 

Internet dealing
For more information visit 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 2013, for UK Capital Gains Tax purposes, 
may be found on our website at www.ihgplc.com/investors under 
shareholder centre/tax information.

‘Gone Away’ 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 
Conduct Authority website at www.fca.org.uk/consumers/scams. 
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 NYSE 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 Bank, N.A.,  
our ADR Depositary bank (contact details shown on page 182).

Documents on display
Documents referred to in this Annual Report and Form 20-F  
that are filed with the SEC can be found at the SEC’s public 
reference room located at 100 F Street, NE Washington, D.C. 
20549, for further information and copy charges please call  
the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Company’s SEC filings since  
22 May 2002 are also publicly available through the SEC’s website 
at www.sec.gov. Copies of the Company’s Articles can be obtained 
via the website at www.ihgplc.com/investors under corporate 
governance or from the Company’s registered office.

1  Calls cost 8p per minute plus network extras. 
2  Lines are open from 08.30 to 17.30 Monday to Friday, excluding UK  
public holidays.
3  Lines are open from 08.00 to 16.30 Monday to Friday, excluding UK  
public holidays.

Additional Information  181

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONFinancial calendar

Interim dividend of 15.1p per share (23.0¢ per ADR):
Special dividend of 87.1p per share (133.0¢ per ADR):
Financial year end

Preliminary announcement of annual results
Final dividend of 28.1p per share (47.0¢ per ADR): 

Announcement of first quarter interim management statements
Annual General Meeting
Final dividend of 28.1p per share (47.0¢ per ADR):
Announcement of half-year results
Interim dividend: 
Announcement of third quarter interim management statements
Financial year end

Preliminary announcement of annual results

Payment date
Payment date

Ex-dividend date

Record date

Payment date

Payment date

2013

4 October
4 October
31 December

2014

18 February
19 March

21 March
2 May
2 May
9 May
5 August
October
21 October
31 December

2015

February

ADR Depositary
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. 
PO Box 64504 
St. Paul  
MN 55120-0854  
USA

Telephone   +1 800 990 1135  

(US calls) (toll-free) 

 +1 651 453 2128  
(non-US calls) 

Email: jpmorgan.adr@wellsfargo.com

www.adr.com

Auditor
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

IHG® Rewards Club
If you wish to enquire about, 
or join IHG Rewards Club, visit  
www.ihg.com/rewardsclub 
or telephone: 

0871 226 11113 (Europe) 

+1 888 211 98744 (US and Canada) 

+1 800 272 92734 (Mexico) 

+1 801 975 30635 (English)  
(Central and South America) 

+1 801 975 30135 (Spanish)  
(Central and South America) 

+971 4 429 05305 (Middle East 
and Africa)

+02 9935 83625 (Australia)

+86 21 2033 48485 (Mandarin and 
Cantonese) (China and Hong Kong) 

+81 3 5767 93255 (Japan) 

+63 2 857 87785 (Korea) 

+63 2 857 87885 (all other countries in 
Asia Pacific) 

3  Telephone calls to this number are charged at 
10p per minute. Standard network rates apply. 
Calls from mobiles will be higher.
4 Toll-free.
5 Toll charges apply.

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 

Telephone   0871 384 21321,2 (UK calls) 

 +44 (0) 121 415 7034 
(non-UK calls) 

www.shareview.co.uk 

1  For those with hearing difficulties a text phone 
is available on 0871 384 22552 for UK callers 
with compatible equipment.

2  Calls cost 8p per minute plus network extras. 
Lines are open from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday 
to Friday, excluding UK public holidays.

182 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Additional information continued 
 
 
 
Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F with the SEC: 

Exhibit 11

Exhibit 4(a)(i)

Exhibit 4(a)(ii)

Exhibit 4(a)(iii)1

Exhibit 4(a)(iv)1

Exhibit 4(a)(v)1

Exhibit 4(c)(i)

Exhibit 4(c)(ii)1

Exhibit 4(c)(iii)1

Exhibit 4(c)(iv)1

Exhibit 4(c)(v)1

Exhibit 4(c)(vi)1

Exhibit 4(c)(vii)1

Exhibit 8

Exhibit 12(a)

Exhibit 12(b)

Exhibit 13(a)

Articles of Association of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC 
Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated 11 April 2011)

Contribution agreement relating to the InterContinental New York Barclay between Barclay Operating Corp., 
InterContinental Hotels Group Resources, Inc., Constellation Barclay Holding US, LLC, and 111 East 48th Street 
Holdings, LLC dated 19 December 2013

Asset sale and purchase agreement relating to the Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane, London between Hotel  
Inter-Continental London Limited, Constellation Hotel (Opco) UK S.A., and Six Continents Limited dated 27 March 2013

Five-year $1,070 million bank facility agreement dated 7 November 2011, among The Royal Bank of Scotland plc,  
NB International Finance B.V., Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Bank plc, Lloyds TSB Bank plc and The Bank  
of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a)(i) of the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC 
Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated 29 March 2012)

First supplemental trust deed dated 7 July 2011 modifying and restating the Euro Medium Term Note programme 
governed by a trust deed dated 29 November 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a)(ii) of the InterContinental 
Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated 29 March 2012)

Amended and restated trust deed dated 9 November 2012 relating to a £750 million Euro Medium Term Note 
Programme, among InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, Six Continents Limited, InterContinental Hotels Limited and 
HSBC Corporate Trustee Company (UK) Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(a)(iii) of the InterContinental 
Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated 26 March 2013)

Employment Agreement between Six Continents Limited and Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson’s dated 6 December 2013, 
commencing on 1 January 2014 

Tracy Robbins’ service contract dated 9 August 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(i) of the InterContinental 
Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated 29 March 2012)

Tom Singer’s service contract dated 26 July 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(ii) of the InterContinental 
Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated 29 March 2012)

Kirk Kinsell’s service contract commencing on 1 August 2010, as amended by a letter dated 5 July 2010 (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 4(c)(ii) of the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) 
dated 11 April 2011)

Richard Solomons’ service contract dated 16 March 2011, commencing on 1 July 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
4(c)(iii) of the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) dated 11 April 2011)

Rules of the InterContinental Hotels Group Long Term Incentive Plan as amended on 26 September 2012 (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(v) of the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) 
dated 26 March 2013)

Rules of the InterContinental Hotels Group Annual Bonus Plan as amended on 26 September 2012 (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 4(c)(vi) of the InterContinental Hotels Group PLC Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 1-10409) 
dated 26 March 2013)

List of subsidiaries as at 31 December 2013

Certification of Richard Solomons filed pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)

Certification of Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson filed pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)

Certification of Richard Solomons and Paul Edgecliffe-Johnson furnished pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(b) and 18 
U.S.C.1350

Exhibit 15(a)

Consent of independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP

1 Incorporated by reference.

Additional Information  183

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONForm 20-F cross-reference guide

Item

Form 20-F caption

Location in this document

1

2

3

Identity of directors, senior management and advisors Not applicable

Offer statistics and expected timetable

Not applicable

Key information:

3A – Selected financial data

Shareholder Information: Selected five-year consolidated  
financial information 
Shareholder Information: Dividend history

3B – Capitalisation and indebtedness

3C – Reason for the offer and use of proceeds

Not applicable

Not applicable

3D – Risk factors

4

Information on the Company

4A – History & development of the company

4B – Business overview

4C – Organisational structure

4D – Property, plant & equipment

Group Information: Risk Factors

Group Information: History and developments
Shareholder Information: Return of funds
Contact details

Strategic Report
Group Information: Working Time Regulations 1998

Group Financial Statements: Note 36 
– Principal operating subsidiary undertakings

Strategic Report: Disciplined Execution – Commitment to responsible 
business practices: Global greenhouse gas emissions
Group Financial Statements: Note 10 – Property, plant and equipment 

4A

5

Unresolved staff comments

None

Operating and financial review & prospects
5A – Operating results 

5B – Liquidity and capital resources

Strategic Report: Performance
Group Financial Statements: Accounting policies

Strategic Report: Performance – Liquidity and capital resources
Group Financial Statements: Note 18 – Cash and cash equivalents
Group Financial Statements: Note 21 – Financial risk management
Group Financial Statements: Note 22 – Loans and other borrowings
Group Financial Statements: Note 23 – Derivative financial statements
Group Financial Statements: Note 24 – Fair value measurement

5C – Research and development; intellectual property Not applicable

5D – Trend information

Not applicable

5E – Off-balance sheet arrangements

Strategic Report: Performance – Liquidity and capital resources

5F – Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations

Strategic Report: Performance – Liquidity and capital resources

5G – Safe harbour

Additional Information: Forward-looking statements

6

Directors, senior management and employees

6A – Director and senior management

6B – Compensation

6C – Board practices

6D – Employees

6E – Share ownership 

7

Major shareholders and related party transactions

7A – Major shareholders; Host country shareholders

7B – Related party transactions

7C – Interests of experts & counsel

8

Financial Information

8A – Consolidated statements and other  
financial information

8B – Significant changes

184 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Corporate Governance: Board of Directors’  
and Executive Committee biographies

Directors’ Remuneration Report
Group Financial Statements: Note 26 – Retirement benefits
Group Financial Statements: Note 28 – Share-based payments

Corporate Governance

Strategic Report: Winning Model – Preferred brands delivered 
through our people
Group Financial Statements: Note 3 – Staff costs and  
Directors’ emoluments
Group Information: Working Time Regulations 1998

Corporate Governance: Relations with shareholders 
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Additional Information: Executive Committee members’ 
shareholdings
Group Financial Statements: Note 28 – Share-based payments

Directors’ Report
Shareholder Information: Shareholder profiles
Group Financial Statements: Note 14 – Investment in associates  
and joint ventures
Group Financial Statements: Note 33 – Related party disclosures 
Not applicable

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
Independent Auditor’s US Report
Group Financial Statements
Shareholder Information: Legal proceedings
None

Page

–

–

176-177

178

–

–

164-167

164
178
182

10-53  
170

153

33

128 

–

40-53
111-116

52-53
134
135-137
138
139
140-141

–

–

53

53

188

57-60

74-97
142-145
147-150

61-72

20-23

123

170

70-72
90-96
167

147-150

72-73
180
132

152
–

100
103
99-153
172
– 

Item

Form 20-F caption

9

The offer and listing

9A – Offer and listing details

9B – Plan of distribution

9C – Markets

9D – Selling shareholders

9E – Dilution

9F – Expenses of the issue

10

Additional information

10A – Share capital

Location in this document

Shareholder Information: Share price information

Not applicable

Shareholder Information: Share price information 

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

10B – Memorandum and articles of association

Group Information: Articles of Association

10C – Material contracts

10D – Exchange controls

10E – Taxation

10F – Dividends and paying agents

10G – Statement by experts

10H – Documents on display

10I – Subsidiary information

Quantitative & qualitative disclosures  
about market risk

Group Information: Material contracts

Group Information: Exchange controls

Shareholder Information: Taxation

Not applicable

Not applicable

Shareholder Information: Investor Information – Documents  
on display
Not applicable

Strategic Report: Performance – Market risk disclosures
Group Financial Statements: Note 21 – Financial  
risk management

Description of securities other than equity securities

12A – Debt securities

12B – Warrants and rights 

12C – Other securities

12D – American depositary shares

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Group Information: Description of securities other than  
equity securities

Defaults, dividend arrearages and delinquencies

Not applicable

Material modifications to the rights of security holders  
and use of proceeds

Not applicable

Controls and Procedures 
15A – Controls and Procedures
15B – Management’s annual report on internal control  
over financial reporting

Shareholder information: Disclosure controls and procedures
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities: Management’s report  
on internal control over financial reporting

15C – Attestation report

Independent Auditor’s US Report

15D – Changes in internal controls over financial 
reporting

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities: Management’s report  
on internal control over financial reporting

11

12

13

14 

15

16

16A – Audit committee financial expert

Corporate Governance: Audit Committee Report

16B – Code of ethics

16C – Principal accountant fees and services

16D – Exemptions from the listing standards for  
audit committees
16E – Purchase of equity securities by the issuer and 
affiliated purchasers

Strategic Report: Disciplined Execution – Commitment to 
responsible business practices
Shareholder Information: Summary of significant corporate 
governance differences from NYSE listing standards – Code of 
Conduct
Group Financial Statements: Note 4 – Auditor’s remuneration paid  
to Ernst & Young LLP

Not applicable

Shareholder Information: Purchases of equity securities by the 
Company and affiliated purchasers

16F – Change in registrant’s certifying accountant

Not applicable

16G – Corporate governance

16H – Mine safety disclosure

17

18 

19

Financial statements

Financial statements

Exhibits

Shareholder Information: Summary of significant corporate 
governance differences from NYSE listing standards 
Not applicable

Not applicable
Group Financial Statements1 

Additional Information: Exhibits 

Page

179

–

179

–

–

–

–

170

170-171

172

173

–

–

181
–

53
135-137

168

–

–

175

100

103

100

66

31

175-176

123

–

179

–

175-176

–

–

100-153

183

1  The Parent Company Financial Statements and the Audit Report and Notes thereto, on pages 156 to 161 should not be considered to form part of IHG’s Annual Report 
on Form 20-F.

Additional Information  185

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONGlossary

adjusted
excluding the effect of exceptional items and any relevant tax. 

ADR
an American Depositary Receipt, being a receipt evidencing title  
to an American Depositary Share (ADS). 

ADR Depositary (JPMorgan)
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

ADS
an American Depositary Share as evidenced by an American 
Depositary Receipt, being a registered negotiable security,  
listed on the New York Stock Exchange, representing one  
ordinary share of 14194/329 pence each of the Company. 

AGM
Annual General Meeting. 

AMEA
Asia, Middle East and Africa. 

APP
Annual Performance Plan.

Articles
the articles of association of the Company for the time being 
in force.

average daily rate or average room rate
rooms revenue divided by the number of room nights sold. 

basic earnings per ordinary share
profit available for IHG equity holders 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.

cash-generating units (CGUs)
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.

Code 
UK Corporate Governance Code issued in September 2012  
by the Financial Reporting Council in the UK. 

Companies Act
the Companies Act 2006, as amended from time to time.

Company
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.

comparable RevPAR
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. 

186 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

currency swap
an exchange of a deposit and a borrowing, each denominated  
in a different currency, for an agreed period of time.

derivatives
a financial instrument used to reduce risk, the price of which  
is derived from an underlying asset, index or rate.

discontinued operations
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. 

Employee Engagement survey
twice a year, we ask our employees and those who work in our 
managed hotels (excluding our joint venture hotels) to participate in 
an Employee Engagement survey, to measure employee engagement.

EU
the European Union.

euro or €
the currency of the European Economic and Monetary Union.

exceptional items
items which are disclosed separately because of their size 
or nature.

extended-stay
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 (Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites).

fee margin
operating profit as a percentage of revenue, excluding revenue and 
operating profit from owned and leased hotels, managed leases 
and significant liquidated damages.

fee revenue
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, IHG.

franchisor
brand owner, 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.

Group or IHG 
the Company and its subsidiaries.

Guest Heartbeat
IHG’s guest satisfaction measurement tool to measure brand 
preference and guest satisfaction.

hedging
the reduction of risk, normally in relation to foreign currency or 
interest rate movements, by making offsetting commitments.

IASB 
International Accounting Standards Board. 

ICETUS
InterContinental Executive Top-up Scheme.

IC Plan
InterContinental Hotels UK Pension Plan.

rooms revenue
revenue generated from the sale of room nights.

IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU 
and issued by the IASB.

royalty revenues
rooms revenue that a franchisee pays to the brand owner for use  
of the brand name.

IHG System
Hotels operating under franchise and management agreements 
together with IHG owned and leased hotels.

IHG System size
the number of hotels/rooms franchised, managed, owned or 
leased by IHG.

interest rate swap
an agreement to exchange fixed for floating interest rate streams 
(or vice versa) on a notional principal.

liquidated damages
payments received in respect of the early termination of 
management and franchise contracts, where applicable.

LTIP
Long Term Incentive Plan.

managed leases
properties structured for legal reasons as operating leases  
but with the same characteristics as management contracts.

management contract
a contract to operate a hotel on behalf of the hotel owner.

market capitalisation
the value attributed to a listed company by multiplying its share 
price by the number of shares in issue. 

net debt
borrowings less cash and cash equivalents, including the 
exchange element of the fair value of currency swaps hedging 
the borrowings. 

net rooms supply
net total number of IHG hotel rooms.

NYSE
New York Stock Exchange.

occupancy rate
rooms occupied by hotel guests, expressed as a percentage of 
rooms that are available.

ordinary share 
from 4 June 2007 until 8 October 2012, the ordinary shares of  
1329/47 pence each in the Company; and following 9 October 2012, 
the ordinary shares of 14194/329 pence each in the Company.

owner 
the ultimate owner of the hotel property.

pipeline
hotels/rooms that will enter the IHG 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.

RevPAR or revenue per available room
rooms revenue divided by the number of room nights that are 
available (can be mathematically derived from occupancy rate 
multiplied by average daily rate).

room count
number of rooms franchised, managed, owned or leased by IHG.

SCETUS
Six Continents Executive Top-Up Scheme.

SEC
US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Six Continents
Six Continents Limited; previously Six Continents PLC and 
re-registered as a private limited company on 6 June 2005.

sterling or pounds sterling, £, pence or p 
the pound sterling, the currency of the United Kingdom.

subsidiary undertaking
a company over which the Group exercises control.

system contribution to revenue
per cent of rooms revenue delivered through IHG’s direct and 
indirect systems and channels.

System Fund or Fund
assessment fees and contributions collected from hotels within 
the IHG System for the specific use of marketing, the IHG Rewards 
Club loyalty programme and the global reservations system.

technology income
income received from hotels under franchise and management 
agreements for the use of IHG’s proprietary reservations system.

total gross revenue
total rooms revenue from franchised hotels and total hotel revenue 
from managed, owned and leased hotels.

Total Shareholder Return or TSR
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
the United Kingdom. 

UK GAAP
United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

UK DB Plan
the defined benefit section of the IC Plan. 

UK DC Plan  
the defined contribution section of the IC Plan.

US
the United States of America. 

US 401(k) Plan 
the Defined Contribution 401(k) plan. 

US Deferred Compensation Plan 
the Defined Contribution Deferred Compensation Plan.

US dollars, US$, $ or ¢
the currency of the United States of America.

working capital
the sum of inventories, receivables and payables of a trading 
nature, excluding financing and taxation items.

Additional Information  187

OVERVIEWSTRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEGROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTSPARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSADDITIONAL INFORMATIONForward-looking statements

The Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013 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 Officers’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 is subject to competitive  
and changing industry; 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; 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 Strategic Report of the Annual Report and  
Form 20-F 2013.

Holiday Inn received the highest numerical score 
among mid-scale full service hotels in the 
proprietary J.D. Power 2011-2013 North America 
Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study(SM). 2013 
study based on responses from 68,787 guests 
measuring 4 mid-scale full service hotels and 
measures opinions of guests who stayed in a 
hotel June 2012-May 2013. Proprietary study 
results are based on experiences and perceptions 
of consumers surveyed July 2012-May 2013.  
Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. 

188 

IHG Annual Report and Form 20-F 2013

Designed and produced  
by Addison Group

www.addison-group.net

Managed by RR Donnelley 

This Report is printed on Satimatt Green 
which is manufactured using 75% 
post-consumer recycled fibre and 25% 
FSC® certified virgin fibre. Both the 
manufacturing mills and printer are 
ISO 14001 and FSC® certified.

InterContinental Davos,  
Switzerland

1777

1946

It all began in 1777 when William Bass opened  
a brewery in Burton-on-Trent in the UK.  
Bass made its move into the hotel industry  
in 1988, buying Holiday Inn International.  
By 2003 the business had changed from 
domestic brewer to international hospitality 
retailer: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.

InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts
In April 1946 Juan Trippe, the founder of  
Pan American Airways, had a vision to bring 
high-quality hotel accommodation to the  
end of every Pan Am flight route. This led to  
the first InterContinental being opened in  
1949, the Hotel Grande in Belém, Brazil.  
From here InterContinental Hotels & Resorts 
expanded steadily to become the world’s first 
truly international luxury hospitality brand.  
The brand’s ethos is to provide insightful, 
meaningful experiences that enhance our  
guests’ feeling that they are in a global club. 
Bass acquired the InterContinental brand in 
1998, adding it to our brand portfolio.

Front cover 
Crowne Plaza Resort, Xishuangbanna,  
People's Republic of China

178 hotels; 60,103 rooms open 
51 hotels in the pipeline

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

Annual Report  
and Form 20 -F 2013 

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