Kavitha Iyer

Head of Design

IHG

Kavitha Iyer is Head of Design for the Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts. An architect and designer with over 20 years of experience in hospitality and designing for travel, she is responsible for leading design strategy for IHG’s brands in the Americas.

Kavitha and her team of talented creatives collaborate closely with brand, development, and operations to imagine and define distinctive design experiences which align closely to each brand personality.

With an emphasis on shaping compelling and memorable spaces for guests, Kavitha and her team lead various brand design initiatives across the portfolio, ranging from imagining, testing, and piloting new concepts to creating comprehensive design guidance to implement projects. Over the past few years at IHG Hotels & Resorts, she has been responsible for creating distinct visions for new brands like Garner, Atwell Suites, and voco, as well as leading the transformational creative direction for lifestyle, luxury, and premium brands like EVEN hotels, Hotel Indigo, InterContinental Hotels. and Crowne Plaza.

Prior to joining IHG Hotels & Resorts, Kavitha was the Director of Global Design Strategies at Marriott International where she led and launched several high-profile design initiatives which focused on transformative next-generation experiences for various brands.

Kavitha’s love of art and travel fuels her continued passion to spend her free time painting, appreciating new and old destinations, and being inspired by the everyday.