Brief

H/Advisors Cicero has been the retained public affairs provider to IHG since 2015. We provide regular insight and analysis to understand how the changing political and public policy environment impacts IHG and its hotel owners.

We work closely with IHG’s internal team, acting as a genuine extension with a core understanding of the business, providing strategic advice and support on their public affairs strategy. We were also commissioned to produce a Board-level report that analysed the upcoming policy and regulatory developments in the ESG space.

Strategy & Execution

H/Advisors Cicero supports IHG’s internal public affairs by track a range of policy issues that directly impact IHG’s core business priorities, such as regulation around short-term lets and tourist taxes, business taxation, ESG, migration and foreign affairs. We regularly provide senior counsel to IHG’s leadership team, such as transition planning for their incoming new UK CEO.

In 2022, and in partnership with H/Advisors US and China teams, we provided a bespoke ESG insight and analysis tool across four key markets (EU, UK, US, China). This was supplemented by a benchmarking exercise, consisting of an assessment of governmental and societal expectations pertaining to ESG in these four markets benchmarked to IHG’s existing ESG commitments.

ESG regulations and policy are increasingly a part of board level conversations, given the potential material impact on operations across businesses. Our work played a crucial role in informing how IHG build ESG considerations into their future strategy

Helena Walsh – Managing Director, Brussels

Results

Our strategic advice and counsel have allowed IHG to stay ahead of important developments in its sector. We ensure that they remain abreast of, and where necessary, are able to influence, the ever-evolving political and public policy climate. We are a trusted voice to their senior leadership team, directly advising and informing their wider business strategy.

Our final ESG report was presented by Cicero to the IHG board and allowed IHG to have a clear understanding of all obligations and opportunities arising from the outlined ESG policies and regulations (including IHG reporting requirements). Working with IHG’s internal stakeholders, we identified key actions the business would need to take to overcome the gaps highlighted.

If you wish to discuss any of the issues mentioned in this article, please contact Helena in H/Advisors Cicero’s Brussels team on helena.walsh@h-advisors.global