Phil Keb is currently serving as the Senior Executive for Luxury Brand Growth – Americas at IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group). With a solid background in engineering, construction, finance, and development, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table, especially in the luxury hotel sector. His diverse portfolio showcases his ability to manage complex transactions and develop creative solutions. Phil has worked on projects ranging from trendy hotels aimed at tech-savvy millennials to innovative hotel financing structures in the Caribbean and the Middle East.
Phil Keb | Senior Executive | IHG Hotels & Resorts
His work has positioned him as a trusted advisor, known for his dynamic approach, market insights, and commitment to excellence in the ever-evolving hospitality industry. At EliteX, we are proud to have Phil Keb as part of the edition: 10 Elite Leaders in Hospitality, 2024.
Phil’s journey into the hospitality sector began in the mid-1980s with Hyatt, followed by a long and rewarding tenure at Ritz-Carlton from 1991 to 2002. During these years, Phil transitioned from roles in engineering, design, and construction to real estate development, marking the start of his focus on the developmental aspects of the hospitality industry. A pivotal moment in his career came when Marriott acquired Ritz-Carlton in 1995. This experience deepened his understanding of hotel and branded residential development, providing invaluable insights into the financial complexities of the industry.
Since then, Phil has specialized in representing various stakeholders, including brands, management companies, owners, and developers, particularly in the luxury hotel sector. His current role at IHG involves boosting the development efforts of high-end brands like Six Senses and Regent, particularly in the Americas. He has been instrumental in fostering long-term relationships with owners and developers, working on new projects across the region. One key trend he has noticed is the growing importance of branded residences in hotel developments. This concept, which started with The Sherry-Netherland in New York in the 1920s, has expanded significantly, particularly in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. For Phil, branded residences are no longer just a trend; they are a necessity in new luxury hotel projects.
“In an industry that rewards creativity and dedication, anyone willing to work hard, learn, and innovate can succeed.”
Branded residences have proven to be highly advantageous for both developers and hotel owners. For developers, the ability to sell units helps offset the steep costs of luxury hotel development. As luxury hotel construction costs continue to rise, the inclusion of branded residences has become essential for many projects. Hotel owners also benefit from cost-sharing arrangements with unit owners, and they can generate additional revenue by offering units for rent through a rental program. Unit owners, on the other hand, enjoy the prestige of living in a branded property, as well as the opportunity to share in rental income.
In addition to his work with branded residences, Phil has witnessed significant changes in the hospitality industry over the years. One of the most notable changes is the expansion of luxury brands beyond traditional hotels to include offerings like branded residences, cruises, yachts, private members clubs, and even tented camps. These extensions allow brands to engage with customers across a wider range of experiences, creating a more holistic “eco-system” for luxury consumers. For example, it has become increasingly rare for new luxury hotels to be built without incorporating some form of branded residences. This shift is a testament to the evolving nature of the industry and the changing demands of high-end consumers.
In his role, Phil has faced challenges, particularly with IHG’s Regent brand. When the brand was relaunched in recent years, it was not as well-known in the development and investment community as some of the other established luxury brands. This meant that Phil and his team had to work harder to prove the value of the Regent brand to potential owners and investors. Despite these challenges, the team’s persistence and commitment have helped secure several exciting projects for Regent in the Americas. Looking at the future of the hospitality industry, Phil sees further growth in brand extensions, particularly in areas like wellness, well-being, and longevity. As luxury consumers seek these services not just in resort settings but as part of their everyday lives, Phil believes that hospitality brands have the potential to meet these needs and lead the way in providing exceptional wellness experiences. Technology also plays an increasingly important role in the luxury hospitality sector, although Phil believes it is essential to strike a balance. While technology can help personalize the guest experience, it should never replace the personal touch that is crucial to luxury service. Technology can, however, be used to collect guest preferences, enabling hotels to offer more tailored and customized services.
“Branded residences are no longer just a trend; they are a necessity in new luxury hotel projects.”
Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are also key considerations in the modern hospitality industry. For Phil, sustainability is no longer optional but a requirement. Many luxury hotels are adopting practices such as eliminating plastics, increasing recycling efforts, reducing energy consumption, and even using on-site farming in resort settings. These initiatives not only help the environment but also align with the values of today’s luxury consumers, who are increasingly concerned with the sustainability of the businesses they support. In terms of his future goals, Phil is focused on growing IHG’s luxury brands in key global markets. His vision is for Regent and Six Senses to become leaders in their respective segments, both in urban and resort locations. He also sees a future where wellness and well-being play a much larger role in luxury hospitality. As consumers continue to seek out experiences that promote health and longevity, Phil believes that the hospitality industry will need to adapt and provide these services in a way that enhances the overall guest experience.
Phil’s advice to those just starting out in the hospitality industry is simple but effective. He emphasizes the importance of persistence and adaptability in a field that is constantly evolving. He also stresses the need for a deep understanding of market trends and consumer preferences, as well as the importance of delivering exceptional guest experiences. Networking and building strong relationships with others in the industry are also crucial for long-term success. In an industry that rewards creativity and dedication, Phil believes that anyone who is willing to work hard, learn, and innovate can succeed. Throughout his career, Phil has learned that persistence and creativity are often key to overcoming obstacles. A memorable example of this came when he was working on a project in the Caribbean after the global financial crisis. Traditional capital sources for new hotel developments were unavailable, but with the help of the island government, Phil and his team were able to structure a creative financing solution through a Citizenship by Investment program. This innovative approach helped finance the Park Hyatt in St. Kitts, demonstrating that sometimes the best solutions come from thinking outside the box.
Phil’s career journey is a testament to his expertise, adaptability, and dedication to the hospitality industry. As he continues to drive growth for IHG’s luxury brands, he remains focused on embracing new trends, overcoming challenges, and delivering exceptional experiences to both developers and guests. The hospitality industry, particularly in the luxury sector, is constantly changing, and Phil’s ability to stay ahead of these changes has made him a trusted leader in the field. Whether it’s through innovative financing, the expansion of branded residences, or a commitment to sustainability, Phil’s approach to hospitality development is one that continues to evolve and inspire others in the industry.
“Persistence and creativity are often key to overcoming obstacles.”