Standing up for what is right

I am sure, like me, you have watched the unfolding events in the US in recent days with shock and sadness. The protests across US cities, including in our Americas base in Atlanta, show the extent of the pain, frustration and anger with the status quo of inequality, racism and injustice. These events were triggered by the alarming death of George Floyd but remembering Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, we know that this issue is much deeper than one incident and another tragic death.

At IHG we do a huge amount to celebrate and encourage our own culture of respect, understanding and tolerance towards one another – but there will always be more to do within our own business and in wider society. We all have a role to play, whether through our words, our openness to avoid pre-conceptions or our willingness to do the right thing.

In the US, we have been in touch with the City’s leadership in Atlanta to offer our support and have joined in a statement from the Atlanta Committee for Progress, where we sit together with other prominent businesses in the area, to condemn injustice and abuse of power. But it’s important to recognise this is not a problem reserved for the US alone, or for those who suffer injustice. The world’s spotlight is very much on the US right now, but this is an issue for all of society globally.

IHG’s values and promotion of inclusivity and diversity are part of what makes us a warm, welcoming and unique place to work; they sit at the heart of our purpose to provide True Hospitality for everyone. Our commitment to you is that now, more than ever, we will be holding true to these values together, challenging injustice and intolerance wherever we see it.

At IHG, we will always keep pushing for what we know is right.

Take care of each other and stay safe.

Keith