With over 20 years of progressive leadership in the hospitality industry, David Todd has solidified his reputation as a dynamic and visionary leader dedicated to elevating hotel operations across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Currently serving as Vice President Operations for Minor Hotels in the Middle East since March 2023, David commands a portfolio that encompasses strategic development, operational excellence, and team empowerment amid some of the region’s most prestigious luxury and lifestyle hotels.
David’s extensive career includes key leadership roles at renowned brands such as InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) and Millennium Hotels & Resorts, where his influence has driven transformative change and sustained growth. At IHG, he contributed over a decade, advancing from roles in hotel operations support to heading regional operations for multiple countries, overseeing a broad collection of hotels and spearheading initiatives that enhanced guest experience, employee engagement, and financial performance.
One of David’s remarkable accomplishments includes the launch of the InterContinental Doha The City, successfully leading the pre-opening and establishing the hotel as “one to watch” with inspirational leadership and a strong in-house team. His tactical financial management and focus on team recruitment earned him IHG’s ‘Our People Award’ and AMEA Certificate of Recognition, underscoring his commitment to people development.
During his tenure as Vice President Operations MEA at Millennium and Copthorne Hotels and Resorts, he managed a complex portfolio spanning 30 operational properties and 35 under construction across eight countries generating over $400 million in revenue. He developed and implemented a monthly balanced scorecard system to monitor key performance indicators, significantly enhancing operational transparency and decision-making while fostering improved communication and employee relations.
David’s operational expertise is complemented by his strategic approach to brand development and commercial leadership, overseeing marketing, revenue management, and loyalty programs. His success in Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain included elevating InterContinental Muscat to top-tier guest satisfaction rankings, achieving significant RevPar growth, and embedding training and up-selling initiatives that maximized revenue.
Beyond his technical acumen, David is renowned for cultivating high-performance cultures anchored in service excellence. His leadership catalyzes teams to deliver seamless guest experiences with meticulous attention to detail, driving brand reputation and loyalty among international business and leisure travelers alike.
David Todd’s career is distinguished not only by his achievements in hotel operations and brand stewardship but also by his dedication to mentoring teams and championing quality initiatives. He has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Operations Excellence Award at IHG MEA and the President’s Award EMEA, reflecting his outstanding impact on hotel performance and customer satisfaction.
In a rapidly evolving hospitality landscape, David Todd exemplifies the ideal of a transformative leader, blending operational savvy, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His story is an inspiring example for hospitality professionals aspiring to lead with vision and deliver exceptional value to guests and stakeholders.