Minor Hotels Strengthens its Global Expansion Strategy with a Key Appointment in North America

^{▼ Genna Panagopoulos, Vice President of Development, North America, Minor Hotels}

November 18, 2025 – Minor Hotels, announces the appointment of Genna Panagopoulos as Vice President of Development for North America. Genna is a seasoned hospitality executive with over 14 years of experience in hotel investment and development, with a proven track record in finance, brand strategy, and business development.

Genna joins Minor Hotels from IHG, where she played a key role in Luxury & Lifestyle brand development and growth across the Americas. Her experience spans feasibility, development, and brand positioning, contributing to the expansion of brands such as InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Regent, Kimpton, and Vignette Collection. This diverse background positions her well to help drive Minor Hotels’ expansion ambitions across North America.

In her new role, Genna will lead initiatives to secure new franchise and management agreements across Minor Hotels’ diverse brand portfolio. As part of its strategic vision, Minor Hotels is expanding its franchise platform into North America to accelerate growth and offer greater flexibility to hotel owners and developers.

Minor Hotels is a global hotel owner and operator with over 640* properties in 59 countries. Genna will lead development strategies for the group’s portfolio, which includes renowned brands such as Anantara Hotels & Resorts, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection Hotels & Resorts, nhow Hotels & Resorts, Avani Hotels & Resorts, Colbert Collection, NH Hotels & Resorts, and iStay by NH. Her remit spans all market segments—from urban hotels and resorts to branded residences—ensuring a cohesive and strategic approach to expansion.

“Genna’s appointment marks a significant step in our growth journey across North America and Canada. Her extensive experience in hotel development and deep understanding of the luxury and lifestyle segments within the asset light model will enhance our ability to build long-term partnerships with owners and investors in the region”, said Laia Lahoz, Chief Assets and Development Officer at Minor Hotels Europe & Americas.

The strategic addition reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in key new territories, including the United States and Canada, while leveraging the strong brand recognition it already enjoys in major feeder markets. This appointment supports Minor Hotels’ ambitious plan to grow its portfolio to 850 hotels by 2027, strengthening its presence across both mature and emerging markets.

Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 640* hotels, resorts, and branded residences across 59 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognizes its guests through one unified loyalty program, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

*Property count includes operating properties as well as committed developments through ownership, joint ventures, signed leases and management agreements.