Kirk Kinsell, president of InterContinental Hotels Group's operations in the Americas, will become CEO of Loews Hotels & Resorts in March 2015,

the company announced on Tuesday. Current Loews CEO Paul Whetsell, who has served in the position since January 2012, will shift to the position of Loews' vice chairman when Kinsell comes on board. Kinsell has more than 35 years of experience in the hotel industry, 19 of those in senior positions at IHG.