IHG Hotels & Resorts has formally opened its new global headquarters in Windsor, U.K.
Having started life as an FTSE-listed company in Windsor in 2003, IHG returns to the historic town for its next chapter after being based for the past 15 years in Denham, Buckinghamshire, U.K.
The building represents not only the company’s global headquarters, but also the head of its Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa region, helping serve an international business that has more than 6,000 hotels across more than 100 countries around the world.
The Windsor One office on Arthur Rd. was opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by IHG CEO Keith Barr, alongside the company’s executive committee members, and special guests Councillor Christine Bateson, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead; Samantha Rayner, councilor for Eton and Castle; and Andrew Johnson, leader for Royal Borough Windsor and Maidenhead council.
Located close to key transport links to London and international airports, the office has 57,000 sq. ft. of space over five floors, with modern meeting rooms and event space, parking, a recording studio and views over Windsor Castle and Eton College.
“We are delighted to be moving back to Windsor, a world-famous and historic location,” said Barr. “It was important for us as a company to move to a space that empowered us to work collaboratively, flexibly and in a way that is truly reflective of today’s evolving workforce. What we have achieved at Windsor One—from the workspace design and digital capabilities, to our connections with the local community—will make our already special company culture even more dynamic.”
A commitment to making a positive impact on its local communities and improving the lives of millions around the world is at the heart of IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow plan to shape the future of responsible travel, together with its partners.
In Windsor, IHG has contracted Good Eating to supply its food and beverage, a company that makes a positive impact to the local community through its commitment to supporting CoFarm, a sustainable development charity. The building’s general contractor, Overbury, also donated its time, advice and materials to the Windsor Homeless project to help with their new base in Windsor’s Alma Road.
Another pillar of IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow plan is the reduction of energy use and carbon emissions in line with climate science, the minimization of waste and the conservation of water. To this end, the company is targeting a gold LEED certification for its global HQ, reflective of IHG’s responsible decisions for the building. This includes a significant reduction in energy consumption, the use of renewable energy, and the sustainable sourcing of furniture, fixtures and equipment.
