IHG CTO Daniel Blanchard announces retirement after four decades in information tech

Daniel Blanchard is leaving IHG Hotels & Resorts, which has 19 hotel brands and the loyalty programme IHG One Rewards, having this week announced his retirement.

In a LinkedIn post, Blanchard, who has also worked at Marriott International and Delta Air Lines, said: “Following an engaging career spanning almost four decades in information technology, I am happy to announce my retirement effective 31st March.”

“For the last six years, I have been privileged to serve as Chief Technology Officer for IHG Hotels & Resorts and to work alongside some of the most talented and dedicated professionals in the hospitality industry. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to IHG’s growth and success, and I leave with sincere appreciation for the colleagues, mentors, and friends who have made this journey so fulfilling. I’m excited to see how technology continues to evolve and be a differentiator for IHG in the future.”

He added: “As I reflect on my full career, the thoughts that come to mind are the people. People who have supported me from one company to the next, people who have nudged me to take risks and stretch for higher goals, and tremendous leaders who are more like forces of nature than mere mortals.”

“To all of you, I thank you. The moments of friendship and camaraderie are the most cherished memories I will take with me. I feel truly blessed to have been on this journey with you. Looking forward to what’s next and grateful for the relationships built over the years.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Loyalty programmes will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards will open for entries in April. They celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.