InterContinental Hotels Group

Jan Smits is the chief executive of InterContinental Hotels Group or IHG in Asia. The London-listed company is one of the world's largest hoteliers and has big expansion plans, specifically for India.

In the next two decades the South Asian nation will have one of the fastest growing travel and tourism industries. Jan and his team are looking to capitalise on this with 150 new hotels planning to open. The correct strategy will be crucial if IHG are to grow.

That's why Jan escapes from his boardroom in Singapore in order to work with his frontline hotel staff in India. He practices on the front desk, works with housekeeping, hangs out with students and graduate trainees. Jan wants to understand more about the marketplace, his workforce and how their hotels appeal to local consumers.
Along the way, Jan Smits has a number of eye-opening moments. He comes up with some new strategies to make his business work better and some invaluable insights into the Indian hospitality sector.