Abhijay Sandilya

Abhijay Sandilya joined IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2016 and has been Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia and Chief Executive Officer, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan since 2021. Based in Tokyo, Abhijay is responsible for the strategic growth, performance and operations of IHG in Japan, Guam, Saipan and Palau.  

Abhijay leads a high-performing team responsible for close to 90 open and pipeline hotels across Japan & Micronesia, driving growth, performance across the region. Under his leadership, since 2020, the team has nearly tripled the number of open and pipeline hotels in Japan, significantly expanded IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, introduced flagship brands such as Six Senses and Regent, successfully returned Holiday Inn to Tokyo and Kyoto, and secured milestone developments including a new-build triple brand hotel in Osaka all while delivering record revenues and performance under his leadership.  

Previously as Vice President of Development for IHG’s Japan, Australasia & Pacific region, he delivered the Group’s biggest signings and openings growth on record in the region including the world’s first voco and Vignette Collection hotels.  

Before joining IHG, Abhijay was Director of Development Planning AMEA for Whitbread PLC in Singapore, where he led the investment analysis and feasibility team for the region. He also worked for the Jumeirah Group in Dubai as Director of Development, Middle East, Africa and South Asia. 

Abhijay has worked in eight countries and holds a Master’s degree from Erasmus University’s Rotterdam School of Management.