Kristin Thorsteins is Head of Development for France, Türkiye and the CIS at IHG Hotels & Resorts, where she leads strategic growth initiatives across multiple markets and brands. She brings nearly two decades of expertise in international hotel and real estate development and advisory, enriched by a profound commitment to sustainability.

Her journey in hospitality began in her family’s business in Iceland, before expanding her global perspective with roles at HVS in London and Pierre & Vacances in Paris. Then life brought her to Singapore, where she eventually led Development & Asset Management for Club Med in Asia, successfully driving numerous projects and expanding the brand’s footprint across the region.

In 2020, she co-founded Portman Investment Pte Ltd, a strategic advisory firm supporting companies in the hotel, travel, and leisure sectors. Portman also runs an angel investment syndicate focused on sustainable solutions in hospitality and travel.

Kristin also held a leadership role at IWG plc, the global leader in flexible workspaces, where she spearheaded a transformation initiative, adapting hotel industry growth models - such as management contracts and franchising - to traditional commercial real estate.