Diversifying ownership is not only better for IHG, it also lifts up our entire industry." Jyoti Sarolia, CEO, Ellis Hospitality, and owner of IHG hotels in California, said: "A program such as IHG LIFT is important to our hotel industry. These efforts help grow our community of owners which should be as diverse as the guests we serve every day. IHG's commitment and focus to make a difference certainly resonates with me as an owner." IHG LIFT is a continuation of the company's ongoing and firm commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), which extends a focus along the hotel lifecycle. This includes increasing the number of diverse suppliers through its EPIC Supplier Diversity Program, and working with architectural, design and construction firms that have DEI commitments within their business. IHG LIFT aims to attract diverse owners that are less represented within the hospitality industry and within IHG's owner community.