Tonya O'Connell
Head of Global Creative Services
IHG Hotels and Resorts
Tonya O’Connell is an award-winning creative leader with over two decades of experience in brand storytelling, content strategy, and integrated marketing. As Head of Global Creative Services at IHG Hotels & Resorts, she oversees a hybrid in-house agency responsible for omni-channel creative across IHG’s Masterbrand, One Rewards loyalty program, and its portfolio of 20 global hotel brands.
Under her leadership, the team delivered the acclaimed “Guest How You Guest” campaign, earning Tonya the title of Atlanta’s Marketer of the Year by the American Marketing Association in 2024.
Prior to IHG, Tonya held executive roles at CreativeDrive and Turner Broadcasting, where she led award-winning campaigns for brands such as Home Depot, Whole Foods, The Closer and The NBA on TNT. Her work has been recognized with Promax Gold, Peabody, and industry-first ratings achievements.
Tonya is a graduate of the University of Georgia and a passionate advocate for creative collaboration. She lives in Atlanta and enjoys visiting her two sons at UGA and spending time with the family rescue dog, Molly.
Under her leadership, the team delivered the acclaimed “Guest How You Guest” campaign, earning Tonya the title of Atlanta’s Marketer of the Year by the American Marketing Association in 2024.
Prior to IHG, Tonya held executive roles at CreativeDrive and Turner Broadcasting, where she led award-winning campaigns for brands such as Home Depot, Whole Foods, The Closer and The NBA on TNT. Her work has been recognized with Promax Gold, Peabody, and industry-first ratings achievements.
Tonya is a graduate of the University of Georgia and a passionate advocate for creative collaboration. She lives in Atlanta and enjoys visiting her two sons at UGA and spending time with the family rescue dog, Molly.