In his own words, he was "a casual jogger, a big swimmer and a miserable golfer."

In the words of others, he was warm, sincere and friendly to a fault, someone who remained the same no matter where he was on the corporate ladder — either working in the kitchen or sitting in the president's chair.

(ENLARGE)

Stevan Porter

BUSINESS Latest Headlines: Delta flight to Atlanta diverted to Chattanooga  Lenox Square adds 6 new stores, Italian restaurant  ASA furloughs 56 more pilots  St. Joseph's, United Healthcare contract may end  Invesco picked to help revive 'toxic asset' market  • More business news • Business photo galleries

Stevan Porter, the former president of the Americas region of InterContinental Hotels Group — the company that owns the Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo and InterContinental Hotel brands — was an icon in the hospitality industry.

"Steve was a terrific guy, an incredibly warm person," said Abe Schear, a partner in the Atlanta office of Arnall Golden Gregory. "Those who worked with him were taken by his passion for the hotel industry and for people in general."

Porter, 53, died late Thursday at his home in Los Angeles.

The cause of death has not been released.

Porter, who came to IHG in 2001 as chief operating officer for the Americas and quickly took the helm of the division as president the next year, stepped down from the post in mid-July. Though IHG is based in England, 70 percent of the company's revenues come from the Americas unit, which includes the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean.

Richard Solomons, IHG's finance director, was appointed interim Americas region president.

IHG spokeswoman Francie Schulwolf said during a conference call Friday that the company will look inside and outside for Porter's replacement.

"Steve was an outstanding individual," Schulwolf said. "A man of complete integrity and one of the leading hoteliers of his generation, he was enthusiastic and passionate in everything he did. He was, in every sense, a real 'people person' and felt as comfortable in the break room as he did in the boardroom."

Tim Mescon, president of Columbus State University, said he got to know Porter well over the years when both were active with the American Cancer Society. Mescon was always impressed by how much Porter knew about individual hotels under IHG's umbrella.

"I would say to Steve, 'I'm here at one of your properties in Bucharest,' and he would say, 'Oh yeah, I know that property,' " Mescon said, adding that Porter was always on the road visiting properties. "I was astounded at his knowledge of his network. There are very few [chief executive officers] who are as universally revered as Steve Porter."

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Porter was a graduate of Miami University in Ohio and received his master's of business administration from Xavier University.

A 32-year veteran of the hospitality industry, he began his career at the Stouffer Hotels in 1976 and also worked for Hilton Hotels Corp. His first job was selling soft drinks at Ohio State football games at age 14.

He is survived by his wife, Francey, and their two sons, Charlie and Steve. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or Miami University.