InterContinental San Diego Names a Food and Beverage Director
InterContinental San Diego has appointed Johann Runarsson director of food and beverage. The 400-room waterfront property sits in downtown San Diego. Runarsson oversees the hotel’s dining outlets, beverage programmes and banquet operations.
The hotel announced the appointment on 6 October 2026. The release carries no effective date and names no reporting line.
What the Role Covers
Runarsson’s stated approach centres on dining that reflects San Diego’s food culture. He also names an internal culture built on team pride and guest satisfaction.
He brings food and beverage asset management experience alongside operational leadership. At Prime Hospitality Group in Hollywood, Florida, he was asset director of food and beverage. That remit covered profitability, culinary concept creation and ownership expectations.
Where He Has Worked
Runarsson was director of food and beverage at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, PGA National Resort & Spa and Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. He opened the JW Marriott Austin in the same role.
He holds degrees in Hotel Management and Food and Beverage Operations from César Ritz Colleges in Switzerland, and a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from Washington State University.
Sourcing From Southern California
Dining programmes under Runarsson will use seasonal and regional ingredients from Southern California growers and suppliers. The hotel states this gives its culinary and beverage teams room to build menus on local flavours.
The Property
InterContinental San Diego holds 400 rooms, including 23 suites, with water and city view rooms and Club-level accommodation. The hotel sits within walking distance of the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway and Seaport Village. The property trades under the InterContinental brand at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Lisa Ares has led the hotel as general manager since July 2026.
Runarsson on the Appointment
“I’m incredibly excited to join the InterContinental San Diego team and return to a city that has always been special to me,” Runarsson said. “I look forward to building the team’s success and creating memorable food and beverage experiences for our guests while bringing San Diego’s diverse food culture into our menus in an authentic way.”
The release lists no outlets under the role, no team size and no banquet covers.