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Hilton Announces New Leadership in Asia Pacific

2017-09-27 14:00 3565

Alan Watts to Oversee Hilton's Asia Pacific Growth Strategy as New Area President

MCLEAN, Va. and SINGAPORE, Sept. 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilton (NYSE:HLT) today announced that Alan Watts has been appointed to the position of Executive Vice President & President, Asia Pacific (APAC). In his new role, effective January 1, 2018, Watts will oversee the operations of more than 200 Hilton properties across the region, as well as the company's pipeline of more than 375 hotels. Watts will be reporting to Hilton's President & Chief Executive Officer, Christopher J. Nassetta, and serve as a member of the executive committee.

Hilton Appointed Alan Watts as Executive Vice President & President, Asia Pacific.
Hilton Appointed Alan Watts as Executive Vice President & President, Asia Pacific.

Watts takes over the role from Martin Rinck, who over the last nine years led Hilton through historical growth in APAC and helped position the Hilton portfolio of brands as best in class in the region. During his tenure at Hilton, the organization launched several of its award-winning brands including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton, and pursued an ambitious growth strategy that has led to more than 100 trading hotels in China alone. Rinck has long planned to relocate to join his family in Canada, and Watts' transition into the role will allow him to pursue potential other opportunities at Hilton.

"Hilton's mission is to be the most hospitable company in the world, everywhere our guests want to be. With more destinations than ever before in Asia Pacific, we are well on our way to achieving that, thanks to Martin's outstanding leadership," said Christopher J. Nassetta. "We are incredibly fortunate to now have Alan Watts, who has established himself as an experienced and high-performing leader in the region, to pilot Hilton's APAC journey from here. I am confident that Alan will use his expertise to deliver superior performance for our hotel owners and investors, and further drive growth."

"I'm excited to be joining Hilton at such a pivotal time for the company in the APAC region," said Watts. "I look forward to leading the team to ensure that Hilton continues to deliver the exceptional hospitality the company is known for all over the world. With market-leading growth and high-performing brands, there is no better time to be at Hilton, and I am incredibly proud to help shape the company's APAC journey."

Watts joins Hilton after an esteemed two-decade career at IHG, where he most recently acted as Chief Operating Officer for IHG's Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) region. He was responsible for the company's operations in 280 hotels across six brands and 40 countries and territories, including bringing to life the group's substantial pipeline and brand introductions.

Having spent his entire career in the APAC market, with a number of senior leadership roles, Watts is well known and benefits from vast experience. Originally from New Zealand, he is married with two daughters.

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, with a portfolio of 14 world-class brands comprising more than 5,000 properties with more than 825,000 rooms in 103 countries and territories. Hilton is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world's most hospitable company by delivering exceptional experiences -- every hotel, every guest, every time. The company's portfolio includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by HiltonTM, DoubleTree by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by HiltonTM, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton Honors. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose exactly how many Points to combine with money, an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information and connect with Hilton on FacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagram and YouTube

CONTACTS:

Katrina Jones
+1 703 883 6615
katrina.jones@hilton.com

Jules Kerby
+65 6833 9762
jules.kerby@hilton.com

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170927/1952674-1

Source: Hilton
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