- Hilton has appointed a new cohort of general managers to lead key luxury brand debuts across Asia Pacific.
- The appointments reflect Hilton's sustained growth in its luxury & lifestyle portfolio, with more than 15 new openings and over 250 properties expected across the region.
- These leaders bring a distinct approach to luxury, bringing a focus on cultural connection, partnerships with local creatives and destination-led experiences.
- The growth is driving strong demand for talent, with 200+ senior leadership roles and 400 supervisory positions expected from 2026 openings alone.
- Hilton’s culture and global platform continue to attract leaders seeking to build meaningful careers while shaping distinctive luxury experiences.
SINGAPORE – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has appointed the general managers who will lead some of its most anticipated luxury brand debuts into new markets across Asia Pacific. The group comprises Bernardo de la Garza for NoMad Hilton Singapore, Marlene Poynder for Waldorf Astoria Sydney, Morgan Meredith for the LXR Hotels & Resorts property in Gold Coast, Etienne Dalançon for Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, and Paola Caciolli for Conrad Kuala Lumpur.
The appointments come amid sustained momentum across Hilton’s luxury and lifestyle segment in Asia Pacific. The company has announced plans for more than 15 openings, eight of which are new brand entries to new markets in 2026, adding to a trading estate of more than 170 luxury and lifestyle hotels with over 80 more in the pipeline. Hilton is now on track to exceed 250 luxury and lifestyle properties across Asia Pacific in the coming years. This growth is creating significant demand for talent, with this year’s openings alone projected to create more than 200 senior leadership positions and 400 supervisory roles.
Each of the general managers will play a defining role in shaping how their brands are expressed in gateway cities across Asia Pacific. They are cultural curators with a sharp instinct for what resonates — forging partnerships with local artists and tastemakers and deeply embedding a destination's character into the guest experience.
Increasingly, leaders with this vision of hospitality are drawn to organizations that give them the platform to bring it to life. Recognized by Great Place to Work as Asia’s Best Workplace and the World’s Best Workplace, Hilton continues to attract hoteliers seeking a platform to shape culture and leave a lasting mark on the destinations they serve. Just as importantly, it is an environment that actively supports their growth as they evolve, take on new opportunities and build meaningful, impactful careers across Hilton’s fast-growing portfolio.
"Launching a luxury hotel today is about far more than opening a beautiful building. It's about creating a sense of place, building meaningful connections with the local community, and crafting experiences that guests simply can't find anywhere else. The leaders joining our portfolio each bring a distinctive perspective on luxury hospitality, combining creative leadership with cultural fluency to shape hotels that are truly connected to their destinations. Supported by Hilton's world-class culture and global network, they have the platform to inspire exceptional teams and deliver experiences that define the next chapter of luxury hospitality," said Candice D'Cruz, vice president, Hilton Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific.
Bernardo de la Garza - NoMad Hilton Singapore
NoMad Hilton Singapore is set to open late 2026, marking the brand’s debut in Asia Pacific. The hotel will embody NoMad’s signature approach to luxury hospitality, featuring three distinctive dining and bar concepts plus a poolside lounge to deliver immersive dining and cocktail experiences across the 19-storey property.
Bernardo brings over 18 years of international hospitality experience across luxury and lifestyle brands, with senior leadership roles encompassing Six Senses, Hyatt Hotels, and Accor, and most recently as general manager at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. Bernardo’s hospitality leadership and deep expertise will be instrumental as NoMad prepares to launch its Singapore site as a flagship destination in Asia.
Marlene Poynder - Waldorf Astoria Sydney
Waldorf Astoria Sydney will make its Australian debut in 2027 at the iconic Circular Quay. The hotel will feature panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Sydney Harbour, with Australian art and First Nations influence woven throughout its interiors to reinforce a distinctly Australian identity.
For Malene Poynder, the appointment is a special homecoming as she returns to the city where her journey in luxury hospitality began. She has spent more than 30 years building a remarkable career in some of the world’s most celebrated luxury hotels. Her leadership has been defined by a philosophy that places craftsmanship, emotional connection and people development at the heart of great hospitality.
Morgan Meredith — Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Hilton’s luxury expansion in Australia extends beyond Sydney. The Imperial Hotel Gold Coast will join LXR Hotels & Resorts in early 2027, introducing the brand to Australia following an extensive renovation of the former Palazzo Versace. Set on the Southport Spit, the hotel combines neoclassical architecture with Italian-inspired interiors, and features direct access to the Gold Coast Broadwater, bringing LXR’s signature blend of luxury and local character to one of the country’s premier leisure destinations.
Leading the hotel through its transformation is Morgan Meredith, who brings more than 15 years of luxury hospitality experience across Asia Pacific. Recognized as a Young Tourism Leader by Queensland's tourism industry, Morgan has established herself as a rising force in hospitality, combining local insight, operational rigor, and global perspective. Most recently, she led a luxury hotel in Jakarta through a full repositioning and reopening, with earlier leadership roles at properties in Kyoto, Niseko, and the Gold Coast. Her career began with senior front office roles at Hilton Sydney, making her return to both the Gold Coast and the Hilton family especially meaningful.
Etienne Dalançon – Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur
Every Waldorf Astoria is designed to reflect a distinct sense of place. At Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, that story begins with the building itself. The former Hotel Istana sits in the heart of the city’s prestigious Golden Triangle district, and its next chapter will bring the Waldorf Astoria brand to Malaysia for the first time when it opens in late 2026, with the building’s heritage and Malaysia’s rich artistic history shaping the hotel’s identity.
Leading its launch is Etienne Dalançon, who joins from Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi where under his leadership, the resort earned a Forbes Travel Guide five-star ranking, recognition in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, and a coveted place on Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice list. Fluent in English, French and Japanese, and holding permanent residency in China, he brings a multicultural instinct that shapes how he builds teams and curates guest experiences.
Paola Caciolli – Conrad Kuala Lumpur
Conrad Kuala Lumpur will open in late 2026, just blocks away in the Golden Triangle district, as the brand’s first property in Malaysia. The hotel draws on Kuala Lumpur's tin-mining history to inform its interiors and artistic identity, with contemporary artworks by mainly Malaysian artists set to feature throughout the property. Through its dining, design, and guest experience, the property reflects the city’s rich cultural depth across Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences.
At its helm is Paola Caciolli, who brings more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience across Asia and Europe. A sinologist fluent in Mandarin, she studied Political Sciences in Italy with a specialization in Asian studies and won a scholarship from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study in Beijing in 1999. Her cross-cultural background proved invaluable when she later opened Waldorf Astoria Beijing. She has since taken on senior leadership positions across Hilton’s luxury portfolio, and built a stellar track record in pre-openings, brand positioning, and team development.
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FAQ: Behind the Brand Debuts: The Leaders Shaping Hilton’s Newest Luxury Hotels in Asia Pacific
They will lead the opening of NoMad Hilton Singapore, Waldorf Astoria Sydney, Imperial Hotel Gold Coast, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur and Conrad Kuala Lumpur - bringing iconic luxury brands to new markets across Asia Pacific. From local art and design to dining concepts and cultural partnerships, each property has been designed to celebrate the unique character and heritage of its location.
These leaders will oversee some of Hilton's most anticipated luxury brand debuts and first-in-market openings across Asia Pacific, helping shape how each brand is brought to life in a new destination.
Luxury leaders are increasingly expected to be cultural curators, building connections with local communities, shaping a strong sense of place and creating experiences that reflect the destination.
With more than 15 openings planned and over 80 hotels in the pipeline, Hilton's expanding luxury & lifestyle portfolio is creating new opportunities for hospitality professionals across Asia Pacific.
Hilton is investing in leadership development, career mobility and dedicated talent programmes to prepare future leaders for a rapidly growing luxury & lifestyle portfolio across Asia Pacific.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 28 world-class brands comprising more than 9,400 properties and nearly 1.4 million rooms, in 144 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 260 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
The largest of the Hilton Luxury Brand portfolio with 51 properties across five continents, Conrad Hotels & Resorts creates a seamless connection between bold design, impactful experiences and curated contemporary art to inspire the conscientious traveler. Conrad is a place where guests are empowered to explore through intuitive service and experiences that authentically connect them with each destination. This commitment comes to life through the brand’s 1/3/5 program, offering exclusive 1-, 3- and 5-hour experiences that showcase each property’s culture, adventure and local essence, allowing guests to deepen their connection to the destination. In addition to its award-winning hotel offerings, the brand also features an expanding residential portfolio combining sophisticated design, best-in-class amenities and purposeful service in sought-after destinations. Experience Conrad Hotels & Resorts by booking at conradhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Conrad Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/conradhotels, and follow the brand on Instagram and X.
About LXR Hotels & Resorts
LXR Hotels & Resorts is a growing collection of over 40 trading and pipeline luxury properties that celebrate the timeless pursuit of personal adventure. Found in the world's most alluring destinations, each hand-selected property boasts its own storied past and is infused with the essence of its distinctive locale, providing a luxurious hub for the discerning adventurer. As part of its commitment to enriching the guest experience, LXR Hotels & Resorts celebrates experiential travel with the Pursuit of Adventure, a new brand signature that immerses guests in authentic, curated experiences that reflect the unique culture and character of each destination. LXR Hotels & Resorts is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Each property benefits from the strength of the Hilton enterprise and its award-winning Hilton Honors program. Experience an inspiring stay at LXR Hotels & Resorts by booking at lxrhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about LXR Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/lxr and follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook.
About NoMad Hotels
Grounded in the idea of the hotel as a great home layered with stories and animated by the collective spirit of its inhabitants, NoMad Hotels are a vision of an artfully-lived life. At the heart of each NoMad Hotel are its signature restaurants and bars, which celebrate the dynamic interplay between grand and intimate, classical and colloquial, offering festive moments of revelry alongside quiet meals that nourish the soul. Each experience reflects the season, the location and the gracious, creative talent of the NoMad team. NoMad London, the brand's first luxury hotel bookable under Hilton's portfolio, takes residence in Covent Garden’s historic Bow Street Magistrates’ Court. As part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company, NoMad Hotels invites guests to experience a world of timeless elegance and unique character. Experience an unforgettable stay by booking at Hilton.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of 40 iconic properties, each embodying a distinct sense of place through sincerely elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. The highly anticipated reopening of Waldorf Astoria New York marked a defining moment for the brand - reintroducing a legend while ushering in a new era of luxury. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, the famous Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand’s world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on X and Instagram.