Christopher J. Nassetta is President and Chief Executive Officer for Hilton. In this role, he is responsible for leading the company’s brand-led, network-driven, and platform-enabled strategy for sustainable growth while furthering its founding vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.” Under his direction since 2007, Hilton has expanded to nearly 140 countries and territories while more than doubling its brand portfolio, global property, and room counts.
Previously, Chris was President and Chief Executive Officer of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a position he held since 2000. He joined Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. in 1995 as Executive Vice President and was elected Chief Operating Officer in 1997.
Before joining Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc., Chris co-founded Bailey Capital Corporation in 1991, where he was responsible for the operations of the real estate investment and advisory firm.
Prior to founding Bailey Capital Corporation, he spent seven years at The Oliver Carr Company, ultimately serving as Chief Development Officer. In this role, he was responsible for all development and related activities for one of the largest commercial real estate companies in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Chris serves on multiple boards and organizations including:
- U.S. Travel Association – Former Chairman of the organization representing the travel industry nationally, advocating for policies to increase travel to and within the United States.
- World Travel & Tourism Council – Former Chairman for the organization that works to raise awareness of travel and tourism as one of the world’s largest industries.
- Business Roundtable - At-large Director of the nonprofit whose members develop and advocate directly for policies to promote a thriving U.S. economy and expanded opportunity for all Americans.
- Federal City Council – Member of the non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the improvement of the nation’s capital.
- The Economic Club of Washington, D.C. – Member of the nonprofit that promotes collaboration among business leaders, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps and creates a forum for them to express their views on the most important economic issues of the day.
- Arlington Free Clinic – Supporter of the non-profit, community-based, volunteer-driven organization that is committed to providing access to quality health care services to low-income, uninsured county residents.
- The Real Estate Roundtable – Former Chairman and member of the organization that brings together leaders of the nation’s top public and privately held real estate ownership, development, lending, and management firms with the leaders of major national real estate trade associations to jointly address key national policy issues relating to real estate and the overall economy.
Chris graduated from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce with a degree in finance. He currently serves on the McIntire School of Commerce Advisory Board.