MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Guy Hutchinson as president, Middle East & Africa, effective early 2024. Hutchinson returns to Hilton after nearly a decade, having served as both COO and CEO at Abu Dhabi based Rotana Hotels & Resorts. Hutchinson's previous experience includes 16 years at Hilton, spanning across the Middle East, Europe, Japan, China, Australia, and India, where he served as vice president of operations until 2014.
The appointment comes following the sudden passing of Jochem-Jan (JJ) Sleiffer in April 2023. JJ contributed over 33 years of dedicated service to Hilton, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of fostering culture, driving growth, and achieving outstanding performance within Hilton's European and Middle East & Africa markets. Assuming his new responsibilities in early 2024, Hutchinson will be based at Hilton's Regional Office in Dubai and report to Simon Vincent CBE, EVP & president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton.
Simon Vincent said, “Finding the right individual to propel our Middle East & Africa region forward has been of the utmost importance as we considered this pivotal leadership position. Guy brings regional operations expertise, genuine passion for hospitality, and a leadership style aligned with our Hilton culture. Amidst a period of unparalleled growth and performance in MEA, under Guy’s leadership I am confident we will continue to build on the significant momentum achieved in the region.”
Guy Hutchinson said, “I am delighted to return to Hilton to lead the Middle East & Africa region and continue the incredible work that my friend JJ spearheaded. I started my career with Hilton in Amsterdam and have always admired this iconic hospitality brand and its superb culture. I look forward to leading Hilton’s next chapter in MEA and working with a team known for delivering incredible guest experiences and best-in-class results.”
Hilton currently has a presence of 285 hotels, either operational or under development, across the Middle East & Africa region, encompassing 11 distinct brands. In 2023, the company opened several new hotels, including Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort and Hilton Kinshasa, and secured new agreements that will usher Hilton's renowned hospitality to destinations such as Ghana, Nigeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. With a workforce exceeding 29,000 team members throughout the region, Hilton takes pride in its acclaimed workplace culture, consistently ranking among the top "Great Places to Work" rankings in the Middle East for the past several years.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,300 properties and over 1.25 million rooms, in 138 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No.1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. 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 200 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.