TOKYO - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has announced the appointment of Joseph Khairallah as area vice president and head of Japan, Korea, and Micronesia. Based in Tokyo, Khairallah will oversee Hilton’s 32 trading hotels and future pipeline growth, as Hilton expands its regional footprint.
Khairallah takes over the role from Timothy Soper, who over the last 12 years led Hilton through record-breaking growth in Japan, Korea and Micronesia - from nine hotels and two brands in 2012, to 32 hotels and six brands today, with another nine in the pipeline, including two Waldorf Astoria properties.
An industry veteran with over 40 years of experience, Khairallah brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. He previously served as Hilton’s vice president of Operations for North China and was instrumental in expanding the company's presence from 28 to 51 properties. During his tenure, he successfully navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthened the company’s service proposition and guest satisfaction.
Prior to joining Hilton in 2018, Khairallah led Marcus Hotels & Resorts as President and Chief Operating Officer, post a 30-year career across numerous global roles with Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
"Joe brings a wealth of industry experience and a deep understanding of global and regional markets. I am confident that his time-tested leadership skills and passion for exceptional service will bolster Hilton’s enduring commitment to Japan, Korea and Micronesia,” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “We also thank Tim for his many years of service towards growing our regional footprint, leading our high-performing team and developing the hospitality leaders of tomorrow.”
"I am thrilled to embark on this new journey as Hilton’s area vice president and head of Japan, Korea, and Micronesia. Understanding and harnessing the unique cultures and opportunities across this incredible region is pivotal for our continued success in these markets, and I look forward to building on Hilton’s storied legacy and leading our team to new heights," said Joseph Khairallah.
Last year, Hilton celebrated the 60th anniversary of its trading presence in Japan and the 40th anniversary in Korea. The company has also delivered its signature hospitality on the island of Guam for more than 50 years.
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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.