MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton (NYSE:HLT) has named Katherine Lugar as executive vice president of corporate affairs, effective April 2023. She most recently served as CEO of the American Beverage Association (ABA) and prior to ABA was the president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA). Hilton's corporate affairs department includes the communications, government affairs and ESG functions globally for the company. Lugar will report to Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton, and serve as a member of the executive committee.
"I’ve known Katherine for many years and long admired her unique ability to drive business results through effective policy dialogue and storytelling. As we look ahead to the next golden age of travel, Katherine will play a pivotal role in shaping our narrative with our most critical constituencies and advocating for what is in the best interest of our guests, team members, owners and communities. She’s a seasoned industry leader and widely respected on Capitol Hill and around the world. I have no doubt she will continue her track record of creating meaningful impact in her new role with Hilton," said Nassetta.
"I am honored to join the Hilton team, a company I have long respected for its guest-centric approach to creating exceptional travel experiences and award-winning workplace culture," said Lugar. "As both a veteran of the industry and proud Hilton Honors member, I believe deeply in the transformative power travel can have on the world and look forward to building on the profound impact Hilton has already had over its more than 100-year history. There has never been a better time to work with this world class team as we elevate Hilton’s role in defining the future of travel.”
In addition to her leadership roles at ABA and AHLA, Lugar previously served as the Retail Industry Leaders Association’s (RILA) executive vice president of public affairs, where she ran a number of successful, high-profile issue campaigns. Prior to RILA, Lugar led government relations for Travelers Insurance, served as vice president of legislative and political affairs at the National Retail Federation (NRF) and worked on Capitol Hill. Katherine currently serves on the boards of the Bipartisan Policy Center, the US Chamber of Commerce and So Others Might Eat (SOME), and recently concluded her service on the Board of Directors of Watermark Lodging Trust (WLT) as well as the Chair of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private sector funder of pediatric cancer research. She has been recognized by the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine and The Hill for her influence on policy in the nation’s capital.
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.