Commenting on the appointment, Anthony Harris, Chief Executive of Hilton International, said 'Hilton's depth in management gives us the opportunity to promote Wolfgang Neumann to this key role for Hilton International.'

'Wolfgang has been with Hilton for over 18 years, and brings with him a broad spread of experience, encompassing hands-on management in several European territories, through regional development right up to long-term strategic planning.  He represents perfectly the depth of experience and capability of the management professionals that exist within Hilton International.'

After joining Hilton in 1984, spending much of his early time with the company in New York, Wolfgang transferred to Hilton UK & Ireland as Assistant Director of Training and Development.  After transferring to Brussels in 1992, Wolfgang spent time managing Hilton hotels in London, Paris and Frankfurt, before being promoted to Vice President for the Belgium, Netherlands and Germany regions in 1999. He was promoted to his current position in 2001, where he orchestrated the successful integration of the Scandic brand into the Hilton International family.

Born in 1962, Wolfgang was educated at, amongst others, the College of Hotel and Restaurant Management in Salzburg.  He reads and speaks fluent English, French, German and Dutch, and is married with two daughters.

Wolfgang takes up the position vacated by Grant Hearn, who will be moving on from Hilton to become Chief Executive of Travelodge.

Hilton International, an operating division of Hilton Group plc, owns the rights to the Hilton brand name throughout the world, with the exception of the USA.