Hutton was selected for the prestigious award because he delivered the most outstanding innovations that give creative momentum to the hotel industry. With such strong credentials to his name, he brings to Hilton Kuala Lumpur a wealth of experience and expertise in the hospitality industry. 

Hutton s appointment coincides with the 1st anniversary of the Hilton Kuala Lumpur this month. Said Hutton,  I m looking forward to Hilton Kuala Lumpur surpassing the international standards and expectations of every guest and visitor who steps into the property. The Hilton Kuala Lumpur is a flagship property for Hilton International. With our highly-skilled personnel, state-of-the-art facilities and an environment unlike any other, we are poised to bring this award-winning property to even greater heights.  

Hutton has forged an outstanding career with the Hilton Group, with the prestigious Noga Hilton Geneva being his first entry point as an F&B Trainee. In making a name for himself, he has now loyally served Hilton hotels around the world for more than 22 years. 

He discovered his hidden passion for music and soul when he became the Manager of Decanter s Piano Bar in Melbourne Hilton, an Executive Lounge catering to upmarket clientele. Encouraged by his guests  enthusiastic feedback, he took a risk and did what was considered out of the norm at that time. 

He hired a range of different evening entertainers and proceeded to conceptualise and launch Decanter s Jazz Club in 1989. His efforts paid off as Decanter s Jazz Club was listed as one of the  top ten jazz clubs in Australia . 

In 1990, Hutton took up the challenge of revitalising Gallery Café, the hotel s residential restaurant, and succeeded in turning the restaurant around - transforming it into a bustling hive of activity that was the talk of the town. It was a total immersion for him, having been fully involved right from the beginning - from the renovations to the restaurant s system, as well as introducing new service styles and menu variations. 

He took his expertise to Sydney Hilton in 1992 to oversee the operations of seven F&B outlets in the hotel. He was instrumental in updating training and induction manuals, formulating business plans and budgets, and personally training staff in service excellence. The outlets flourished under his direction as he pushed forward persistently with innovative, unorthodox marketing and promotional activities. 

After laying down an extremely strong foundation for the outlets in Sydney Hilton, he accepted the challenge to make his home halfway around the world in the UAE in 1994. There, he took up the task of F&B Director of Hilton Abu Dhabi, managing an extensive F&B operation with 13 outlets as well as outside catering. Within two months, he opened four new outlets to cater to the wide gastronomic demands of his well-travelled guests. 

Baynunah Hilton Tower, another property in Abu Dhabi, was opened in 1995 and Hutton played an important role in its development as its F&B Director. He was responsible for both properties in Abu Dhabi at the time. 

A far-sighted professional with a passion for challenge, Hutton broke away from F&B management and ventured into the overall hotel operations in 1996. He successfully managed and supervised the sales, front office and F&B departments, drawing tourists from near and far with his brilliant marketing and promotions activities. 

He continued to gain experience in the operations of Dubai Hilton, UAE, Nile Hilton Cairo, Egypt and Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest, Romania. 

In 2003, he became the General Manager of Kuwait s first integrated business, leisure and lifestyle resort, Kuwait Hilton & Resort. Under his excellent guidance, the property was voted the  Leading Hotel Choice  by Middle East business travellers across the region in the annual 2004 Business Development Research Consultants (BDRC) Middle East Business Guest Survey. 

The announcement coincided with the acclaimed Worldwide Hospitality Awards 2004 which named Hutton as  Best Hotel Manager . 

Besides holding the number one position at Kuwait Hilton & Resort, Hutton was also the Regional F&B Director in 2004 responsible for 14 Hilton properties in the Arabian Peninsula. 

Hutton is married to Lynne and they have three lovely daughters   Stephanie, Alina and Tanwen, aged 10, 3 and 2 respectively. 

Hilton International (HI), an operating division of the UK based Hilton Group plc, owns the rights to the Hilton brand name throughout the world, with the exception of the USA. HI operates 394 hotels, with some 253 branded Hilton, 47 of which under the Hilton Worldwide Resorts, plus 141 under the mid-market Scandic brand. Under a joint venture agreement, Hilton International and the North American based Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) share responsibility for the Conrad brand, which includes 17 hotels in 12 countries. 

Shorbani Roy 
Tel : (65) 6324 2532

www.hiltonworldwide.com