He most recently served as director-franchise development for the company�s western region. He reports to Bill Fortier, senior vice president-franchise development in Hilton�s franchise hotel group.

Francois is responsible for the development of Hilton franchise products, including Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites by Hilton, within the western region of the United States.

�With his vast experience in franchise hotel development, strategic planning and contract negotiations, Greg is the ideal candidate for this position,� said Thomas Keltner, executive vice president-Hilton Hotels Corp. and president-franchise hotel group.

Francois began his Hilton career in 1966 at The Beverly Hilton, where he held several positions while attending a local university. In 1971, he relocated to Hilton�s corporate offices in Beverly Hills as a financial analyst.

Subsequently, he was named project manager with responsibility for overseeing completion of more than 20 hotels and later moved to franchise operations as vice president of franchise development. In 1988, Francois increased his responsibilities within western region development, overseeing operational aspects of 33 franchise hotels with more than 8,000 guest rooms at the time.

A native of Antwerp, Belgium, Francois earned a degree in finance from California State University, Northridge, in Southern California.

Hilton Hotels Corp. is recognized internationally as a preeminent hospitality company. The company develops, owns, manages or franchises 1,800 hotels, resorts and vacation ownership properties. 

Its portfolio includes many of the world�s best known and most highly regarded hotel brands, including Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Harrison Conference Centers, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites, Red Lion Hotels & Inns and Conrad International.