CHICAGO–(May 3, 2017)–Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced Kathy Krenger as vice president of global communications, effective May 15. Krenger will be responsible for Hyatt’s communications strategy and media relations, along with internal and brand communications. She will report to Maryam Banikarim, executive vice president and global chief marketing officer. Krenger was previously a General Manager at Daniel J. Edelman, one of the largest global communications firms.

“It is clear to us that Kathy possesses the leadership, entrepreneurial thinking and global perspective required to elevate communications and build a state-of-the-art function within Hyatt,” said Banikarim. “We are first and foremost a people business – Kathy’s impressive depth of expertise will be critical in engaging our more than 110,000 colleagues and cultivating meaningful relationships with our targeted high-end travelers worldwide.”

Krenger spent more than a decade at Edelman where she advised some of the world’s leading consumer brands. She was responsible for building two specialty agencies, the most recent of which focused on providing global clients with deeper expertise in areas such as strategy and creative, consumer engagement, digital communications, policy, corporate reputation, issues management, insights and analytics.

She brings to Hyatt more than 25 years of expertise across the travel and tourism, food and beverage and hospitality industries. Her previous experience includes roles at Burson-Marsteller, Kellogg’s, Six Flags and Ticketmaster. The position at Hyatt returns Krenger to her roots – early in her career she spent three years as a public relations assistant manager in Hyatt’s corporate office.

“I am humbled and excited to be rejoining the Hyatt family at this important and transformative moment in the company’s history,” said Krenger. “I am drawn to Hyatt’s purpose-driven culture and look forward to working with the team to build on Hyatt’s legacy and help drive its global portfolio of vibrant brands.”

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and/or one or more of its affiliates.