MCLEAN, Va. – (February 8, 2011) – Hilton Worldwide today announced the appointment of Lee Chipman as managing director of the 351-room Hilton Panama  and 220-room The Panamera, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, scheduled to open in late 2011 as the first Hilton hotel in Panama since the 1980s and first Waldorf Astoria Hotel ever in Latin America.  Lee Chipman will report to Tom Potter, area vice president, South America for Hilton Worldwide, and will oversee operations for these new-build full-service Hilton Worldwide properties in Panama City, Panama.  Chipman most recently served as general manager, Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, where he led a multi-million dollar renovation project.

With more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, Chipman began his career as an assistant restaurant manager in Phoenix, Arizona.  In 1989, he joined Hilton Worldwide as an executive assistant manager at Hilton Anaheim and since then, acted as resident manager at Hilton New Orleans and general manager of Hilton hotels in key destinations such as Phoenix, Boston and Anchorage.

Chipman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Robert Morris College.

About The Panamera, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel Located in the trendy Calle Uruguay section, The Panamera, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel is less than 15 minutes from the international airport and within walking distance of the park on Cinta Costera, as well as the banking and central business district.  Featuring 220 guest rooms and luxury residences, the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Panama will boast an exquisite elegance displayed throughout the hotel’s public areas and accommodations.  The property will feature an array of recreational facilities including a 1,200-square-foot fitness center, a 2,500-square-foot spa and an outdoor swimming pool.  For the perfect meeting environment, the hotel will offer 4,600 square feet of meeting space and a versatile business center where guests can access a variety of services.  More than 9,000 square feet of dining options will complete the scope of amenities at the property.

About Hilton Panama
Situated in Panama City’s financial district, Hilton Panama is just 13 miles from Tocumen International Airport and five miles from the Panama Canal.

The 351 room Hilton Panama will boast an array of recreational facilities including an 8,200 square-foot fitness center, a 10,750 square-foot world-class spa, outdoor terrace swimming pool and a Las Vegas-style casino.

With more than 22,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 7,500 square-foot ballroom, Hilton Panama will be the perfect choice for meetings and events.  Dining options will include an upscale specialty restaurant, a three-meal restaurant with outdoor terrace and ocean views, and lobby bar.

The 27-floor hotel forms part of a 68-floor mixed-use complex with 650,000 square feet of office space.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels.  For 92 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value.  The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands.  Its brands are comprised of more than 3,600 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 82 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations.  The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®.  For more information about the company, visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.