MCLEAN, Va.--Hilton
Worldwide today announced the appointment of Edmond Ip as Chairman,
Greater China. In this new role, Edmond will act as an adviser to
Hilton Worldwide, primarily overseeing all of the company’s operational
interests in Greater China, including implementing a new organizational
structure, assisting in recruiting best-in-class talent, and
aggregating the growth from the numerous hotel openings in the next few
years. Ip will be based between Singapore and Shanghai.
Ip brings with him more than 30 years of expertise in the hospitality
business. He was most recently Non-Executive Director and Chief Adviser
to the Board of the Kosmopolito Hotels International Ltd. Prior to
this, Ip had a more than 10-year career with the Intercontinental
Hotels Group, where he held several positions, including Chief Adviser
for Asia Pacific. Prior to the Intercontinental Hotels Group, Ip held
senior positions in CDL Hotel International and the Thai Wah Group of
Companies, including being the co-founder of Banyan Tree Hotels and
Resorts.
Ip’s career in hospitality began at Hyatt International Corporation in
1973, mainly with a background in Finance. During his tenure there, he
was based in Indonesia, Singapore, London and the company’s Chicago
headquarters. Prior to joining the hospitality industry, Ip was the
Group Chief Accountant for Li Po Chin Group of Companies in Hong Kong,
and Auditor at the then Price Waterhouse in Hong Kong.
“China has become one of Hilton Worldwide’s most important markets
outside the United States. Ip’s extensive 30-year experience in the
hospitality business will be an asset as we chart an accelerated growth
path to increase our trading hotels from 18 to over 100 in the next
five years,” said Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton
Worldwide.
To achieve greater efficiency and effective management, Hilton
Worldwide will also geographically segment its China operations further
into three sub-regions namely the North, Central and South regions.
Guy Hutchinson, currently General Manager of Hilton Shanghai, will
become Regional General Manager for the Northern region. Hutchinson
will relocate to Beijing in his new role. Paul Hutton, currently
General Manager of Hilton Sydney, will assume the position of Regional
General Manager for the Southern region, based out of Hong Kong.
Timothy Soper, Vice President, Operations, will assume responsibility
for the Central region, while at the same time continuing his role as
Head of Operations for China, and will continue to be based in Shanghai.
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 3,700 hotels and 610,000 rooms in 82 countries and include Waldorf
Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton
Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, 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.
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Chairman, Greater China