August 7, 2012 - DoubleTree by Hilton today announced that Kieran Donahue has been named vice president of global brand marketing. In her new role, Donahue will be responsible for the development of long-term, global, market-share-growth strategies and brand marketing initiatives. These will include enhancing owner return on investment by further leveraging the resources of Hilton Worldwide and developing marketing tools and strategies that DoubleTree by Hilton hotels can implement to ensure that the brand continues to be well-positioned for the rapid domestic and international growth it is experiencing.

Donahue has held positions of increasing responsibility with the company during her 11-year tenure with Hilton Worldwide. Most recently, she was senior director of brand marketing for Hilton Hotels & Resorts. In that role, she developed and led an international, multi-faceted and cross-cultural marketing strategy that increased the full-service brand’s global awareness and contributed to its profitability. In addition, she was responsible for establishing award-winning entertainment industry collaborations, including the film Up in the Air, the TV series Hawaii Five-0, the GRAMMY Awards and the Tribeca Film Festival.

Earlier in her career with Hilton Worldwide, Donahue oversaw marketing responsibilities for co-branded credit card initiatives and was instrumental in building global airline partnerships for the highly successful loyalty program, Hilton HHonors.

Donahue has spoken on marketing and branding topics at several industry conferences, including Variety Magazine’s TV & Film Summit. She also has contributed articles to various trade publications including TheJournal of Brand Strategy and Innovation.

“One of the advantages to DoubleTree by Hilton being part of the Hilton Worldwide family is the ability to utilize the company’s incredible depth of talent,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “Kieran brings her success and experience with the Hilton brand and HHonors program which allows us to continue building on the success of the DoubleTree by Hilton brand without skipping a beat. With our rebranding process nearly complete, Kieran will call on her expertise to take advantage of all of the new elements that now are successfully in place. Having just crossed the 300-hotel milestone, the brand is well positioned for continued global growth under her leadership.”

Prior to joining Hilton, Donahue held major marketing positions with MAGIC International and Tricots St. Raphael. Donahue received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

About DoubleTree by Hilton
With a fast-growing global collection of more than 300 contemporary, upscale hotels in gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations across five continents, every little thing we do at DoubleTree by Hilton inspires us to create a rewarding experience for our hotel guests, our team members and the communities we proudly serve. Our hospitality begins with a warm chocolate chip cookie welcome upon arrival and continues with the award-winning Hilton HHonors® guest loyalty program, an array of fine services and amenities and our longstanding CARE Culture tradition that empowers more than 65,000 team members to provide the special comforts and acts of kindness that make the traveller feel human again.

To find out information about any DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, travelers may visit our website at www.DoubleTree.com or contact their preferred travel professional. Social media users may connect with us at www.facebook.com/doubletree, www.twitter.com/doubletree and www.youtube.com/doubletreehotels.  For the latest news, story starters and fact sheets about our brand, reporters and bloggers may visit our DoubleTree by Hilton Global Media Center at www.doubletreebyhiltonglobalmediacenter.com.

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 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has offered business and leisure travellers 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 3,800 hotels and timeshare properties, with 630,000 rooms in 88 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 programme Hilton HHonors®.

Visit www.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.