MCLEAN, Va., December 5, 2012--Hilton Worldwide today announced the appointment of Kathryn Beiser as executive vice president of corporate communications. Beginning on December 3, she will oversee external and internal communications and corporate responsibility globally. She will report to Hilton Worldwide’s president and chief executive officer, Christopher J. Nassetta, and join the company’s executive committee.

Beiser joins Hilton Worldwide from Discover Financial Services, a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services, where she was vice president of corporate communications. Prior to joining Discover in 2006, Beiser spent 20 years working at some of the world’s leading public relations agencies, including Burson-Marsteller, GolinHarris and Hill and Knowlton. Beiser will be based at Hilton Worldwide’s global headquarters in McLean, Va.

“As the world’s fastest growing major hotel company, Hilton Worldwide has an outstanding story to tell and many successes to communicate, and Kathy is exactly the right leader to ensure those messages are delivered strategically and effectively,” said Nassetta. “We conducted an extensive search for this position, and Kathy emerged as an exceptional candidate with a great range of professional experiences in her background. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team.”

About Kathryn Beiser
Most recently, Beiser served as vice president of corporate communications for Discover Financial Services. In this role, she was responsible for internal and external communications, executive communications, issues management, corporate responsibility and reputation strategy. She was also a member of the company's management committee and diversity and inclusion advisory board.

Previously, Beiser was a managing director of Burson-Marsteller’s corporate practice, where she was responsible for agency business development and served as a senior communications counselor to a number of companies across a broad range of industries. For eight years, Beiser ran one of the firm’s largest accounts worldwide.

Beiser holds a B.A. in Political Science from Northwestern University and an M.S. in Journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern. Additionally, she is a Trustee of the Institute for Public Relations and a member of The Seminar and The Arthur W. Page Society.

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is a 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 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 3,900 hotels and timeshare properties, with 640,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories 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®. 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.