MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today named Martin Rinck as Global Head, Luxury & Lifestyle Group. In his new role, Rinck will be responsible for all strategic development, brand innovation and leadership initiatives for the world’s fastest growing luxury hotel portfolio, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts. Rinck will also oversee the continued growth of Hilton’s newest lifestyle brand, Canopy by Hilton.

“We are excited that Martin has agreed to lead our Luxury & Lifestyle Group, and are confident that his industry knowledge, strong leadership skills and extensive hospitality experience will usher in a new chapter for the portfolio,” said Jon Witter, Chief Customer Officer, Hilton. “Martin’s deep understanding of two strategically important areas – global luxury brands and the Asia Pacific region – make him an ideal choice to continue our momentum.”

Rinck brings to the role more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently leading Hilton’s Asia Pacific business. In his more than nine years as Area President, he delivered a six-fold increase in hotels, trading and under development, with now more than 600 Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton properties now in region.

“As the fastest growing portfolio in the world, I am excited to build on the opportunity represented by Hilton’s Luxury & Lifestyle brands, said Martin Rinck, global head, Luxury & Lifestyle Group. “More than half of our global pipeline of luxury properties reside in the Asia Pacific region, and when you consider the iconic legacy and huge potential of our Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, this is just the beginning.”

Rinck brings to his new role significant international leadership experience within the luxury and hospitality industries. Prior to Hilton, Rinck was the executive vice president and chief development officer EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, where he drove significant unit growth and was instrumental in the company’s public listing on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.

He has previously served as chief executive officer for Mövenpick Gastronomy International in Switzerland, InterContinental Hotels Group in Europe and the United States, and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Indonesia.

Rinck was born in Hamburg, Germany, and holds an MBA from Brunel University.