As Australia reopens to the rest of the world, Paul Hutton returns to drive recovery, growth, innovation and sustainability agenda.
Hutton has officially commenced his role as Area Vice President and Head of Australasia at Hilton, Asia Pacific. His appointment marks a return to the region that he led from 2015 to 2017 before relocating to Singapore to take on the role of Head of Southeast Asia for Hilton, which he held for four years.
Hutton brings broad regional, brand and hotel operations experience to this new role and is responsible for the overall stewardship of Hilton's business in the Australasia region and a key member of the company's Asia Pacific senior leadership team. Based in Sydney, he will spearhead Hilton's successful recovery efforts working closely with the company's network of owners and supported by a holistic, on-the-ground operating team and infrastructure.
He oversees 28 operating hotels and a healthy development pipeline of 12 hotels and resorts, with further growth plans to double Hilton's footprint in Australasia in the next five years through an organic growth strategy placing the right brands in the right locations at the right time.
"Australia is home for me, and I am thrilled to return to both my family in Sydney and to lead Hilton's Australasia business," said Hutton.
"My time in Southeast Asia was a period of substantial growth for Hilton, and the learnings and experience I bring from my time there will be of benefit to our significant plans for Australasia this year. We at Hilton believe the desire to travel, experience new cultures and connect with others is core to the human experience. In the coming months, the reopening of Australia's international border for tourists will be a key focus for Hilton. I look forward to working closely with our incredible team members and owners as we continue our recovery journey to usher in an exciting new age of travel for our guests."
"Paul is a Hilton veteran with significant cross-brand and country knowledge which continues to prove himself a cornerstone of our leadership team," said Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
"He was instrumental in overseeing our success in Southeast Asia over the last four years, which included milestones such as launching the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in the region with the opening of exceptional properties in the Maldives and Bangkok. I have every confidence Paul will continue to inspire our team members and drive Hilton to new heights for our guests, owners and communities across Australasia."
