Amex boss to replace Hirst
MICHAEL Hirst, Hilton International's chairman and chief executive and one of the industry's most respected figures, confirmed last week that he is to leave the company in May.
His departure had been widely expected since the end of November when it emerged that Ladbroke was seeking a new chief executive for Hilton (though initially it appeared he might stay on as chairman).
Replacing him will be Tommaso Zanzotto, formerly international president of American Express TravelRelated Services, based in New York. Mr Zanzotto, who worked for Amex for 24 years, joins Hilton at the end of next month.
Last week's statement from Ladbroke said Mr Zanzotto would be joining as chief executive. However, a spokesman admitted his business card would carry the title chairman and chief executive.
Although he has no hotel experience, Mr Zanzotto's career at Amex has greatly involved him in tourism. He was also a founding member of the World Travel & Tourism Council, which numbers the chief executives of most of the world's leading hotel groups as members.
And he will have no shortage of experienced hoteliers to help him at Hilton. His number two on the operations side, chief operating officer John Wilson, joined Ladbroke in 1972, becoming senior vice-president for Europe, Africa and West Asia when Hilton was acquired in 1987.
However, one City analyst questioned whether Mr Zanzotto had the right credentials. What was needed was someone with a strong background in international capital markets who could persuade backers to invest in hotels while giving the management contract to Hilton.
"There is nothing in his CV to suggest he has the necessary background in that field," the analyst added.
Mr Hirst, who is reported to be receiving a £500,000 pay-off, has been linked to a number of high-profile companies in the industry, though to date nothing concrete has transpired.
Speculation over the job of running Forte's hotels has been dampened by the appointment last week of Patrick Copeland, while rumours of a role at Inter-Continental have probably been ruled out by the recently announced restructuring.
"I've got a number of irons in the fire," Mr Hirst told Caterer this week.
No reason has been given for his split from Ladbroke after 18 years, the past four as chairman and chief executive of Hilton, though clearly his position became untenable once it emerged a new chief executive was being headhunted.
Some analysts have suggested he was too closely associated with former Ladbroke chairman Cyril Stein for the liking of new group chief executive Peter George, who has acted quickly to stamp his own mark on the company.
Meanwhile, the man who three months ago was named 1993 Corporate Hotelier of the World, will continue to "be available" to Hilton until 1 May "to assist in ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities" to his successor.
