Simon Vincent adds the Middle East and Africa to his Hilton Worldwide responsibilities
Simon Vincent, president, Europe, for Hilton Worldwide, is to expand his geographical reach with a promotion which will add the Middle East and Africa to his responsibilities.
As the company's president of the newly expanded region of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), he will be responsible for 293 hotels with more than 73,000 rooms across 49 countries and will report directly to the company's president and chief executive, Christopher Nassetta.
Vincent's appointment is intended to allow Nassetta the opportunity to concentrate more closely on maximising the performance of the worldwide business.
"EMEA is a diverse and dynamic region on many levels and a key strategic growth area for Hilton Worldwide," explained Vincent, who joined Hilton in 2007 to lead the UK and Ireland business and then went on to oversee to combined Europe and UK region in 2009.
"I am excited by the region's current momentum and its future potential," he added. "This is amply demonstrated by our active pipeline of more than 170 hotels and our plans to open 30 hotels across EMEA in 2012. Our focus will be on recruiting, training and developing great talent to support this growth."
During his time with Hilton, Vincent has overseen the opening of more than 100 hotels across six brands: Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Conrad Hotels and Resorts and Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts
Two major openings in 2012 include the first dual-branded property in the UK, Hilton and Hampton by Hilton at St George's Park, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, developed in partnership with the Football Association.
This year has also seen the launch of three luxury properties in Europe with the opening of the Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Edinburgh, the Conrad Algarve and the Waldorf Astoria Berlin, while the company has signed over 50 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, more than 50 Hilton Garden Inn hotels and more than 50 Hampton by Hilton hotels in Europe since 2007.
Rudi Jagersbacher will remain as the president of the Middle East and Africa, and will report to Vincent.
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By Janet Harmer
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