Hilton appoints new boss for Australasia

Hilton appoints new boss for Australasia

Hilton has announced the appointment of Paul Hutton as its new head of Australasia, while Alexandra Murray will take lead the hospitality giant’s Southeast Asian operations.

Both leadership changes will be effective from 1 January 2022, with Hutton to be based in Sydney, and Murray to be based in Singapore.

Alexandra Murray

Hutton (pictured above) will succeed Heidi Kunkel, who has led the Australasia region for Hilton over the past three-and-a-half years. The move represents a return to the Australasia leadership role for Hutton, who has spent the past four years as the company’s regional head of Southeast Asia.

Hilton’s president for the Asia-Pacific region, Alan Watts, said: “As one of our most seasoned hospitality industry veterans, Paul brings broad regional, brand and hotel operations experience to this role.

“He has been instrumental in overseeing the introduction of incredible properties such as Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.

“Paul’s significant cross-brand and country knowledge will be hugely valuable as he returns to his native Australia.”

Murray will transfer from Hilton’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

“Transitioning great talent and sharing best practices around the globe is at the heart of our leadership strategy at Hilton,” Watts said.

“Having previously worked in Asia, and more recently in EMEA, Alex brings a strong track record of excellent commercial and team performance, with over 30 years of experience across various full-service operational and regional commercial leadership roles.”

“I am confident that both Paul and Alex will ensure that Hilton continues to deliver both exceptional hospitality for our customers and exceptional returns for our owners.”

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