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.”

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]