Latest Appointments Reflect Importance Of Key Growth Market

Dubai, UAE - 26 January 2013 - Hilton Worldwide today underlined its commitment to growth in Saudi Arabia with the announcement of two key appointments to its KSA-based executive team. 

Hospitality industry veteran Mahmoud Mokhtar re-joins Hilton Worldwide as vice president of operations for KSA and Fawaz Moumina is appointed as country director for Human Resources, KSA.  These latest appointments, the most senior for Hilton Worldwide in KSA, is central to the company's strategy to successfully realise company plans to open 16 new hotels in the country within the next four years.

An Egyptian national, Mahmoud Mokhtar will lead all operations across Hilton Worldwide's  KSA hotel portfolio with a key focus to support the company's ambitious business expansion strategy.   Mokhtar brings over 25 years experience to the new role following a broad-ranging operational career in hospitality and hotel management which has taken him from Egypt to U.A.E. as well as USA and Fiji.  He is a former vice president of operations for Hilton Worldwide in Egypt & Levant and, more recently, he served as chief operating officer for a KSA-based Real Estate Investment Company.

Saudi-born Fawaz Moumina will be responsible for all HR disciplines across KSA, with a particular focus on nationalisation and, crucially, the recruitment of more than 10,000 additional team members by 2015.  Previously, Moumina led a number of key HR initiatives with his former KSA-based employer, a global FMCG company, which earned him a worldwide presidential award for his efforts.

Gareth Fox, vice president of Human Resources, Hilton Worldwide, MEA said: "Hilton Worldwide enjoys a proud reputation in KSA and the experience, capability and stature of these two senior executives will be vital as we continue to set standards in quality, service and in developing our people."  

KSA is currently Hilton Worldwide's largest development market with 16 properties in the company's active pipeline across the country from Tabuk in the North West to Al Jubail in the East as well as the capital, Riyadh.  In Makkah alone, the company has six different hotels under development at the landmark Jabal Omar project. 

About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands.  Its brands are comprised of more than 3,900 hotels and 650,000 rooms in 90 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. 

CONTACT:
Elaine Reed
Corporate Communications
Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa
Tel: +971 (0)4 434 5461
Elaine.reed@hilton.com

© Press Release 2013