Hilton Hotels, Hilton International, and Conrad Hotels announced plans to have up to 50 Conrad Hotels by 2010.
To lead the initiative, the companies appointed 30-year hotel industry veteran Dieter Huckestein chairman and CEO of Conrad Hotels and president of the Hilton Global Alliance.
A joint venture of Hilton Hotels Corporation (HHC) and Hilton International, Conrad currently has 17 world-class luxury hotels and resorts operating in the United States, England, Ireland, Belgium, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Australia and Uruguay. The first new-build Conrad in North America opened in Miami in 2004. New Conrad Hotels are scheduled to open in Tokyo and Phuket in 2005, in Las Vegas and Indianapolis in 2006, and in Dubai in 2007.
As it has been in the past, growth of the Conrad brand will go through securing management contracts. Plans for new Conrad Hotels, both in major U.S. cities and gateway business and resort destinations around the world, are in various stages of discussion.
In his new role, Mr. Huckestein, 61, formerly executive vice president and president, owned and managed hotel operations for HHC, will be responsible for all operations, marketing and development of Conrad Hotels on a worldwide basis, reporting to the Conrad Board of Directors. He also will be responsible for operational aspects of HHC’s strategic alliance with Hilton International, reporting in that capacity to Matthew J. Hart, HHC president and chief operating officer. Operations of HHC’s owned and managed hotels will be consolidated under Mr. Hart.
“This move represents our commitment to building on the outstanding reputation Conrad Hotels have achieved for the finest service and accommodations, and competing aggressively in the luxury market worldwide,” said Stephen F. Bollenbach, HHC co-chairman and CEO. “With Conrad’s existing track record, and the interest we have seen from developers for future projects, we are optimistic that we can achieve our goal to have 50 Conrad Hotels by 2010. Dieter Huckestein’s 30 years in the hotel industry, his accomplishments as an executive with our company, and his international experience — which includes 15 years with Hilton International — make him uniquely qualified to take on this important new assignment.”
“I welcome Dieter’s appointment which signals our joint determination to increase Conrad’s presence in the international marketplace,” said David Michels, CEO of Hilton Group plc, the parent company of Hilton International. “There is, I believe, a growing demand for the high quality and excellent service which are the hallmark of Conrad Hotels, and foresee steady expansion over the next few years.”
murdok | Breaking eBusiness News
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