Beverly Hills, CA -- Hilton Hotels Corporation yesterday named Matthew Hart, its current president and chief operating officer, to succeed Stephen Bollenbach as chief executive when Bollenbach retires from that position at the end of this year.
Hart will become only the fourth CEO in Hilton's nearly 90-year history.
Hart joined Hilton in 1996 as executive vice president and chief financial officer, and he was named to his current positions in 2004. Prior to joining Hilton, he served as senior vice president and treasurer for the Walt Disney Company, and before that he served as executive vice president and chief financial officer for Host Marriott Corporation.
Hart has been credited with playing a key role in several transactions, including the acquisitions of Bally's Entertainment, Promus Hotel Company, and Hilton International. He was also instrumental in the launch of Hilton's new luxury brand, The Waldorf=Astoria Collection.
Despite stepping down as CEO, Bollenbach will continue as co-chairman of the board and will additionally serve as an employee consultant.
One of the world's largest hotel companies, Hilton owns, manages, or franchises nearly 2,800 hotels in more than 80 countries, under such brands as Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and Homewood Suites.
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