Up the ranks: Hilton appoints Lara Hernandez as SVP HR in Asia Pacific

Lara Hernandez, a veteran hospitality executive with two decades of regional and global experience, has joined Hilton’s talent development team as Senior Vice President Human Resource in Asia Pacific.

She will be responsible for overseeing culture and talent development from Hilton’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. She will report to Matt Schuyler, Chief Human Resources Officer, Hilton, and will sit on the Asia Pacific leadership team under Alan Watts.

Hernandez joins Hilton after a 12-year career at IHG, where she most recently served as the Senior Vice President, Commercial and Business Performance for Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa.

She replaces Brendan Toomey who is retiring after a nearly 40-year Hilton career, having helped grow the region to almost 60,000 team members across all properties and corporate offices, and see Hilton become #1 on Great Place to Work’s Best Workplaces in Asia list.

Alan Watts, Area President, Asia Pacific, Hilton, commented: "We are thrilled to welcome Lara onboard the team, to continue spearheading the growth of our award-winning culture here in Asia Pacific. Lara brings with her a diverse and energised perspective and rich global experience, which will be invaluable as we work towards doubling our workforce in Asia Pacific."

Added Hernandez on her mandate: "I look forward to continuing to develop Hilton’s Great Place to Work legacy and support programmes and initiatives that allow team members to thrive both personally and professionally."

Hilton's HR priorities are focused on a robust, purpose-led talent strategy; including building a strong culture, recruiting a more diverse workforce and creating programmes to train, develop and recognise team members at all levels.

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