Move Supports Plan to Accelerate Growth in the Region
CHICAGO, IL, 2018-Mar-19 — /Travel PR News/ — Hyatt Hotels Corporation (Hyatt) today announced the appointment of Stephen Ho as President – Greater China, Global Operations, in line with plans to accelerate growth in Greater China.
Effective April 16, 2018, Stephen will be responsible for the growth and operations of the hotel network, talent development and owner relations in the Greater China region. He will also refine and reinforce Hyatt’s China outbound strategy from a commercial and operations perspective.
Prior to joining Hyatt, Stephen was Chief Executive Officer, Greater China Region at Marriott International, Inc., where he oversaw all hotels in operation and under construction in the region. He was Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ Asia Pacific President from 2012 to 2016, and winner of the prestigious CNBC Travel Business Leader Award (TBLA) 2014 in recognition of his leadership excellence.
“China has been identified as one of the key priorities for Hyatt. We see great opportunities as it continues to rise as a global economic power and as the Chinese increase travel both domestically and globally,” said David Udell, Group President — Asia Pacific. “With over 35 years of experience in managing all aspects of hotel operations and development, and an intimate knowledge of Greater China, Stephen is the ideal leader for our Greater China region to boost Hyatt’s overall development and to bolster our strategy to better cater to the Chinese market globally.”
Since the establishment of the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Greater China in 1969, Hyatt has become a favorable choice for premium business and leisure travelers. Hyatt currently operates 50 properties across seven brands in Greater China, and plans to open around 60 hotels in Greater China in the next three years.
“There is a growing consumer demand in China, and people are crossing countries and continents with increased frequency,” said Chuck Floyd, Global President of Operations. “The growth in outbound Chinese travellers will be the biggest driver of global travel expansion over the next decade, and Stephen will spearhead our efforts to cater to this growth, whether they’re traveling domestically or going abroad.”
“I am very excited to join Hyatt, a company I have admired for many years. Hyatt has strong global consumer recognition and loyalty across all its brands. It is the trend setter and the undisputed leader when it comes to stylish accommodations, innovative food and beverage offerings, and creative meeting solutions. Furthermore, Hyatt’s expansion in Greater China and better addressing the needs of Chinese travelers has become a global priority,” Ho said. “Hyatt has built a strong brand reputation by focusing on quality and service. Together with the established leadership team, we intend to continue Hyatt’s journey of excellence and bring the company’s brand presence in Greater China to the next level.”
A native of Singapore and a permanent Hong Kong resident, fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Fujian, Stephen enjoys running, hiking and travelling. He completed his MBA with University of Ottawa. Due to his strong interest in Eastern philosophy, he also completed a Master Degree in Buddhism in Hong Kong University in 2012. Stephen began his extensive hospitality career in 1981. Since then, he has served in a variety of roles across multiple functions and geographies, including Brunei, Auckland, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Okinawa, Singapore, Dhaka and Beijing.
The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 14 premier brands. As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s portfolio included more than 700 properties in more than 50 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top colleagues, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Andaz®, Hyatt Centric®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Hyatt Residence Club® and exhale® brand names. For more information about Hyatt Hotels Corporation, please visit www.hyatt.com.
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CONTACT:
Karen Chung
(+852) 2768 1271
karen.chung@hyatt.com
SOURCE: Hyatt Corporation