Hilton appointed Talene Lanuza Staab as global head of Tru by Hilton. Effective March 11, Staab will serve as the chief strategist for Tru, overseeing the brand’s product and service positioning, distribution strategies and owner relations.
“Since we welcomed our first Tru in 2017, we have opened more than 50 properties across the United States and currently have more than 300 hotels in the pipeline,” Bill Duncan, global head, all suites, focused services and owner relations at Hilton, said in a statement. “With such an aggressive development strategy, we knew we needed a leader with both extensive brand-management experience and an excellent reputation within the owner community. Talene’s background made her the perfect fit, and we could not be more excited to continue on this incredible trajectory with her at the helm.”
Staab, a 25-year Hilton veteran, brings to Tru a blend of hospitality experience spanning owner relations, sales, brand-performance support and brand development. As VP, owner experience and engagement, Staab oversaw the team responsible for advancing overall owner value and satisfaction, building a best-in-class experience for Hilton’s owner community. Previously, Staab served as senior director, BPS – Canopy by Hilton, where she focused on the brand’s development and was instrumental in advancing its service and hospitality culture.
“This truly is Hilton’s most dynamic year yet,” Staab said in a statement. “I could not be more proud and grateful to be leading one of our most innovative brands as we celebrate 100 years of hospitality. Together with the Tru team, I am excited to continue bringing the unprecedented Tru experience to more and more guests during this unique time in our history.”
Staab holds a bachelor’s degree in hotel and business administration from the University of New Hampshire. She is based in Hilton's global headquarters in McLean, Va., and reports directly to Duncan.
Alexandra Jaritz accepted the newly created role of SVP, focused service brand management (APAC), where she now leads the positioning of Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton brands in the Asia Pacific region, including China. Jaritz is based in Singapore and continues to report directly to Duncan. As the previous global head of Tru by Hilton, Jaritz led the creation and launch of the Tru brand.