Hilton chose David Kelly to take over as SVP/operations for mainland Europe, effective January 1. Kelly will succeed Jochem-Jan Sleffer, who will becomes Hilton's area president for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, also in January.
Kelly will oversee the operations of 57 hotels across 26 European countries. A nearly 25-year veteran of the company, he currently works as SVP/operations for Greater China.
At Hilton, Kelly has served in various operations and commercial roles in the United States, Australia and China, most recently helping grow the company’s presence in Greater China. He also helped create a new localized version of the Hilton Garden Inn brand for the Chinese market.
“I am delighted that David is joining the team, bringing with him extensive hospitality operations and strategic leadership experience,” said Simon Vincent, Hilton’s EVP/president for the EMEA region.