The Hilton Group has appointed Ian Carter, an executive with Black and Decker, as the new ceo of Hilton International Hotels.
Mr Carter, 43, will take up his new role on February 1, 2005. He replaces Anthony Harris who died early in 2003.
Mr Carter, president of Black and Decker EMEA, also previously worked for General Electric. He has no experience of the hotel trade.
On his appointment, Mr Carter said: “Clearly, the industry has faced some real challenges in the past few years, but I hope to be able to bring a fresh look to the business whilst at the same time continuing to build upon the strengths already in place.”
He will join the Hilton Group board and report to David Michels, group ceo, who said Mr Carter “will bring a new dimension to the hotels business with different, but complementary skills which are very focussed on product innovation, quality and value.
“I am confident that his particular strengths and objectivity will play an important role as the recovery of our sector continues".
Hilton International is the UK-based operating division of the Hilton Group and owns rights to the Hilton brand outside of the United States.
It operates 405 properties with 263 branded Hilton, 47 of which come under the Hilton Worldwide Resorts brand, plus 142 under the mid-market Scandic brand.
Under a joint venture agreement, Hilton International and Hilton Hotels Corporation, which operates the brand in the USA, share responsibility for the Conrad Hotels which include 17 luxury hotels in 12 countries.