MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the appointment of Kellyn Smith Kenny as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Effective January 29, 2018, Kenny will oversee the enterprise marketing strategy for the world's most recognizable hospitality company and its portfolio of 14 industry-leading brands. She will also lead a high-performing team delivering creative marketing programs focusing on building meaningful relationships with guests.
"The iconic Hilton brand is already recognized globally as the gold standard for hospitality," said Jon Witter, Chief Customer Officer. "With Kellyn as our new marketing leader, we are excited to embark on the next chapter of our journey to build stronger direct relationships with our guests."
Kenny brings to Hilton unique cross-industry and strategic marketing expertise developed in consumer, competitive, and service-focused executive roles. As Vice President, Marketing at Uber, she led interdisciplinary marketing for the company's most significant markets in the U.S. and Canada. As Senior Vice President, Marketing at Capital One, Kenny led marketing and brand strategy for the Consumer Banking division. While at Microsoft, she oversaw consumer-facing and retail marketing efforts in various store, consumer, and B2B roles.
"Hilton's global brand portfolio and strong sense of purpose truly sets the company apart," said Kellyn Smith Kenny. "I am looking forward to being part of the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the success of the business, and am proud to be joining a team of industry-leading marketing professionals. Together, we will bring to life the exceptional experiences being delivered around the world on behalf of Hilton's owners and guests."
Kenny holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern, and a BA (Economics) from Colgate University. She will be based in Hilton's global headquarters in McLean, Virginia and report directly to Jon Witter, Chief Customer Officer.
