SHANGHAI, April 18, 2017– Hilton (NYSE: HLT) has named Qian Jin as the company's first area president for Greater China and Mongolia. It comes at a time when Hilton prepares to celebrate its 100th hotel opening in Greater China, with more than 230 hotels in the pipeline.
Beginning this week, Qian Jin brings with him extensive experience in the hospitality industry, having most recently served as president of Wanda Hotels & Resorts, one of Hilton's largest owners in Greater China. He reports to Martin Rinck, area president of Asia Pacific Hilton, and serves on the regional executive committee.
"It gives me great pleasure to welcome Qian Jin, one of the hospitality industry's great leaders in Asia Pacific," said Rinck. "The elevation of this position to area president recognizes the rapid growth we have achieved in recent years and our future intentions, as we embark on an exciting new chapter in our history in Greater China and Mongolia."
Hilton's goal is to be the hospitality company of choice for Chinese travellers, when staying both domestically and overseas. With six brands already trading in market, it will soon add several more as it builds out its portfolio. This is at a time when Chinese outbound travel is anticipated to exceed more than 100m by 2021, from 68.7m in 2016*.
"In the months and years ahead we will be creating thousands of new jobs in Greater China, while needing many more Chinese speaking Team Members to serve guests travelling internationally," added Rinck. "Our focus is on attracting the very best people and Qian Jin is the latest addition to, and now leader of, a world class group of talent in the expanding Hilton team."
A Chinese native, Qian Jin studied in Australia and has worked in Fiji, Malaysia and Singapore. Spending the majority of his career at Starwood, he ultimately became president for Greater China, before taking on his most recent position at Wanda.
Based in Shanghai, he will now be responsible for taking Hilton forward in what is already the company's second largest market in terms of hotels open and under development.
"I was attracted by the scale of Hilton's ambitions, and its value system and clear vision to be the world's leading hospitality company," said Qian Jin. "More specifically, I share Hilton's enthusiasm for China and look forward to helping drive the commitment to creating heartfelt experiences for guests, meaningful opportunities for Team Members and high value for owners."
Qian Jin's appointment comes after several key additions to Hilton's Greater China leadership team in recent months, all of whom are native Chinese. He will replace outgoing senior vice president of Greater China and Mongolia, Bruce McKenzie, who is retiring after a distinguished career in the industry.
*Source: Future of Outbound Travel in Asia Pacific (2016 to 2021) report by Mastercard
