Hilton named former American Hotel & Lodging Association President and CEO Katherine Lugar as the company's executive vice president of corporate affairs beginning in April.
Lugar will oversee the company's communications, government affairs, and environmental, social and governance functions in her new role, serving on the company's executive committee and reporting directly to Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta. She most recently served as CEO of the American Beverage Association and has a history in various lobbying roles.
"I’ve known Katherine for many years and long admired her unique ability to drive business results through effective policy dialogue and storytelling," Nassetta said in the news release announcing the hiring. "As we look ahead to the next golden age of travel, Katherine will play a pivotal role in shaping our narrative with our most critical constituencies and advocating for what is in the best interest of our guests, team members, owners and communities. She’s a seasoned industry leader and widely respected on Capitol Hill and around the world. I have no doubt she will continue her track record of creating meaningful impact in her new role with Hilton."
Lugar left AHLA in 2018 for the American Beverage Association. She worked with AHLA for five years and was lauded by the organization — the hotel industry's top lobbying group — at the time of her departure for leading "a major transformation" and tripling its membership and revenue.
She was succeeded in the top role at AHLA by Chip Rogers, who is still with the association.
Editor’s note: Chris Nassetta serves on the board of directors for Hotel News Now’s parent company, CoStar Group.
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