Chris Walker Appointed SVP, Sales, Americas for The Leading Hotels of The World, Ltd.
Seasoned hospitality executive to lead integrated sales strategy in the Americas
NEW YORK, NY - November 14, 2014 - The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW) today named Chris Walker to the position of SVP, Sales, Americas, based in New York, NY. In this role, Mr. Walker will be responsible for transforming the business development and sales strategies for seven offices in the Americas region. He will link the LHW strategic vision to sales strategy in the Americas, and create innovative initiatives with the goal of enhancing the value created between LHW, member hotels and travel partners.
“Chris's track record for being a strong business leader, strategic thinker, and collaborator will be instrumental in both driving our vision in the Americas and working with our global team and travel partners to ensure consistent services across our over twenty sales offices,” commented Ted Teng, LHW president and chief executive officer.
An accomplished hospitality professional, Mr. Walker joins LHW most recently from Hyatt Hotels where he served as vice president, brand spearheading the strategic positioning for Hyatt's four fastest-growing brands. Directly responsible for business and product development, revenue generation, and customer growth, he successfully positioned the brands in Asia, South America, Europe, and the Middle East. He also launched Hyatt's first co-branded credit card with Chase. Prior to his time at Hyatt, Mr. Walker worked for American Express Travel managing the Fine Hotels & Resorts luxury hotel program for Platinum Card members.
Mr. Walker holds an M.B.A. degree from Harvard Business School and a B.S. degree in Geometrics Engineering from the University of Calgary and will reside with his family in New York.
About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW)
When extraordinary and one-of-a-kind intersect, you have likely found a Leading Hotel. As the largest luxury hotel collection, with more than 430 of the world's greatest properties in over 80 countries, we seek out the exceptional. From grand palaces to intimate city hideaways, from ancient castles to sumptuous safari tent villages, from tropical aeries to mystical paradises, all are utterly unique and boldly independent. Each celebrates the culture of its destination, rather than trying to mask it with corporate-mandated sameness. Established in 1928 by several influential and forward-thinking European hoteliers, it started with 38 initial members. With our eight-decade-long commitment to providing unforgettable, authentic travel experiences, LHW selects only hotels that meet our high standards for quality and distinctiveness. To us, hospitality is not an industry; it's an art…and our passion.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
