USA, Austin, Texas. October 02, 2018

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the appointment of Joe Bolash to the position of general manager of Hilton Austin. At the helm, Bolash will lead his team in the successful operation of the award-winning 801-room hotel located in downtown Austin.

"I am thrilled to be returning to Austin, and Hilton Austin, at such an exciting time for the hotel and the City of Austin," said Joe Bolash, general manager of Hilton Austin. "This property sits at the epicenter of transformation and development, and I am looking forward to leading this hotel in its continued success."

Austin is experiencing massive growth, and the hotel's efforts to stay relevant in this quickly changing market have been equally massive. Hilton Austin began a more than $36 million transformation initiative in 2016 that included a full renovation of the hotel's lobby, public areas and meeting space, as well as the launch of two new restaurant concepts, a Starbucks® and a flexible event venue. In addition, the hotel will soon complete its exterior make-over with fresh paint, signage, an 1,891 square-foot outdoor terrace and the opening of the 'Hilton Overhead Walkway at 4th', connecting the hotel and its 80,000 square-feet of meeting space directly to the Austin Convention Center.

"As Hilton Austin continues to evolve and thrive in this explosive growth market, we are thrilled to have a seasoned hotel professional in place to lead our team into the future," said Tom Loughlin, area vice president, operations, Hilton. "Joe has a solid track record of delivering great results for our brand, guests and owners, making him an excellent choice for this key position."

Most recently, Bolash served as the general manager of Hilton Granite Park in Plano, Texas where, under his leadership, the hotel received Hilton's 2017 Hotel of Excellence Award. Prior to leading Hilton Granite Park, Bolash held the positon of general manager for DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin where he repositioned the newly renovated asset as a rate leader in its competitive set. During his five years at this hotel, not only was he recognized as GM of the Year, but the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin was the recipient of numerous internal awards including the Care Cup, Crystal Cookie Award and the Genius of "AND" Award for the DoubleTree by Hilton brand.In 1993, Bolash began his career in hospitality as the kitchen manager at The Edinboro Inn & Golf Resort, in Edinboro, PA. He signed on as the food and beverage manager for Embassy Suites Dallas Park Central in 1995, and quickly moved up the ranks serving as the hotel's executive housekeeper, human resources manager and finally, the assistant general manager. Bolash continued to grow his career within the Hilton brand for more than 20 years taking on roles with increasing responsibility with Hilton Pittsburgh and Hilton Austin before accepting his first general manager position with DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Austin.

Bolash holds a bachelor's degree in both English and history of art from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and is an avid fisherman, voracious reader and a skilled cook. He, his wife Melissa, and their three children, Milana, Joey and Zach enjoy travel and exploring new cities.