Hilton appoints new leader of luxury and lifestyle group

Hilton has named Martin Rinck global head of its luxury and lifestyle group. In his new role, Rinck, who prior to his new role led Hilton's Asia-Pacific business, will be responsible for all strategic development, brand innovation and leadership initiatives for Hilton's luxury hotel portfolio, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts. Rinck will also oversee the continued growth of Hilton’s newest lifestyle brand, Canopy by Hilton.

“We are excited that Martin has agreed to lead our Luxury & Lifestyle Group, and are confident that his industry knowledge, strong leadership skills and extensive hospitality experience will usher in a new chapter for the portfolio,” Jon Witter, chief customer officer at Hilton, said in a statement. “Martin’s deep understanding of two strategically important area—global luxury brands and the Asia Pacific region—make him an ideal choice to continue our momentum.”

The promotion of Rinck suggests that John Vanderslice, who has held the position since 2009, is out. An email sent to Hilton regarding Vanderslice's role was not responded to.

Rinck brings to the role more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. In his more than nine years as area president of Asia-Pacific, he delivered a six-fold increase in hotels, trading and under development, with now more than 600 Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton properties now in region.

“As the fastest growing portfolio in the world, I am excited to build on the opportunity represented by Hilton’s Luxury & Lifestyle brands," Rinck said in a statement. “More than half of our global pipeline of luxury properties reside in the Asia Pacific region, and when you consider the iconic legacy and huge potential of our Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio, this is just the beginning.”

Rinck brings to his new role international leadership experience within the luxury and hospitality industries. Prior to Hilton, Rinck was the EVP and chief development officer EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, where he drove unit growth and was instrumental in the company’s public listing on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.

He has previously served as CEO for Mövenpick Gastronomy International in Switzerland, InterContinental Hotels Group in Europe and the United States and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in Indonesia.

Rinck was born in Hamburg, Germany, and holds an MBA from Brunel University.