Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently named Javier Águila incoming group president of the Europe, Africa and Middle East (EAME) region. The executive is set to assume the role in the following upcoming months, a press release reported.
“The Hyatt family is grateful for Peter’s leadership and impact throughout a career that spans almost four decades and three global regions. In his latest role as group president, EAME/SWA, which Peter assumed in 2013, he has presided over operational excellence and unprecedented growth for the region,” Global president of operations, Hyatt, Chuck Floyd, said in the release.
Under his new role, Águila will take over the tasks of former leader Peter Fulton’s retirement following a 39-year tenure at Hyatt.
Known as an internal successor, Águila brings in more than two decades worth of hospitality, tourism, private equity and strategic consulting experience. He previously worked for Apple Leisure Group. He also contributed to ALG’s acquisition of Alua Hotels & Resorts.
“Javier’s appointment is yet another milestone in bringing Hyatt and ALG’s joint vision to life,” Floyd said in the release. “Adding ALG to our portfolio increased Hyatt’s European brand footprint by 60% and I am confident Javier is the ideal candidate to continue the region’s positive trajectory and lead the team to new heights.”
The leadership modification comes as the company prepares for an operational restructure in the region, moving the Indian subcontinent under the leadership of David Udell, group president Asia Pacific, based in Hong Kong.
The hospitality company has reported five consecutive years of net room growth accounting for 113,000 rooms worldwide, which makes up 40% of the company’s total existing room base.