The Leading Hotels of the World Appoints Chris Walker as Senior Vice President Global Sales
The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd, a collection of more than 400 independent, luxury hotels in over 80 destinations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Walker to the position of Senior Vice President, Global Sales, effective as of July 11, 2019. Walker will be based in Leading Hotels’ New York headquarters and will report directly to Interim CEO Shannon Knapp.
As Senior Vice President, Global Sales, Walker will be responsible for leading the global sales organization and strategy across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. He will be focused on ensuring alignment across the more than 20 sales locations throughout the world to drive maximum impact for Leading Hotels’ members and the company’s global client base.
“Running a vibrant and successful sales organization has, and will continue to be, a priority for Leading Hotels. As a company with a nine-decade long history, identifying opportunities where we can invest and innovate is essential,” said Shannon Knapp, Interim CEO, The Leading Hotels of the World. “The creation of the position of Senior Vice President, Global Sales is transformative to the organization and will promote ongoing effective collaboration between our outstanding hoteliers, clients and employees. I am delighted to have Chris in this important leadership position. He is a skilled and dynamic leader with a wealth of experience in hospitality, sales and marketing. He will be an asset to Leading Hotels and ensure our organization continues to deliver premium service to our hoteliers and partners.”
Walker’s appointment is a return to Leading Hotels, where he previously spent four years serving as Senior Vice President, Sales-Americas. In this role, Walker was responsible for streamlining sales efforts while driving double digit annual hotel revenue growth within some of the company’s largest offices. He oversaw technology implementations to increase sales efficiency and process redesign to enhance relationships with hoteliers and critical sales accounts.
Walker brings more than 20 years of hospitality and marketing experience, starting his career at Hyatt. There he held various positions within the organization, including Vice President of Brand Experience for four of Hyatt’s brands, and Director of Partner Marketing. Walker also held positions at American Express in their Service Delivery Network and Consumer Travel Network leading Fine Hotels & Resorts, American Express' Luxury Hotel program for Premium Card members.
Effective September 13, 2019, Philip Ho will step down from his position as Senior Vice President, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Ho has served as a passionate people leader at Leading Hotels over the past ten years, guiding his team in growing revenue from Asia Pacific by 150 percent since 2010 and from Europe and the Middle East by 75 percent since 2013. Ho has also been instrumental in driving growth for member hotels from emerging markets specifically mainland China, India and the Middle East. Ho will work closely with Walker over the next eight weeks to create a seamless transition for the organization.
“I am excited by Leading Hotels’ future vision and believe there is incredible potential for growth,” said Chris Walker, Senior Vice President, Global Sales, The Leading Hotels of the World. “I look forward to continuing to build on the momentum set in motion by Philip and working closely with Shannon to meet the company’s growth aspirations. Rejoining the company allows me to continue working with the most incredible hoteliers in the world and with the passionate and committed team at Leading Hotels.”
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About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (Leading Hotels)
Comprised of more than 400 hotels in over 80 countries, Leading Hotels is a collection of uncommon luxury hotels. Rooted in the locations in which they are found, members embody the very essence of their destination. Through varied styles of architecture and design and distinct cultural experiences enhanced by passionate people, the collection is for the curious traveler looking for their next discovery. Established in 1928 by several influential and forward-thinking European hoteliers, Leading Hotels has a nine-decade-long commitment to providing remarkable, authentic travel experiences. The company selects only hotels that meet its high standards for quality and distinctiveness, resulting in a curated portfolio of hotels united not by what makes them the same, but the details that make them different. Leaders Club is the company’s exclusive tiered guest loyalty program, consisting of like-minded travelers seeking uncommon travel experiences. The program provides its members with personalized service and exclusive travel benefits to enhance their stays at any Leading Hotel around the world. For more information visit:
www.lhw.com, Facebook at
www.Facebook.com/LeadingHotels, Twitter at
www.twitter.com/LeadingHotels and Instagram
@leadinghotelsoftheworld
