Tributes have been pouring in for Anthony Harris, chief executive of Hilton International, who died this week of cancer after a short illness. He was 47.
David Michels, chief executive of Hilton Group, whose partnership with Harris goes back 25 years, said: "I am greatly saddened by the death of Anthony, who was both a friend and a colleague. He made a major contribution to Hilton and the hotel industry as a whole and will be sadly missed."
Grant Hearn, chief executive of Travelodge Little Chef and former president of Hilton UK and Ireland, described Harris's death as "a tragedy". "He was an inspirational leader and mentor who guided me in many decisions," he said. "The world is a much sadder place for his loss." Bob Cotton, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, added that Harris would be missed for his indomitable style and presence. "He had a very personal style and did things his way. He was not a grey-suited corporate man."
At the International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin, where Michels had been due to speak but cancelled following the news of Harris's death, there was a mood of disbelief. "I have seen people in tears," said Michael Hirst, former chairman and chief executive of Hilton International. "David Michels may have had the big industry persona but Anthony was always behind him, running the guts of the machine."
Melvin Gold, managing director of hotel consultancy services at PKF, said: "He didn't seek the limelight. He just wanted to operate hotels to a high standard and drive profit."
Paul Slattery, director of Otus & Co, added: "Anthony's partnership with David Michels was amongst the most powerful in the whole world."
Harris was appointed chief executive of Hilton International and joined the board of Hilton Group in June 2000. He joined Hilton International in March 1999 as managing director for the UK and Ireland and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2000.
Immediately before joining Hilton, Harris was deputy chief executive and managing director of Stakis, later taken over by Ladbroke Group which became Hilton Group. His career with Hilton International dates back to the 1980s, when he worked at both the Tel Aviv Hilton and the Cavalieri Hilton in Rome. His career also included a five-year stint with luxury Italian hotel group Ciga, which was later acquired by ITT Sheraton (now Starwood Hotels & Resorts). He was approached in the early 1990s to be chief executive of Thistle Hotels after Robert Peel left, but turned down the opportunity.
Harris, who spoke Hebrew and Italian, was well known for his dapper style and taste in expensive Italian suits. He leaves a wife, Jackie, and three children.
By Jenny Webster