Hilton’s president of UK and Ireland to retire

Hilton’s president of UK and Ireland, Howard Friedman, is to retire after 17 years at the company.

The role will be filled in January by Simon Vincent, who resigned today as chief executive of on-line travel booking agent Opodo.

A Hilton spokesman said: “He brings a strong commercial awareness to the role and his experience at Opodo and Thomas Cook is very relevant to our company.”

Ian Carter, Hilton chief executive of international operations, added: "I am delighted to welcome Simon to Hilton, he brings broad international experience, across online and offline retail, tour operating and airline businesses within the leisure sector.”

Vincent, 43, will oversee the group’s aims of delivering a strong pipeline of new hotels and introduction of new US Hilton brands into the UK & Ireland.

Friedman is planning to return to the USA with his family.

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Hilton corporate website >>

By Emily Manson

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