Business

Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta Talks Trade and Fixing Company Culture

The hotel chain’s growth comes from developing new units, not milking existing ones.

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By Jason Kelly and Carol A Massar

July 26, 2019 at 12:01 AM EDT

Corrected

July 26, 2019 at 4:30 PM EDT

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This article is part of the July 29, 2019 issue of businessweek.

The Hilton CEO knew he wanted to work in hotels early, he tells Carol Massar and Jason Kelly. Acting on his dad’s advice to learn a business “from behind the walls,” Chris Nassetta’s first job was at a Holiday Inn plunging toilets. “You don’t forget those things.”

● Joined Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. in 2007 as president and CEO after 10 years with Host Hotels and Resorts
● Oversaw Hilton’s move to Virginia, from Beverly Hills, in late 2009
● The 100-year-old company has added 86% more rooms globally during his tenure