LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The board of directors of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation announced today that it has elected Michael O. Hilton as its newest member. Grandson of Conrad N. Hilton, Michael O. Hilton previously served as an intern on the Hilton Foundation’s board of directors and as a member of the Foundation’s Generations in Giving (GIG) committee. He currently serves on the Foundation’s Building Committee.
He has nearly three decades of experience working in the hospitality industry. Currently serving as Vice President-Project Management for Hilton Grand Vacations, Hilton is responsible for the overall management of HGV capital projects, as well as budgeting, planning, design and construction for HGV-branded properties.
“We are pleased to welcome Michael O. Hilton to our board,” said Steven M. Hilton, chairman of the board of directors of the Hilton Foundation. “As a family foundation, having descendants of Conrad Hilton on the board is essential in helping to carry on his philanthropic legacy. Michael’s extensive career in hospitality as well as his deep interest in philanthropy make him an excellent fit for our board of directors.”
Hilton’s background in hospitality management includes various leadership roles throughout industry sectors ranging from franchising operations to gaming development. Prior to joining Hilton Grand Vacations in 2004, Hilton served a 16-year tenure with Hilton Hotels Corporation (now Hilton Worldwide). In that role, Hilton was instrumental in the development and construction for the Flamingo Casino in Kansas City and the Paris Hilton - Las Vegas, and the repositioning of the Reno Hilton’s 100,000 sq. ft. casino and 2,000-room guest tower. Hilton subsequently was responsible for capital improvements to the company-owned hotels throughout the eastern region of the United States; a key highlight of this role included his involvement in a major conversion of the Waldorf Astoria.
Hilton holds Bachelor’s degrees in business administration and creative arts from Rollins College. Hilton is a member of the Industry Liaison Council for Saint Leo University’s International Tourism and Hospitality Management division.
As a family foundation, the board of directors at the Hilton Foundation includes a majority of Hilton family members. Our staff administers our financial and grant-making responsibilities and oversees the Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize.
Michael O. Hilton fills the vacancy left by Eric Hilton, son of Conrad N. Hilton, who passed away on December 10, 2016 at the age of 83. To see a complete list of current board members, please visit our website at www.hiltonfoundation.org/boardofdirectors.
About the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation was created in 1944 by international business pioneer Conrad N. Hilton, who founded Hilton Hotels and left his fortune to help the world’s disadvantaged and vulnerable people. The Foundation currently conducts strategic initiatives in six priority areas: providing safe water, ending chronic homelessness, preventing substance use, helping children affected by HIV and AIDS, supporting transition-age youth in foster care, and extending Conrad Hilton’s support for the work of Catholic Sisters. In addition, following selection by an independent international jury, the Foundation annually awards the $2 million Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize to a nonprofit organization doing extraordinary work to reduce human suffering. In 2016, the Humanitarian Prize was awarded to The Task Force for Global Health, an international, nonprofit organization that works to improve health of people most in need, primarily in developing countries. From its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 billion in grants, distributing $109 million in the U.S. and around the world in 2016. The Foundation’s current assets are approximately $2.6 billion. For more information, please visit www.hiltonfoundation.org.
