Jochem-Jan Sleiffer, Area President, Middle East, Africa & Turkey (MEA&T), Hilton

Hilton has announced that Jochem-Jan Sleiffer has been appointed to the position of Area President, Middle East, Africa & Turkey (MEA&T) in succession to Rudi Jagersbacher, who has chosen to step down following 40 years of service with Hilton. These changes, effective 1 January 2020, will see Jagersbacher assume a two-year advisory role, based in Dubai, to assist the transition.

Over the last eight years, Jagersbacher has led Hilton through sustained growth in Middle East, Africa and Turkey by more than tripling the number of hotels in the region, by launching four new brands and by entering 12 new countries and territories. Furthermore, under his leadership, Hilton was crowned the #1 Best Place to Work for in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and #3 Best Workplace in the UAE.

Commenting on the news, Simon Vincent, EVP and President Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “During his distinguished career with Hilton, Rudi has made a significant contribution to Hilton and most notably has built long-lasting relationships with owners, investors and partners. Therefore, I’m delighted that he has agreed to remain as an advisor to our business.”

Sleiffer takes on his new position following a three-decade career at Hilton, where he most recently acted as Senior Vice President Operations, Continental Europe, overseeing a portfolio of 57 Hilton-managed hotels across 26 countries and territories. Prior to this, he held a number of leadership roles across Europe, including Belgium, UK, France and Greece.

“Jochem-Jan is a high-performing and experienced leader from within our own ranks, who is well suited to further drive growth in this important region. Furthermore, I am confident that Jochem-Jan will ensure that Hilton continues to deliver both exceptional hospitality for our customers and exceptional returns for our owners,” commented Vincent on Sleiffer’s new role.

Hilton expects to open 158 hotels across the MEA&T region in the next five years, including new markets such as Bahrain, Ghana and Sierra Leone. “As we continue to grow, we are focused on doing so in a way that promotes sustainable travel and tourism. I am proud to help shape the company’s future journey in Middle East, Africa and Turkey, with market-leading brands, an award-winning culture and an incredibly committed team,” Sleiffer commented on his appointment.

Sleiffer will relocate to Dubai in January 2020. Originally from the Netherlands, he is married with one daughter.