Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific announced a series of senior advancements in its core leadership team to support its expansion in Asia Pacific.
David Udell (pictured), a 32-year veteran at Hyatt, has been selected as Group President – Asia Pacific. Based in Hong Kong, Udell will oversee all of Hyatt’s activities in the region, which includes 12 countries, over 26,000 associates and a portfolio of brands that currently consists of 61 managed, franchised and owned properties across the region.
Udell will have overall responsibility for the operation of all Hyatt hotels in the region and will lead the Asia Pacific development team – which is charged with increasing the company’s brand presence in key Asia Pacific markets.
Udell’s selection comes as 44-year Hyatt veteran, Larry Tchou, steps into the newly formed position of Senior Advisor – Greater China, based in Hong Kong. Playing a central role to Hyatt’s growth strategy and operations, Tchou will continue to provide advice and guidance to the company – with a focus on development projects and activity in China.
Commenting on the team members he has selected to assist in leading the region, Udell said, “to support the growth of our brands in some of the world’s most vibrant markets, we have assembled a senior leadership team to oversee our operations, brand and commercial strategy, and human resources – which are key to delivering the care and authentic hospitality which is at the heart of our offering”.
Sara Kearney has been selected as Senior Vice President of Operations – Asia Pacific. During her 30-year career at Hyatt, Kearney has held a wide variety of operations, marketing and brand strategy roles. In this new position, Kearney will be responsible for the strategic planning of Hyatt’s direction in the region, overseeing operations and talent development. The selection follows the move of Pete Sears, a 27-year Hyatt veteran, from Asia Pacific to take on the position of Group President, Americas.
Carina Chorengel has been appointed Senior Vice President of Brand and Commercial Strategy, Asia Pacific. Chorengel will support the driving and optimization of hotel revenue streams and devise strategy to enable the speedy ramp up of new hotels. She will also assist hotels with delivering experiences designed for each brand’s target customers. A 25-year career with Hyatt places Chorengel in good stead to steer the team towards capturing guest, associate and owner loyalty and preference.
Katie Carter has been selected as Vice President of Human Resources, Asia Pacific. Carter will focus on leadership and talent development, associate engagement and ensuring that Hyatt’s strong culture of empathy and innovation continues to drive preference among existing and prospective associates. Carter assumes the role from Sharon White, who after 30 years of dedicated service to Hyatt is set to retire by December 2014.
