The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW) has announced two new appointments with Lauren Alba named as Director, public relations and media partnerships and Chris Walker as SVP, Sales, America.
Lauren Alba – Director, Public Relations and Media Partnerships
Based in the New York headquarters, Lauren Alba will be responsible for leading the LHW global public relations strategy and creating innovative media partnerships to support company’s strategic objectives.
In her capacity, Ms. Alba will create and lead the execution of the global public relations strategy, partnering with regional leaders to adapt it to local markets. She will also work closely with the global marketing teams to develop and activate integrated programs to increase LHW brand awareness among consumers.
“I am thrilled to welcome Lauren to the LHW team, and I am confident that her experience as a digital strategist and public relations expert, combined with her track record for leading highly effective campaigns across luxury travel, food and lifestyle industries, will make her an invaluable candidate to lead the transformation of our integrated PR strategy,” said Shannon Knapp, LHW senior vice president and chief marketing officer.
Ms. Alba is a dynamic public relations and social media professional bringing more than eight years of experience to her role. Most recently Ms. Alba served as senior account supervisor, social media for Coyne PR leading social media initiatives for marquee consumer brands. Prior to that role, she spent nearly four years at American Express in both its Global Advertising and Brand Management and former American Express Publishing (Travel + Leisure, FOOD & WINE, Departures) divisions, spearheading public relations, digital and social media marketing initiatives.
Ms. Alba received her Bachelor of Arts in communication from George Mason University where she studied abroad in Greece and Turkey.
Chris Walker – SVP, Sales, Americas
Based in New York, Mr. Walker will be responsible for transforming the business development and sales strategies for seven offices in the Americas region. He will link the LHW strategic vision to sales strategy in the Americas, and create innovative initiatives with the goal of enhancing the value created between LHW, member hotels and travel partners.
“Chris’s track record for being a strong business leader, strategic thinker, and collaborator will be instrumental in both driving our vision in the Americas and working with our global team and travel partners to ensure consistent services across our over twenty sales offices,” commented Ted Teng, LHW president and chief executive officer.
An accomplished hospitality professional, Mr. Walker joins LHW most recently from Hyatt Hotels where he served as vice president, brand spearheading the strategic positioning for Hyatt’s four fastest-growing brands. Directly responsible for business and product development, revenue generation, and customer growth, he successfully positioned the brands in Asia, South America, Europe, and the Middle East. He also launched Hyatt’s first co-branded credit card with Chase. Prior to his time at Hyatt, Mr. Walker worked for American Express Travel managing the Fine Hotels & Resorts luxury hotel program for Platinum Card members.
Mr. Walker holds an M.B.A. degree from Harvard Business Schooland a B.S. degree in Geometrics Engineering from the University of Calgary and will reside with his family in New York.
