Hospitality leader Hilton is expanding and strengthening the senior leadership team in the Middle East region.

The group has appointed William Costley as the new vice president operations for the Arabian Peninsula and Turkey. Ben Bengougam, senior vice president Human Resources for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), has also moved from the Europe regional office to be based out of the Middle East & Africa regional (MEA) office in Dubai.

Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Hilton said: “I am very pleased to welcome William to the senior leadership team in the region and to have Ben based here with us in Dubai. This expansion to our MEA regional office is a testament to the rapid growth Hilton is experiencing across the region. I have no doubt that both William and Ben will continue to build on the successes Hilton has experienced to date, in order to deliver a world-class hospitality experience to all of our guests.”

Costley joins Hilton from the APAC region where he served as vice president for South-East Asia and India, overseeing 35 hotels across 11 countries. In overseeing the Arabian Peninsula and Turkey, Costley will have responsibility for the countries where he was appointed to his first general manager roles. A 27-year Hilton career to date has seen William live in many destinations beyond his native Scotland, from England to Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore.

Known for his conceptual thinking and innovative approach, Costley’s Middle East and Turkey experience will be invaluable for him in his new role based in the MEA regional office Dubai.

Bengougam, now based in Dubai, is responsible for leading the Human Resources function across the region, which includes more than 46,000 team members in 57 countries.

Since joining the company in 2010 with a European remit, Ben has facilitated Hilton’s growth by strategically overseeing global processes of recruitment, development and retention of talent. He has since had his responsibilities widened to include the Middle East and Africa.  

Key initiatives launched during Bengougam’s time at Hilton include Careers@Hilton Live, a global initiative that informs young people of the many and varied career opportunities in the hospitality sector.

Hilton Worldwide currently has 456 hotels operating across Europe, Middle East and Africa, with a further 298 in the development pipeline. - TradeArabia News Service