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Hilton has appointed Paul Blackmore as vice president, development UK and Ireland, as the company looks to expand its presence across the region.
Blackmore will take up the role at the start of July, reporting to Nick Smart, vice president development for the UK, Ireland and the Nordics.
He brings more than 20 years’ experience in hotel development and has held senior roles in some of Hilton’s most dynamic global markets.
Since joining Hilton eight years ago, Blackmore has led the architecture, design and construction team in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia Pacific, and most recently Europe, Turkey and North Africa.
His background also includes modular construction, adaptive re-use and hotel conversions, having previously served as managing director at CIMC Modular Building Solutions.
Hilton said the appointment comes during a period of strong growth in the UK and Ireland. Blackmore will be responsible for driving the hotel pipeline and expanding the company’s collection brands, including Curio Collection by Hilton and Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
He will also oversee development in the premium economy segment, following the recent launch of Spark by Hilton.
Smart said: “Paul’s appointment is a sign of our commitment to the UK&I market – a mature market ripe with development opportunity for our portfolio of award-winning brands. Following a successful year last year, we look forward to further building on our momentum, continuing to ensure Hilton is the partner of choice for owners.”
Blackmore added: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for hotel development in the UK&I region. Hilton has had a presence here for more than 60 years, and there is huge potential for us to further grow our portfolio here, bringing new brands to new locations whilst helping owners to achieve the best possible return on investment for their hotels.”
Hilton recently announced the European debut of Tempo by Hilton, a wellness-focused brand, with a new property signed in Belfast city centre.
It will join a growing portfolio in Northern Ireland, including DoubleTree by Hilton Derry, DoubleTree by Hilton Belfast City Ten Square, and The Marcus Hotel Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, all due to open this year.
Hilton currently has more than 200 operating and pipeline hotels in the UK and Ireland, representing 15 of its 24 brands.
