Hilton has announced an expanded commitment to hire 20,000 veterans, military spouses and caregivers by 2020, building on the 10,000 hires made between 2013 and 2016. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to support those who have served and their families.
Hilton joins other hospitality employers such as Hyatt and InterContinental Hotels Group in recruiting veterans and their spouses. Employers in the hospitality industry value the discipline, teamwork, leadership and customer-service skills veterans develop during military service, which translate naturally to hotel and resort roles.
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“Military veterans and their families have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and we are strongly committed to ensuring they have great jobs when they return home from service,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton. Nassetta noted the company’s long-standing connection to the military, citing founder Conrad Hilton’s service and the valuable contributions veteran team members bring to the company.
The expanded hiring pledge is part of Hilton’s Operation: Opportunity program, a comprehensive effort to assist U.S. veterans and their families. Operation: Opportunity focuses on providing flexibility and continuity for military households, helping to accommodate deployments and relocations while maintaining career progress.
Hilton has developed a range of resources and programs to help veteran hires succeed in their careers. Offerings include reserve pay benefits for reservists called to duty, customized development plans, internship opportunities, hands-on on-the-job training and a dedicated Veteran Team Member Resource Group that provides mentorship and community.
Beyond hiring, Hilton is also supporting veterans through benefits that ease the transition to civilian employment. The company plans to donate Hilton Honors points so veterans can use free stays while they look for work, attend training or pursue certifications—either with Hilton or elsewhere in the industry. These practical supports are designed to reduce barriers veterans often face when seeking employment and career development.
By combining targeted hiring goals with supportive programs and benefits, Hilton aims to create meaningful, stable career pathways for veterans, spouses and caregivers. The company’s approach highlights how large employers can leverage resources to recruit, retain and develop military talent in ways that benefit both veterans and the broader hospitality workforce.