Name: Rob Palleschi
Title: Global Head
Company, city: Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide; McLean, Va.
Number of employees: 145,000
Recent project: In 2013, Hilton launched the Vacationitis campaign to reach professionals who know the brand from business travel and introduce them to its leisure offerings. The campaign uses playful, workplace-inspired humor to highlight leisure experiences. Travelers can take a short quiz at vacationcarecenter.hilton.com to get a personalized “diagnosis” and a prescription to cure their vacationitis.
First job: Front desk employee at a suburban motor lodge
Little-known fact about you: I am a hotel fitness center snob; I expect ample modern commercial equipment, a positive atmosphere, bright lighting, good air movement and a fresh scent.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: The Hilton brand promise is to make every guest feel cared for, valued and respected.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: As a leading global hotel brand, Hilton stays relevant by thinking ahead and innovating across strategies, products and services. A core part of my role is driving that forward momentum and ensuring we continuously push the boundaries of what our brand offers.
Yardstick of success: Guest feedback — in person, online and via social media — is a primary measure of success. Above all, success means delivering exceptional experiences to every guest around the world.
Rob Palleschi as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? For international travel it’s my passport; I guard it closely. I also pack multiple plugs, power converters, solar chargers and battery packs so my devices never run out of power.
How do you spend your time on board? I adjust my schedule to the destination right away, which often means sleeping on long international flights. I also use quiet time on planes to clear as much work as possible.
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? I can’t pick a single restaurant. The best meals are those shared with family and friends, so wherever I’m with them becomes my favorite.
What is your favorite destination in the world? If it has a beach, it’s a vacation.
About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Three Hilton resorts won awards in our inaugural Leisure Travel Awards. What makes Hilton resorts stand out? Hilton Resorts includes more than 75 resort properties across 28 countries, with additional properties in development. From the Caribe Hilton, the brand’s first international property in 1949, to Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort — an iconic destination since 1961 — Hilton Resorts has set standards for resort hospitality worldwide. Our portfolio focuses on memorable locations, thoughtful amenities and consistently high service that shape guest expectations.
What are Hilton’s expansion plans for 2014 and beyond? Hilton has a robust development pipeline with more than 120 properties. In 2014 and beyond, Hilton Hotels & Resorts planned openings in a variety of destinations including China, Japan, Brazil, Panama, Portugal, Turkey, Mexico and the United States, reflecting the brand’s global growth strategy.
What is the most challenging aspect of appealing to business and upscale travelers? The challenge is balancing the distinct needs of business and leisure guests while delivering consistent excellence. Hilton innovates for business travelers through concepts like the Hilton Connectivity Station, Technology Lounge and smart lobby designs, while also placing hotels and resorts in prime leisure locations. Rolling out these concepts across more properties worldwide is an ongoing and exciting effort.