HYATT has appointed Stephen Ho as its new Group President, Asia Pacific – starting from January 1, 2027. David Udell, who has led the region since 2014, will retire and continue with Hyatt as a Senior Advisor focused on developing future hospitality leaders and supporting the company.
Udell joined Hyatt in Singapore in 1982 as a corporate management trainee. His career included food and beverage leadership positions across Asia, serving as the first General Manager of Park Hyatt Tokyo and later as General Manager of Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, and regional and global operations roles.
As Group President, Asia Pacific, Udell helped expand the Park Hyatt brand across the region and advance Hyatt’s luxury business.
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“David’s leadership has been instrumental in the tremendous growth of our Asia Pacific region and the commercial success Hyatt has achieved across its markets,” said Mark Hoplamazian, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt.
“His strategic vision, deep relationships with owners and commitment to our colleagues and guests have strengthened our business and helped position us for continued growth. We are profoundly grateful for his more than four decades of contributions and delighted he will continue to support our teams as Senior Advisor.”
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Ho has a 40-year career in hospitality leadership and currently serves as President, Greater China and Growth, Asia Pacific. Before joining Hyatt in 2018, he served as President, Asia Pacific, for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and CEO, Greater China, for Marriott International. At Hyatt, he has led the Greater China business and supported the company’s growth priorities across Asia Pacific.
“I am honoured to lead Hyatt’s Asia Pacific team, following David, who has set such a strong foundation for the region,” Ho said. “With our great team and the momentum we’ve built, we’ll create new opportunities for our colleagues, owners, guests and communities.”
Hyatt’s statement added that a successor Ho’s current role would be announced at a later date.
