New General Managers for Hilton Hotels in Asia

Hilton International has announced three senior manager appointments for Asia; Ralph Werner joins the company as pre-opening General Manager for the new Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa with John Burger assuming his position as Hotel Manager for the Hilton Gyeonju. In Japan, Hidehiko Yamaguchi joins as Hotel Manager for Hilton Odawara Resort and Spa.

“Hilton International has plans to open 15 Hilton-branded properties in the Asia Pacific region this year alone. I am delighted that our approach to grooming internal team members has been successful and I have every confidence that this talented team will thrive in some of the most challenging posts within the Hilton group,” said Hilton International President Middle East and Asia Pacific, Mr Koos Klein. 

As pre-opening General Manager for Hilton Cebu Resort and Spa, Ralph Wehner will be responsible for building a new team, branding and the successful launch of the new resort. Ralph comes to the position with more than 30 years experience in the hotel industry including nine years with Hilton International. The 250 room resort on prime beach frontage is scheduled to open late 2004.

With almost two decades’ experience in the hospitality industry, John Burger looks forward to his first assignment as a hotel manager. “This is a great opportunity to further develop the Gyeongju Hilton as the ultimate luxury hideaway in a destination where the most precious Shilla dynasty history and treasures are found,” he said. Prior to his assignment at the Gyeongju Hilton, John held the position of Director of Business Development at the Hilton Hanoi Opera, where he succeeded in making the property the number one choice in Hanoi.

Mr Hidehiko Yamaguchi has worked with Hilton International for most of his professional life and comes to the position with a strong background in Sales and Marketing. This will be his first assignment as Hotel Manager with the first Hilton Worldwide Resort to be established in Japan. Prior to his new assignment at the Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa, Hidehiko held the position of Director of Business Development at the Hilton Nagoya.