Hilton has announced the appointment of Jochem-Jan Sleiffer as Area President for the Middle East, Africa & Turkey (MEA&T) region, effective 1 January 2020. He succeeds Rudi Jagersbacher, who is stepping down after 40 years with the company and will serve in a two-year advisory role based in Dubai.
Sleiffer previously served as Senior Vice President Operations, Continental Europe, overseeing a portfolio of 57 Hilton-managed hotels across 26 countries and territories. His career at Hilton spans three decades, including leadership roles in Belgium, the UK, France and Greece. He will relocate to Dubai in January 2020.
Jagersbacher led the MEA&T region for eight years, during which Hilton more than tripled its hotel count in the region, launched four new brands and entered 12 new countries and territories. Under his leadership, Hilton was named the #1 Best Place to Work in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and #3 Best Workplace in the UAE.
Simon Vincent, EVP and President Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “During his distinguished career with Hilton, Rudi has made a significant contribution to Hilton and most notably has built long-lasting relationships with owners, investors and partners. Therefore, I’m delighted that he has agreed to remain as an advisor to our business.”
Vincent added: “Jochem-Jan is a high-performing and experienced leader from within our own ranks, who is well suited to further drive growth in this important region. Furthermore, I am confident that Jochem-Jan will ensure that Hilton continues to deliver both exceptional hospitality for our customers and exceptional returns for our owners.”
Hilton expects to open 158 hotels across the MEA&T region in the next five years, including new markets such as Bahrain, Ghana and Sierra Leone.
Sleiffer commented: “As we continue to grow, we are focused on doing so in a way that promotes sustainable travel and tourism. I am proud to help shape the company’s future journey in Middle East, Africa and Turkey, with market-leading brands, an award-winning culture and an incredibly committed team.”
Why it matters
Hilton’s leadership transition in the MEA&T region comes at a time of ambitious expansion. The planned addition of 158 hotels in the next five years, including entry into new markets like Bahrain, Ghana and Sierra Leone, signals a continued push into emerging destinations. Sleiffer’s operational background in continental Europe may bring a focus on efficiency and owner relations, critical for maintaining growth momentum in a region where Hilton has already tripled its footprint under Jagersbacher. The advisory role retained for Jagersbacher ensures continuity in owner and investor relationships, which are vital for securing new management contracts and conversions.
