Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. operates as a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol HLT. Major institutional investors own the hospitality company, with Vanguard Group holding approximately 9 percent and CT OPI Cayman Corp Ltd controlling 9.86 percent of outstanding shares.
The company recorded $11.17 billion in revenue during 2024, marking a 9.17 percent increase from the previous year. Hilton manages 25 distinct hotel brands across 9,000 properties in 141 countries, with 1.3 million rooms worldwide and 181,000 employees. Christopher J. Nassetta serves as President and CEO, guiding operations since 2007. The Hilton Honors loyalty program reached 195 million members globally.
Key Stats
Market Capitalization: $69.44 billion as of January 2026
Annual Revenue 2024: $11.17 billion, up 9.17 percent year-over-year
Global Portfolio: 9,000+ properties with 1.3 million rooms across 141 countries
Workforce Size: 181,000 employees worldwide
Who Owns Hilton Hotels?
Hilton Hotels operates under Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., a publicly traded corporation listed on the NYSE since 2013. The ownership structure consists predominantly of institutional investors, who collectively control approximately 85 percent of all outstanding shares.
No single entity maintains majority control of the company. The dispersed ownership model means thousands of institutional and retail investors hold stakes through mutual funds, pension funds, and exchange-traded funds. The Hilton family descendants no longer maintain significant positions in the company following decades of corporate restructuring.
Major asset management firms dominate the shareholder registry. These professional investors hold shares on behalf of millions of individual clients worldwide. Their combined voting power significantly influences corporate governance decisions, executive compensation structures, and strategic planning initiatives at board meetings.
Hilton Hotels Origin, Founders And Early Years
Conrad Nicholson Hilton founded the company in 1919 after purchasing the Mobley Hotel in Cisco, Texas during the Texas oil boom. The 40-room property marked the beginning of what would become a global hospitality empire.
Hilton opened his first property bearing the family name in Dallas, Texas in 1925. The founder pioneered industry innovations including the first hotel with air-conditioned public areas, which opened in Waco, Texas in 1927.
The company expanded rapidly through strategic acquisitions. Hilton purchased prestigious New York properties including the Roosevelt Hotel and Plaza Hotel in 1943, establishing the first hospitality company spanning the continental United States. Hilton Hotels Corporation incorporated in 1946 and began trading publicly on the New York Stock Exchange that same year.
How Did Hilton Hotels Get Its Name?
The company derives its name directly from founder Conrad Nicholson Hilton, who purchased his first hotel property in 1919. Hilton initially operated under various property names before establishing the Hilton brand with the opening of the Dallas Hilton in 1925.
Conrad Hilton recognized the value of consistent branding across multiple properties. The decision to use his family name established a personal connection with guests and created instant recognition as the company expanded across the United States.
The Hilton name represented quality and standardized service in an era when hotel experiences varied dramatically between properties. This naming strategy proved effective as Marriott International and other hospitality companies later adopted similar approaches. The brand name remained unchanged through multiple ownership transitions, including the 2007 acquisition by Blackstone Group and subsequent return to public markets in 2013.
Largest Shareholders of Hilton Hotels
Institutional investors control the vast majority of Hilton shares. The concentration among professional asset managers reflects the company’s status as a blue-chip hospitality stock favored by long-term investors.
CT OPI Cayman Corp Ltd
CT OPI Cayman Corp Ltd maintains the largest single position at 9.86 percent ownership, valued at approximately $6.55 billion. This entity connects to Blackstone Group’s investment operations, tracing back to the private equity firm’s $26 billion acquisition of Hilton in 2007.
Vanguard Group
Vanguard Group holds approximately 9 percent of outstanding shares through passive investment vehicles tracking major stock market indices. As one of the world’s largest index fund managers, Vanguard’s substantial stake provides considerable influence during shareholder votes on corporate matters.
Other Major Institutional Holders
T. Rowe Price Associates controls roughly 7 percent of shares, focusing on long-term growth strategies. Fidelity Management and Research maintains approximately 6 percent ownership through actively managed funds. BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset manager, holds around 5 percent of outstanding shares through various investment products.
Who Is on the Board of Directors for Hilton Hotels?
Hilton’s Board of Directors consists of experienced executives from diverse industries. The board provides strategic oversight and ensures alignment with shareholder interests across all business operations.
Executive Leadership
Jonathan D. Gray serves as Chairman of the Board since 2021, simultaneously holding positions as President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackstone Group. Christopher J. Nassetta functions as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director, leading daily operations since joining from Host Hotels and Resorts in 2007.
Technology and Digital Expertise
Marissa A. Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo, joined the board in 2025 to guide digital transformation initiatives. She currently serves on boards of AT&T, Walmart, and Nextdoor Holdings. Charlene T. Begley contributes technology leadership experience from her tenure as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at General Electric.
Consumer Products and Operations
Melanie L. Healey, former Group President at Procter and Gamble, provides consumer products expertise. Chris Carr brings operational insights from his role as former Chief Operating Officer at Sweetgreen. Elizabeth Smith contributes consumer brand management experience from her Revlon executive position.
Government and International Affairs
Raymond E. Mabus Jr. served as United States Secretary of the Navy from 2009 to 2017, former Governor of Mississippi, and U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Judith A. McHale adds media industry perspective from her tenure as former President and CEO of Discovery Communications.
Hilton Hotels Company History Timeline
Launched Tru by Hilton brand targeting midscale market segment with 300 properties signed within first year
Introduced Home2 Suites expansion reaching 250 properties globally, focusing on extended-stay travelers
Acquired Hilton Grand Vacations’ business operations, strengthening timeshare and vacation ownership portfolio
Celebrated 100th anniversary with 5,800 properties across 113 countries and territories worldwide
Launched contactless technology features including Digital Key and mobile check-in across portfolio
Reached 7,000 properties milestone with strong recovery in occupancy rates following pandemic impact
Recorded $10.24 billion revenue with RevPAR increasing 13 percent globally across all regions
Surpassed 9,000 properties with $11.17 billion revenue and 195 million Hilton Honors members
Hilton Hotels Mission Statement
Hilton operates under the mission statement “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality.” This guiding principle shapes corporate strategy, employee training programs, and guest experience standards across all 25 brands.
The company emphasizes creating exceptional experiences for guests, meaningful opportunities for team members, and high value for stakeholders. Environmental sustainability initiatives align with the mission through the Travel with Purpose program, targeting carbon reduction across operations.
Hilton focuses on three core pillars: opportunity for team members through career development programs, community impact through local partnerships, and responsible travel practices. The company reports progress annually on diversity metrics, environmental targets, and social responsibility initiatives. These commitments extend beyond corporate statements into measurable actions affecting millions of guests and employees worldwide.
Hilton Hotels Products And Services
Hilton operates 25 distinct hotel brands serving various market segments. The luxury tier includes Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Conrad Hotels and Resorts, and LXR Hotels and Resorts. The upscale segment features Hilton Hotels and Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Curio Collection properties.
The focused service category includes Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites, and Home2 Suites for extended-stay guests. The midscale and economy segments feature Tru by Hilton and Spark by Hilton. Timeshare operations function through Hilton Grand Vacations ownership structures.
Hilton Honors serves as the loyalty program offering points accumulation, tier status benefits, and exclusive member rates. Digital services include mobile check-in, Digital Key room access, and Connected Room technology for personalized climate and entertainment controls. Corporate services provide meeting spaces, event planning, and group booking coordination through dedicated sales teams serving business clients globally.
FAQ
What is the market cap of Hilton Hotels in 2026?
Hilton Hotels market capitalization reached $69.44 billion as of January 2026, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company’s growth trajectory.
Is Hilton Hotels still operational?
Hilton Hotels operates over 9,000 properties across 141 countries with 1.3 million rooms, maintaining active operations with 181,000 employees worldwide in 2026.
Who owns Hilton Hotels?
Hilton Hotels is publicly traded on NYSE as HLT with ownership primarily held by institutional investors including Vanguard Group, CT OPI Cayman, and other major asset managers.
When did Hilton Hotels come out?
Conrad Hilton founded the company in 1919 with the purchase of the Mobley Hotel in Cisco, Texas during the Texas oil boom era.
Is Hilton Hotels an American company?
Hilton Hotels is an American multinational hospitality company headquartered in McLean, Virginia, operating as Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. on the New York Stock Exchange.
