HomeTeam member stories

2023 CEO Light & Warmth Award Winners: Hilton’s Highest Form of Recognition

Hilton Careers Team

30 November 2023

Asia PacificEurope, Middle East, AfricaUnited States, Canada, Caribbean, Latin AmericaTeam Member recognition

Congratulations to the extraordinary Team Members who were awarded Hilton’s CEO Light & Warmth Award, our highest form of Team Member recognition. This annual award honors Team Members’ commitment to our customers, Team Members, owners, and communities.

Of 719 nominations this year, 15 outstanding individuals and two incredible teams have been chosen as 2023 CEO Light & Warmth Award Winners. This year’s submissions highlighted what our Team Members are doing to foster Hilton as The World's Best Workplace and showed how the Customer Promise is coming to life at our hotels. Let’s take this moment to meet some of the 2023 winners, hear their stories, and celebrate the dedication and excellence that define each 2023 CEO Light & Warmth Award recipient! 

Join us as we shine a spotlight on six of the outstanding CEO Light & Warmth winners from all around the world. From innovative strategies, acts of kindness, and exceptional leadership, let’s learn more about what truly makes these Team Members special.  

The Americas

Kelly Riordan, Front Desk Agent, Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station surprises guests with thoughtful gestures through handwritten cards to celebrate milestones, decorating guests' rooms for special occasions or delivering flowers to a guest who is experiencing hardship. She is consistently recognized by guests for her friendly and warm demeanor.  

Tim Lewin, General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis St. Charles, makes it a priority to create an inclusive and supportive workplace for his team and guests, partnering with a local nonprofit to start a housekeeping training school at the hotel. Now entering its third year, the eight-week program provides skills and jobs in an integrated environment for numerous disabled adults.  

Europe, Middle East, & Africa

Despite facing adversity, Ahmadqaes Ahmady, Front Office Agent at the Hilton Mainz, handles challenges with determination and an unwavering spirit. As a refugee from Afghanistan, he makes himself available to other youth refugees and always looks for ways to go spread the warmth of light and hospitality to guests.  

Meet Kevine Laure Ketchantcha Atontch, Kitchen Clerk, Hilton Yaounde. Kevine actively participates in conferences, leadership seminars and interviews to help bridge the gap between the hearing and deaf communities. Using her hearing impairment to educate others, she organized and led Deaf Week during THRIVE month and taught her team members sign language. 

Asia-Pacific

Kogi Kolendaisamy, food & beverage sales manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, creates special events that transcend the boundaries of conventional dining and offers her guests and community more than just a meal. She implemented the “Books for CARE” project within the hotel, which provided support for an orphanage by donating books, necessity items and recreational activities. 

Through mentoring, Kevin Tian, Purchasing Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Quzhou, provides all of his team members the opportunity for advancement by spending extra time to teach them important skills. He is also an active participant in Travel with Purpose, Hilton’s Environmental, Social and Governance strategy and the Rooftop Farm Project where the hotel’s fourth floor farm grows organic vegetables to be shared for free to guests, team members and the community. 

Behind every name on this list is an extraordinary person with a unique story that led them to receive this highest form of Team Member recognition. To dive deeper into some of the stories behind the Team Members below, stay tuned in 2024 on Hilton Careers for upcoming spotlights! 

Hilton's 2023 CEO Light & Warmth Winners are:

  • Charilyz Abrams, Front Office Director, Caribe Hilton
  • Ahmadqaes Ahmady, Front Office Agent, Hilton Mainz
  • Kristi Galbiso, PBX Operator, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Alana - Waikiki Beach
  • Peter Avis, Restaurant General Manager, London Hilton on Park Lane
  • Senayet Habte, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager, Hilton Doha the Pearl
  • Aysha Haidari, Guest Relations Ambassador, Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton
  • Hampton By Hilton Edinburgh Airport:
    • Maxwell Dickson, Operations Supervisor
    • Susan Elwick, Operations Supervisor
    • Kara Farncombe, Sales Manager
    • Kris Lukis, Guest Services Manager
    • Sean McMaster, Kitchen Manager
    • Graeme Melrose, Maintenance Manager
    • Louise Mulholland, Operations Supervisor
    • Sarah Paterson, Operations Supervisor
    • Michael Riddell, Operations Supervisor
    • Craig Webster, General Manager
  • Hilton Jiuzhaigou Resort:
    • Doris Gong, HR Clerk 
    • Diana Guo, HR Clerk 
    • Connie Li, Learning & Development Manager
    • Joe Qiao, Assistant Learning & Development Manager
    • Oliva Yuan, HR Trainee
    • Anna Yang, TM Residence Supervisor
    • Erica Zhang, HR Director
    • Katrina Zhang, HR Clerk
    • Lisa Zhou, Assistant HR Manager
  • Kevine Laure Ketchantcha Atontch, Kitchen Clerk, Hilton Yaounde
  • Kogi Kolendaisamy, F&B Sales Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur
  • Tim Lewin, General Manager, Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis St. Charles
  • Marylee Magee, General Manager, Hampton Inn & Suites Mooresville/Lake Norman
  • Toni Ramos, Development Coach, HRCC - Dallas
  • Kelly Riordan, Front Desk Agent, Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station
  • Abdullah Shamman, Human Resources Executive, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
  • Anna SeoYoung Yoon, Events Manager - Wedding, Conrad Seoul
  • Kevin Tian, Purchasing Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Quzhou
More Team Member stories
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 
Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay Every job makes the stay 

Related

20 January 2026

Congratulations to the 2025 CEO Light & Warmth Award Winners

AfricaAsia PacificCanadaCaribbeanEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUnited StatesTeam Member recognitionTeam Member stories

Congratulations to the remarkable Team Members recognized with Hilton’s CEO Light & Warmth Award, the highest honor at Hilton. This annual recognition celebrates those who lead with heart, live our purpose, and create truly meaningful moments forThis year, 15 exceptional Team Members from across the globe have been named 2025 CEO Light & Warmth Award recipients. Through their passion, dedication, and service, they elevate the guest experience, positively impact their communitieTogether, let’s recognize these incredible Team Members who bring Hilton’s light and warmth to life around the world. https://vimeo.com/1190522623The AmericasCoral Espinal, Experiences Manager at Conrad Punta de Mita, has redefined site inspections by transforming them into immersive, guest-centric journeys through her innovative “Site Inspection Blast,” now adopted across multiple properties. HChef Juan Anaya, Banquet Sous Chef at Hilton Anatole, embodies Hilton’s spirit of hospitality through his unwavering dedication to excellence, mentorship, and genuine care for others. Over his 25-year tenure, he has become a pillar of the cEurope, Middle East, & Africa Chef Miroslav Janjić, from Keight Hotel Opatija, Curio Collection by Hilton Croatia, actively cultivates an environment where every Team Member feels valued and encouraged to grow. Miroslav enhances the dining experience by conducting engagAnaïs Pierron, Director of Sales at the Hilton Geneva Hotel & Conference Center, embodies the heart of hospitality, consistently going above and beyond to make every guest feel welcomed and cared for. Her authentic warmth and Asia Pacific Mari Makabe, PA to the General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Tokyo Ariake, plays a vital role in boosting Team Member morale and guest experience through her leadership of Care Committee initiatives. Her daily engagement with guests,Payap Khunkayan, Sustainability Manager at Conrad Koh Samui, has embedded sustainability into daily operations and the guest experience through farm-to-table programs, composting, and hydroponics. His mentorship and community outreach Corporate Nathan Hughes, Director of HRCC, leads with empathy and decisive action, championing accessibility, equity, and inclusion while delivering record-breaking performances. His ability to pair people-first leadership with operational excellence has creat2025 WinnersReady to begin your Hilton journey? Click here to search open positions.

Keep reading

29 July 2025

Catch Me at My Best at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah

AfricaEuropeMiddle EastHilton cultureTeam Member recognition

Catch Me at My Best is Hilton’s longest running and most beloved recognition program. What makes it truly special is that it’s the only program that invites guests and fellow Team Members to spotlight the outstanding moments that bring Hilton’s hospiOne hotel that consistently leads the way is Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, known for receiving a record number of catches year after year. What’s their secret? A passionate team that goes above and beyond to make every guest feel special. In this spotlWhat do you love most about welcoming guests to your hotel?“The opportunity to create a memorable first impression sets the tone for a guest's entire stay.  There is something gratifying about seeing a smile form as soon as someone walks through our doors and feels genuinely welcomed.”Team Members at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Palm enjoy a fun Jenga challenge as part of Catch Me at My Best celebrations.How do you encourage a culture of recognition among your Team Members?“We make recognition a daily habit by celebrating big wins and small gestures that reflect our values. Whether through monthly team huddles, daily department briefings, or our internal recognition platforms, we ensure that appreciation is visible, tiCan you share a moment when a Team Member’s actions truly surprised or inspired you?“Komal is not just an exceptional Team Member in our In-Room Dining department; she embodies heartfelt service and genuine hospitality. Her daily actions speak volumes about her passion for delivering service and unforgettable guest experiences. One ”Our Team Members go beyond service—they create emotional connections. Whether remembering repeated guest preferences or offering thoughtful local recommendations, they make each stay feel personalized and heartfelt.”Even amid the busy rush hour, Komal followed through with remarkable focus, ensuring the dish was ready promptly. She didn’t stop there; she delivered the meal with a handwritten welcome note that added a beautiful, personal touch. The experience dee “Catch Me at My Best” is all about recognizing Team Members who make stays extraordinary. How do they make the stay truly unforgettable?“Our Team Members go beyond service—they create emotional connections. Whether remembering repeated guest preferences or offering thoughtful local recommendations, they make each stay feel personalized and heartfelt." What’s your favorite Catch that a guest has submitted?“Our Guest Amirah Akalifa shared an incredible story of our Team Member Enock Makumbi, who helped her and her family to manage 16 bags during the night shift, where we usually operate with a minimum Team Members on duty. Our guest recognized Enock’s Team Members at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Palm celebrate Catch Me at My Best with a fun ping pong activity and recognition gifts.What do Team Members at Hilton do differently that sticks with guests after they leave?“Hilton Team Members lead with empathy and authenticity, which leaves a lasting impression. Guests often tell us they felt genuinely cared for—not just served—and that emotional connection is what brings them back.”Who made your Stay? Submit a Catch at SubmitMyCatch.com.

Keep reading

08 January 2025

Celebrating Excellence: Meet Hilton’s 2024 CEO Light & Warmth Award Winners

AfricaAsia PacificCanadaCaribbeanEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUnited StatesTeam Member recognitionTeam Member stories

Congratulations to the extraordinary Team Members who have been honored with Hilton’s CEO Light & Warmth Award, our highest form of Team Member recognition. This annual award celebrates the passion, dedication, and purpose that make our guests fe16 outstanding individuals and one incredible team have been chosen as 2024 CEO Light & Warmth Award Winners. They go above and beyond to make the stay for our guests, strengthen our communities, and uphold Hilton’s legacy of hospitality around thttps://vimeo.com/1190521927Celebrate with us as we honor this year’s remarkable CEO Light & Warmth Award winners from across the globe!The AmericasNeil Castañeda, Manager on Duty at the Hilton Lima Miraflores, saved a guest's life during a medical emergency and personally ensured the guest received critical care. As a dedicated leader, Neil exemplifies Hilton values through his commitMichelle Keck, General Manager of Homewood Suites Wilmington-Brandywine Valley, is a dedicated mentor and fosters an inclusive, growth-oriented team culture. She made significant improvements in guest satisfaction and operational excellence, andEurope, Middle East, & Africa Sherif Darwish, General Manager DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba, personally cared for an ill guest and implemented initiatives to enhance team development, inclusion, and loyalty at DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba. His impact extends beyond the hotelRoman Uhlir, Restaurants & Bars Manager at Hilton Prague, has a passion for hospitality that defines his 15-year legacy at the hotel. He has created unforgettable guest experiences and mentored future leaders in food and beverage. As thAsia Pacific Ma Hong, Room Attendant at Conrad Shenyang is an invaluable member of the housekeeping team. Beyond ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction, she helped the team grow by training 23 new Team Members. She also contributes to the hotel’s sustaSudhagar Sethuraman, Associate Director of Sales at the Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, is a proactive leader and strategic sales expert who drives business success, enhances team efficiency, and elevates guest satisfaCorporate Lesley Harkins, a Senior Reservation Specialist based out of Glasgow, supports Owner Relations with travel inquiries and ensures VIP guests receive outstanding, personalized experiences. Known for her kindness and hospitality, Lesley trains new hiresEach name on this list represents an incredible individual whose journey earned them the highest form of Team Member recognition at Hilton. Join us in celebrating their achievements, and follow Hilton Careers on Instagram and Facebook to stay tuned fMeet Hilton's 2024 CEO Light & Warmth Winners:Individual WinnersTeam Winner: Cairns Emergency Response Team (Hilton Cairns & DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns)Ready to begin your Hilton journey? Click here to search open positions.

Keep reading