HomeTeam member stories

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

Hilton Careers Team

08 January 2025

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 feel special. 

16 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 the world. Let’s take a moment to get to know some of the 2024 winners, explore their inspiring stories, and honor the unwavering commitment and outstanding achievements. 

https://vimeo.com/1190521927

Celebrate with us as we honor this year’s remarkable CEO Light & Warmth Award winners from across the globe!

The Americas

Neil 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 commitment to team development, guest experience enhancement, and impactful community service initiatives. 

Michelle 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, and her impact extends beyond the hotel through community involvement, including advocating for domestic violence survivors and spearheading charitable initiatives. 

Europe, 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 hotel through community and environmental efforts, including supporting local schools, distributing food to families in need, and leading tree-planting projects. 

Roman 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 the founder of Cloud 9 Bar, a cancer survivor, and a community advocate through his bartending school, Roman inspires with his resilience, commitment to excellence, and transformative impact on the industry and his team. 

Asia 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 sustainability by learning tree-planting skills and saving costs while enhancing the property’s greenery.  

Sudhagar 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 satisfaction. He’s committed to mentorship, sustainable practices, and community engagement, including support for armed forces personnel and community runs and marathons for the team. 

Corporate 

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 hires to uphold the team’s exceptional standards. Since 2017, she has achieved a 98.5% customer satisfaction score and a 98.9% resolution rate. Beyond work, she cares for her elderly parents and participates in community initiatives like beach cleanups and toy drives.

Each 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 for upcoming winner spotlights! 

Meet Hilton's 2024 CEO Light & Warmth Winners:

Individual Winners

Team Winner: Cairns Emergency Response Team (Hilton Cairns & DoubleTree by Hilton Cairns)

  • Lee Anne Azzopardi, Reservations Agent 
  • Noni Connors, Business Development Coordinator  
  • Kevin Foster, Night Manager 
  • Bienvenue Habinshuti, Assistant Night Manager 
  • Rakesh Joshi, Head Chef 
  • MinSeong Kim, Porter  
  • Yusei Kodama, Sales Manager Asia 
  • Ebony Landouw, GC&E Sales Executive 
  • Stephen Laney, Maintenance Manager 
  • Nathan Mackenzie, Guest Service Agent 
  • Matthias Mager, Commercial Manager 
  • Anu Mathew, Assistant Night Manager  
  • Marlon Mendiola, Front of House Manager  
  • Courtney O'Hara, GC&E Sales Manager 
  • Naoya Ohata, Director of Operations 
  • Nelson Ong, Food & Beverage Services Manager 
  • Luse Rainima, Front Office Supervisor  
  • Patricio Ramolfo, IT Manager 
  • Arun Paul Thomas, Night Auditor 
  • Jonathan Yanni, Reservation Manager
Ready to begin your Hilton journey? Click here to search open positions.
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

11 June 2026

Congratulations to the 2026 Hospitality Heroes

Asia PacificCanadaCaribbeanEurope, Middle East, AfricaLatin AmericaUnited StatesHilton cultureTeam Member recognitionTeam Member stories

At Hilton, heroes emerge among us every day – showing heart in times of need, acting with courage in moments of crisis, or simply bringing warmth to every guest interaction. These powerfully human moments define our hospitality and make Hilton the beToday, we’re proud to spotlight this year’s 56 Hospitality Heroes, Team Members whose actions inspire and remind us of what hospitality is all about. Meet just a few of the incredible Team Members who go above and beyond to make every stay unforgettaTushar Adhikary, Assistant Front Desk Manager Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, India  Tushar, Assistant Front Desk Manager, exemplifies the spirit of hospitality through unwavering dedication and empathy. When a guest was in severe mental distress, Tushar acted swiftly, coordinating with hospitals, providing calm reassurance, andAmy Parker, DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, United Kingdom Amy received a request from a guest visiting Brighton for the first time to meet their long-distance partner. Recognizing the significance of the occasion, Amy upgraded their booking to a sea view room, arranged a personalized welcome, and created a Steve Beaulieu, Housekeeping Supervisor Hilton Quebec, Canada Steve, Housekeeping Supervisor, is a cornerstone of the Hilton Quebec team. His commitment to service shines in countless ways, like when a young guest left behind a favorite stuffed dog. Steve staged the toy in a photographic “adventure” around the Loro Chen, Operation Manager, The Mermoon Resort Hainan Tufu Bay, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, China When a guest’s child was injured during the local festival, Loro, Operations Manager, sprang into action. He coordinated with local authorities and hospitals, personally drove to register the child for care, and ensured the family received immediate Natalie Couture, Hampton Inn Hadley-Amherst Area, USA During the holidays, Natalie noticed a young guest worried that Santa might skip the hotel because there were no presents under the lobby tree. That evening, she purchased and wrapped small gifts, placing them under the tree so the next morning, the Check out the full list of winners:  Learn more about life at Hilton and apply today. 

Keep reading

27 April 2026

Building a Hospitality Career from Within

CanadaCaribbeanLatin AmericaUnited StatesCareer path spotlightsTeam Member stories

Why is Hilton the #1 World’s Best Workplace? It starts with a culture built on internal mobility, professional development, and opportunity, made possible by a global footprint of more than 9,000 hotels worldwide. With countless brands, roles, and geBen’s journey is a powerful example of what is possible in a career at Hilton. Starting as a front desk agent, he discovered a passion for hospitality that led him to sales and, ultimately, his current role as Director of Sales & Marketing at EmbWhat initially drew you to join Hilton, and what has kept you motivated to continue growing your career here over time?“I was initially drawn to Hilton because of its global reputation, but I was not particularly knowledgeable about the company’s values and what Hilton truly represents. That changed quickly. Starting at the front desk gave me a firsthand perspective Can you walk us through the key moments that shaped your career journey?“While working on the front desk team at Hampton Inn by Hilton Chilliwack, I developed a strong interest in our hotel’s performance, our reputation, and most importantly, our people. In 2020, I transitioned into a sales manager role, which marked a pHow has Hilton supported your career development and helped you take the next step in your career?“In 2024, I was enrolled in Hilton’s Networking Conversations Program, where I had the opportunity to connect with Hilton Regional Leaders who mentored me and provided guidance on driving results, managing people, and overcoming challenges. During thAnother defining example of Hilton’s support throughout was my move from British Columbia, Canada, to California, U.S., to join the Embassy Suites by Hilton Santa Clara team as Director of Sales and Marketing. Hilton guided me through the entire procWhat opportunities have helped you explore new paths throughout your career at Hilton?“Hilton’s encouragement of internal mobility enabled me to explore different career paths while continuing to grow within the company. In 2023 and 2024, I attended Hilton Sales conferences, which provided comprehensive training on Hilton’s Core SalesAnother key opportunity has been Go Hilton, our Team Member travel program. This program gives us the unique ability to explore destinations worldwide and experience Hilton from the guest’s perspective. After visiting some of the best properties HiltHow has Hilton’s culture shaped your experience as you have grown your career here?“Hilton’s focus on recognition, collaboration, and inclusion creates an environment where people feel valued and motivated to succeed. Unreasonable Hospitality, by Will Guidara, created the blueprint for how customers deserve to be treated, goinWhat does your journey say about the kind of career someone can build at Hilton—and why does that make it such a special place to work?“My journey reflects how Hilton empowers individuals to grow from entry-level roles into leadership positions through hard work and dedication. It’s a special place to work because the company not only provides opportunities but also actively investsExplore open roles at Hilton and take the first step toward building a career that grows with you.

Keep reading

30 March 2026

Meet The Hilton Leaders Opening Doors for the Next Generation of Women in Asia Pacific

Asia PacificInclusionTeam Member storiesWomen At Hilton

In line with the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month — “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” — we shine a spotlight on leaders in Asia Pacific who exemplify what it looks like to lead the change.Linda Pecoraro and Gitanjali Chakravarthy ​​​​​​​Based in Malaysia, Linda has spent more than a decade at Hilton building inclusive environments where young women can see themselves in leadership, and Gitanjali in Sri Lanka, is spearheading a traineeship program that provLinda and Gitanjali are among many women across Hilton’s portfolio whose impact extends well beyond the hotels they run.Hilton has been named the World's Best Workplace and the No. 1 Best Workplace in Asia by Great Place to Work and Fortune, and its commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces where women can thrive continues to deepen. This year, Hilton was named theWith more than 2,300 new hotel leadership positions expected across Asia Pacific by 2030, Hilton is committed to ensuring women are well represented in that growth. In Greater China, women hold 27% of General Manager roles and more than 60% of DepartGitanjali Chakravarthy, General Manager of Hilton Yala Resort Gitanjali has dedicated her career to the hospitality industry, blazing a trail as the first Sri Lankan woman to hold the position of General Manager for a global hotel brand when she was appointed to lead Hilton Yala Resort in 2019. A former senior That commitment led to the launch of HAPPY — the Hospitality Apprenticeship for Youth program — a Travel with Purpose initiative led by Hilton Yala Resort designed to create access to meaningful opportunities for youths in the resort’s surrounding co“Healthy destinations mean thriving communities,” Gitanjali said. “Our long-term success depends on the sustainability of the places where we operate.”Working closely with local religious institutions and educational authorities to identify candidates, the program has run four intakes since July 2023, providing training across Housekeeping, Front Office, Kitchen and F&B for more than 50 youths.“We are proud of the impact HAPPY has had,” Gitanjali said, “Five graduates, including young women from nearby villages, are currently part of our Hilton family, while others have found roles at nearby properties, and one has secured employment oversLinda Pecoraro, General Manager of Hilton Kuala Lumpur and Area General Manager of Malaysia Central North EastLinda knew early on in her hospitality career that she wanted to lead. However, working her way up in an industry where women in senior leadership were still the exception meant navigating challenges that tested her resilience and determination.“As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I recognized the importance of breaking through preconceived notions and overcoming gender-related barriers,” Linda said, “There were instances where I had to prove my capabilities beyond any doLinda, has therefore, made a concerted effort in her career to champion mentorship programs, women-in-leadership forums, and outreach initiatives with educational institutions to create opportunities for young women entering the industry. These collaAlong the way, Linda was fortunate to have mentors and allies who recognized her potential and shared growth opportunities with her. Joining Hilton more than a decade ago, she has since led teams at Hilton Kota Kinabalu, Conrad Manila, and now HiltonLinda shares the story of mentoring a single mother who had been out of the workforce for some time. Through guidance and support, she was able to rebuild her confidence and start her own small business, which became a meaningful step towards financiLinda has also mentored individuals within the organisation who have progressed significantly including a Team Member who has since taken on a Hotel Manager role in Dubai. These journeys are incredibly rewarding to witness.Gitanjali and Linda are just two of the women leading the change in Asia Pacific. Here are three more making their mark:Fiona Pryde, General Manager of Hilton Surfers ParadiseFiona Pryde, General Manager of Hilton Surfers Paradise, is known for encouraging her team to make space for what matters most to them – a leadership philosophy she credits to the leaders at Hilton who did the same for her. A strong advocate for diveChristina Yang, General Manager of Waldorf Astoria BeijingChristina Yang, General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Beijing, made the leap from lifestyle to luxury when she moved from leading Canopy by Hilton Chengdu to taking the helm at one of China’s most storied luxury properties. Under her leadership, the WalYumi Onuki, Director of Operations at Conrad NagoyaYumi Onuki, Director of Operations at Conrad Nagoya, has built her Hilton career across Tokyo, Osaka, and Macau. She has twice been entrusted with launching luxury properties from the ground up — first at Waldorf Astoria Osaka, and now at Conrad Nago

Keep reading