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.
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 provides young women in surrounding communities a pathway into the hospitality industry.
Linda 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 the No. 1 Best Workplace for Women in Japan and recognized among Australia’s Best Workplaces for Women. In Greater China, where women represent 50% of Team Members, Hilton earned the distinction for the seventh consecutive year and is the only hotel company to have been named every year since the list was established.
With 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 Department Head and Director positions. Programs like the Women in Leadership initiative in South East Asia and leadership development programs across Greater China are strengthening gender parity across the leadership pipeline.
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 lecturer and head of the housekeeping faculty at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management, Gitanjali has long been committed to creating opportunities and grooming the next generation of hoteliers.
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 communities.
“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. With strong participation among women across intakes, HAPPY has helped reshape perceptions in surrounding communities, where social stigma often discourages women from pursuing careers in hospitality. The program’s next intake starts in 2026.
“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 overseas in Japan.”
Linda 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 doubt, navigating through stereotypes and misconceptions about leadership roles for women.”
Linda, 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 collaborations focus on internships, bootcamps and industry exposure, allowing students to experience different hospitality brands including Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn. Three of her four directors are women, a diversity she credits to the team’s culture of open communication, transparency, and honesty.
Along 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 Hilton Kuala Lumpur.
Linda 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 financial independence.
Linda 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 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 diversity, inclusion and sustainability, Fiona is a strong role model for her team and has led the hotel through many high-impact changes in her more than 10 years as General Manager. Just like Hilton did for her, Fiona hopes to inspire the youth to build careers in hospitality, ensuring that they are given an opportunity to thrive.
Christina 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 Waldorf Astoria Beijing team delivers experiences that connect guests with the city’s dynamic interplay of history and modernity.
Yumi 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 Nagoya, which is set to open in 2026.
