Chris Nassetta began his career in the hospitality industry at the age of 16 plunging toilets. He is now the CEO and President of Hilton Worldwide.
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In his younger days, Nassetta had purchased a Porsche for $20,000, which he once said was the dumbest decision of his life. On being reminding of the same, he laughed, "Yeah that was a bad day. My girlfriend at the time broke up with me."
On being asked about the best decision of his life, Nassetta did not take a second to say, "Oh my gosh, marrying my wife, my childhood sweetheart and having six amazing daughters. That's the best decision. That has led to whatever success I've had, it is definitely connected," he said.
From starting his career plunging toilets, Nassetta has come quite a long way.
A finance graduate from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce, Nassetta's was with The Olver Carr Company for seven years, where he ultimately served as the chief development officer.
He then in 1991 co-founded the Bailey Capital Corporation, following which he had a 10-year successful stint at the Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. He was the chief operating officer from 1997 till 2000, following which he took charge as the president and CEO.
After Blackstone acquired Hilton in 2007, Nassetta was appointed the CEO and President of the company, replacing Stephen Bollenbach.
Nassetta also serves on various boards and organisations such as the World Travel and Tourism Council, Federal City Council, CoStar Group, The Real Estate Roundtable, among others.
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
First Published: Apr 12, 2023 7:38 PM IST
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