Hyatt Hotels announced that Stephen Ho will assume the role of Group President, Asia Pacific, effective January 1, 2027.
He will succeed David Udell. Udell will step down from his current position effective December 31 and become a Senior Advisor on January 1, 2027. He will support the development of next-generation leaders and the company’s initiatives in the luxury sector, a key area of focus.
Ho has more than 40 years of experience in the hotel industry and currently serves as Hyatt’s President, Greater China and Growth, Asia Pacific. Before joining Hyatt in 2018, he served as President, Asia Pacific for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Chief Executive Officer, Greater China for Marriott International. His successor in his current role will be announced at a later date.
Udell joined the company in Singapore in 1982 as a management trainee. After holding key food and beverage positions across Asia, he became the inaugural General Manager of Park Hyatt Tokyo and General Manager of Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Since 2014, as Group President, Asia Pacific, he has led the expansion of the Park Hyatt brand and the growth of Hyatt’s luxury hotel business in the region.
Mark Hoplamazian, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyatt Hotels, commented, “David has made significant contributions to the strong growth and business development across markets in Asia Pacific.” Ho said, “I am honored to follow David, who has built a strong foundation in Asia Pacific, and to lead the team in this region.”
