Hilton Expands Canadian Development Team Following 200th Hotel Milestone

Mark Kochhar Appointed to Advance In‑Market Development Strategy Across Western Canada

MCLEAN, Va. and TORONTO – April 22, 2026 – Building on the momentum of last year’s 200th hotel opening in Canada, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the expansion of its Canadian development team with the appointment of Mark Kochhar, Director, Franchise Development, Canada. Reinforcing the company’s long‑term commitment to growth, in his new role, Kochhar will oversee development efforts across Western Canada, working closely with owners and partners to advance new hotel projects and support the continued expansion of Hilton’s portfolio in the region.

“Over the past decade, Hilton has nearly doubled its footprint in Canada, introducing first‑in‑market brands – culminating in the opening of our 200th hotel in the country,” said Matt Wehling, Senior Vice President, Development, U.S. and Canada, Hilton. “Strengthening our development team with additional in‑market expertise allows us to continue that growth while supporting our owners at every stage of development. Mark brings deep market knowledge, trusted owner relationships, and a proven track record within Hilton, making him a strong addition to our Canadian development team.”

Originally from Vancouver and now based in Toronto, Kochhar holds more than 13 years of experience with Hilton and three decades in the hospitality industry. During his tenure with the company, he has developed deep expertise across hotel development, owner relations, and brand management and performance, with a strong focus on long‑term partnerships and strategic growth. Prior to his current role, Kochhar served as Director, Owner Relations, Canada for Hilton, working closely with owners and operators nationwide to support performance, alignment, and brand standards. Before joining Hilton’s corporate team, Kochhar served as general manager of the former Hilton Garden Inn Toronto City Centre.

Kochhar is a Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria, along with an associate degree in Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Management from Douglas College. He is actively engaged in the Canadian hospitality industry and serves on the Hotel Association of Canada Board of Directors (Brand Category), contributing to industry advocacy at the national level.

Kochhar’s appointment complements Hilton’s existing Canadian development team of regional, in‑market specialists, including Jeff Cury, Senior Director, Development, Canada and Christopher La Vine, Senior Analyst, Development, Canada. Cury, a long‑standing leader within Hilton’s Canadian development organization, has been central to advancing the company’s growth strategy across the country, helping to steward a strong and diverse portfolio and pipeline while deepening partnerships with owners and developers. La Vine, who recently joined the company, supports development activity nationwide with market analysis and pipeline management.

Canada remains an important growth market for Hilton, where the company now has more than 200 hotels welcoming travelers and more than 100 properties in various stages of development. The expanded structure reinforces Hilton’s multi-brand strategy and its commitment to supporting owners and developers with localized expertise as demand grows across urban and secondary markets, particularly within the lifestyle, extended-stay and focused‑service categories.

Read more about Hilton at stories.hilton.com.

About Hilton    

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 27 world-class brands comprising more than 9,100 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 143 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 250 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.