Hilton Names Kolin Pound New CALA President to Drive Caribbean and Latin America Growth

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

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September 4, 2026 7:12 PM

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Hilton, the hospitality giant, has strengthened its management by appointing Kolin Pound as Area President of the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA). This further indicates the company’s commitment to the region’s potential for growth and development as it strengthens its regional management. From 24 August 2026, Pound will lead Hilton’s operations and teams working in the hotels and partnering with owners and developing the region’s strategies. Pound has a lot of experience in hospitality, real estate, and investments, thanks to his last position at Ares Management.

Effective 24 August 2026, Pound will be responsible for overseeing Hilton’s operations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. His role will include guiding hotel teams, working closely with owners and strategic stakeholders, improving operational performance, reinforcing the company’s organisational culture and supporting Hilton’s wider regional growth strategy.

Pound joins Hilton from Ares Management, bringing extensive experience across hospitality, real estate and investment, with particular expertise in markets throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

In his new position, he will report to Danny Hughes, President, Americas, Hilton.

“Kolin is a strategic leader with a strong track record of driving performance, building trusted owner relationships and creating long-term value,” said Danny Hughes, president, Americas, Hilton. “His deep understanding of hospitality, real estate and investment, combined with his experience across the Caribbean and Latin America, makes him exceptionally well positioned to lead our business in this dynamic region. As we continue to expand, Kolin’s leadership will help strengthen our momentum and deliver for our team members, owners, guests and communities.”

“I am honored to join Hilton and work alongside its talented team members, owners and partners across the Caribbean and Latin America,” said Pound. “The region is home to some of the world’s most attractive destinations, and I look forward to building on Hilton’s strong foundation to continue delivering exceptional performance, growing our portfolio and creating meaningful value for all our stakeholders.”

Before joining Hilton, Kolin Pound served as Managing Director at Ares Management, where he worked closely with executive teams to shape business strategies, improve operational performance and create long-term value across a diverse investment portfolio. His experience included significant involvement with hospitality assets across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Earlier in his career, Pound held the position of Senior Principal at Walton Street Capital, focusing on real estate and hospitality asset management, acquisitions and investment opportunities. Over the course of his career, he has managed transactions across Latin America, the United States and Europe, building strong expertise in collaborating with owners, operators and management teams to improve asset performance and achieve sustainable growth.

Pound earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Business Institutions from Northwestern University.

Hilton currently operates a strong presence across the Caribbean and Latin America, welcoming travellers through a portfolio of 315 hotels and resorts spanning more than 35 countries and territories. The company is further expanding its regional footprint with 150 additional properties in development, covering multiple segments including luxury, lifestyle, full-service, focused-service, resort and all-inclusive hospitality.

The company continues to emphasise its workplace culture across the region, supported by more than 26,000 team members throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Hilton’s global workplace reputation has been recognised through major industry rankings, including being named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace, while also achieving the top position among workplaces in Latin America by Great Place to Work in 2026. The company has maintained its status as the leading hospitality employer in the region for four consecutive years.