Hyatt Hotels Corporation has named Stephen Ho as the new group president for Asia Pacific, effective January 1. Ho will succeed David Udell, who has led the region since 2014 and plans to retire on December 31, 2026. Following his retirement, Udell will remain with Hyatt as a senior advisor, focusing on developing future hospitality leaders and advancing the company’s luxury initiatives.
David Udell has been with Hyatt since 1982, starting as a corporate management trainee in Singapore. He has held various leadership roles in food and beverage across Asia, including serving as the first general manager of Park Hyatt Tokyo and managing Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Under his leadership as group president, Asia Pacific, Udell expanded the Park Hyatt brand in the region and enhanced Hyatt’s luxury business.
Mark Hoplamazian, chairman, president, and CEO of Hyatt, praised Udell’s impact on the company’s growth and success in the Asia Pacific markets. “David’s leadership has been instrumental in the tremendous growth of our Asia Pacific region and the commercial success Hyatt has achieved across its markets,” he said. Hoplamazian noted Udell’s strategic vision and deep relationships within the industry, expressing gratitude for his over four decades of service.
Stephen Ho brings over 40 years of hospitality experience to his new role. He currently serves as president of Greater China and Growth in Asia Pacific, having joined Hyatt in 2018. Prior to that, he was president of Asia Pacific for Starwood Hotels & Resorts and CEO of Greater China for Marriott International. In his current position, Ho has led the Greater China operations and supported Hyatt’s growth goals across the Asia Pacific region.
“I am honored to lead Hyatt’s Asia Pacific team, following David, who has set such a strong foundation for the region,” Ho remarked. “With our great team and the momentum we’ve built, we’ll create new opportunities for our colleagues, owners, guests, and communities.”
Hyatt has not yet announced a successor for Ho’s current role.
