Hilton’s New CMO Inherits a Strong Legacy and Big Challenges in Hospitality Marketing
Photo Caption: Beginning on January 29, 2018, Kenny will oversee the enterprise marketing strategy for Hilton, replacing current CMO Geraldine Calpin. Hilton
Skift Take
Kenny replaces long-time Hilton executive Geraldine Calpin. The new CMO will have to enhance Hilton's direct-booking marketing efforts. And with artificial intelligence and other disruptive technologies influencing every CMO's agenda, there is also an opportunity for Kenny to leverage them to really personalize the guest experience.
Hilton has announced the appointment of Kellyn Smith Kenny as its new senior vice president and chief marketing officer, and she'll replace Hilton CMO Geraldine Calpin early next year.
Kenny comes to Hilton from Uber, where she serves as vice president of marketing and led these efforts in the U.S. and Canada. From 2015 to 2016, Kenny headed up marketing at Capital One, and before that she worked in marketing roles at Microsoft.
Calpin, a Hilton spokesperson said, is still with the company and will stay on until Kenny's appointment becomes effective January 29. Her decision to leave the company was driven by a desire to pursue new opportunities. Calpin has served as CMO since September 2015, and before that held e-commerce and digital positions at the chain for a decade.
"After 15 years with Hilton, Geraldine Calpin shared last month that she intended to seek new professional challenges,"
