Stephen Ho has been named Group President, Asia Pacific at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, effective January 1, 2027, bringing more than 40 years of international hospitality leadership experience to his new regional position. He will succeed David Udell, who has led Hyatt’s Asia Pacific operations since 2014 and will retire from his current role on December 31, 2026.
The appointment, announced by Hyatt Hotels Corporation on November 2, 2026, marks a significant leadership transition within the group’s Asia Pacific operations. Ho will assume responsibility for the region following an extensive career in hotel operations, business development and executive management across some of the world’s leading international hospitality companies.
Ho currently serves as President, Greater China & Growth, Asia Pacific at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, based in Hong Kong. Since joining Hyatt in April 2018, he has played a leadership role in the group’s Greater China business while supporting development and growth initiatives across the wider Asia Pacific region.
His responsibilities have included overseeing business operations, strengthening relationships with hotel owners and supporting Hyatt’s growth priorities in one of the global hospitality industry’s most important markets.
Before joining Hyatt, Ho served as Chief Executive Officer, Greater China at Marriott International, from September 2016 to December 2017. Based in Hong Kong, he held responsibility for the company’s Greater China business during a period of significant transformation following Marriott International’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Earlier, Ho spent approximately 35 years with ITT Sheraton and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, building an extensive career through various management and leadership positions across the hospitality industry.
He joined the organisation in October 1981 and progressed through multiple operational and executive responsibilities before assuming the position of President, Asia Pacific at Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 2012.
His career with Starwood concluded in September 2016, following the company’s integration with Marriott International, where he subsequently assumed responsibility for the Greater China business.
Across these appointments, Ho has developed extensive expertise in regional hospitality operations, hotel development, commercial growth, owner relationships and organisational leadership.
His professional journey reflects a progression from management positions within ITT Sheraton and Starwood to senior executive responsibilities at Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Ho’s appointment also marks the conclusion of an important chapter in Hyatt’s Asia Pacific leadership under David Udell, who has served as Group President, Asia Pacific since 2014.
Udell joined Hyatt in 1982 as a corporate management trainee in Singapore, beginning a career spanning more than four decades with the company. During his tenure, Udell contributed to the group’s regional expansion, the development of its luxury hotel portfolio and the strengthening of relationships with hotel owners and business partners.
Although Udell will retire from his current position on December 31, 2026, he will continue his association with Hyatt as a Senior Advisor, focusing on the development of future hospitality leaders and supporting the company’s luxury hospitality ambitions.
The appointment comes as Hyatt continues to pursue growth opportunities across Asia Pacific, with a portfolio encompassing luxury, lifestyle and other hospitality segments.
Hyatt has confirmed that a successor to Ho’s current position will be announced at a later date.
Tourism Insights congratulates Stephen Ho on his appointment as Group President, Asia Pacific at Hyatt Hotels Corporation and extends best wishes for continued success in his new leadership role. We also recognise David Udell’s longstanding contribution to the hospitality industry and his leadership of Hyatt’s Asia Pacific operations.
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People on the Move is an initiative by Tourism Insights, a SECP-registered tourism think tank and hospitality media platform, spotlighting leadership appointments and career milestones across the global hospitality and tourism industry.
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