Hilton (No. 42 on the Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies list) has named Katie Beirne Fallon as senior vice president and global head of corporate affairs. She previously served as a senior advisor at the White House and a top aide in the U.S. Senate. Hilton’s corporate affairs department includes communications, government relations and corporate responsibility functions globally for the company.
Fallon will report to Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton, and serve as a member of the executive committee.
“As we continue to gain momentum and accelerate our growth around the world, finding additional ways to connect and engage with our most critical stakeholders becomes even more important,” said Nassetta.
“Katie is widely admired by both high-ranking Republicans and Democrats, and her unique perspective on the strategic intersection between communications and policy will help us strengthen the Hilton brand and drive value for the business. Together with the entire corporate affairs team, we are extremely well positioned to further our industry leadership and differentiate ourselves in the marketplace.”
“I am honored and excited to join the Hilton team on their mission to be the world’s most hospitable company,” said Fallon. “Hilton is renowned for its exceptional customer service, its pioneering innovation in the industry and its leadership in the communities it serves. The global hospitality sector has never been more dynamic, and as Hilton continues to strengthen its competitive position around the world, I am eager to work with the team in building upon the terrific heritage and reputation of the business,” Fallon continued.
Fallon has held senior roles in policy and communications in Washington, D.C. for over a decade – most recently as director of legislative affairs at the White House for President Obama. Before becoming the President’s chief liaison to Members of Congress, Fallon served as his deputy communications director, responsible for his strategic communications planning. Prior to her work at the White House, Fallon held various leadership roles in the U.S. Senate as a longtime aide to Senator Charles Schumer, including managing communications and legislative strategy as staff director for the Democratic Policy and Communications Center and as legislative director for Senator Schumer.
Before entering politics, Fallon worked in investment banking and strategic consulting. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in government and international studies from the University of Notre Dame and completed two master’s degrees in political science at the London School of Economics and Queens University Belfast as a Marshall Scholar.
