Stephen Ho to lead Asia Pacific
US-based Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced on 2 November 2026 the appointment of Stephen Ho as Group President, Asia Pacific, effective 1 January 2027.
He will succeed David Udell, who has led the group’s operations in the region since 2014.
Udell will step down from his current role on 31 December 2026, but will continue to work with Hyatt as Senior Advisor.
In this new capacity, David Udell will in particular support the development of the group’s future leaders and contribute to its luxury ambitions.
The transition comes in a strategically important region for Hyatt, where the expansion of its upscale brands and its relationships with owners are key drivers of growth.
Stephen Ho: more than forty years’ experience in international hospitality
Currently President, Greater China & Growth, Asia Pacific, Stephen Ho has more than forty years’ experience in the hotel industry.
He joined Hyatt in 2018, having held a number of senior positions at international hotel groups.
Before joining Hyatt, his roles included:
- President, Asia Pacific at Starwood Hotels & Resorts;
- CEO, Greater China at Marriott International.
Since joining the group, Stephen Ho has overseen Hyatt’s operations in Greater China and helped implement its development priorities across Asia Pacific.
His knowledge of regional markets, hotel development issues and owner relations is central to this appointment.
In his new role, he will be responsible for Hyatt’s operations across the entire Asia Pacific region.
The group has stated that his successor as head of Greater China & Growth, Asia Pacific will be announced at a later date.
David Udell steps down from his executive role after 44 years with Hyatt
David Udell’s departure marks the end of a long and distinguished career with the group.
He joined Hyatt in 1982 in Singapore as part of a management training programme, and went on to hold a series of operational and leadership roles.
His career included responsibilities in food and beverage and hotel operations in Asia.
He was subsequently appointed the first General Manager of Park Hyatt Tokyo, before going on to run Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.
David Udell has also held senior operational roles at both regional and global level.
Since 2014, he has served as Group President, Asia Pacific.
During this time, he has notably supported the growth of the Park Hyatt brand in the region and helped strengthen Hyatt’s position in the luxury market.
After stepping down from his executive duties, he will remain an adviser to the group, with a particular focus on talent development and luxury.
Mark Hoplamazian highlights David Udell’s role in regional growth
Mark Hoplamazian, Chairman, President & CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, paid tribute to David Udell’s contribution to the group’s development in Asia Pacific.
He highlighted in particular Udell’s strategic vision, his relationships with owners and his commitment to the teams.
According to Hoplamazian, these qualities have contributed to Hyatt’s commercial development in the region and strengthened its growth prospects.
For his part, Stephen Ho underlined the solid foundations laid by his predecessor and his determination to continue developing the group alongside the regional teams.
A transition within a group of more than 1,500 properties
As at 30 September 2026, Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s global portfolio comprised more than 1,500 hotels and all-inclusive properties across 84 countries.
Its portfolio spans several segments, from luxury to midscale, through brands including Park Hyatt, Alila, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House.
The group is also continuing to expand in the lifestyle and all-inclusive segments.
Asia Pacific is a significant territory for several of its brands, particularly in luxury, with markets showing differing characteristics and growth dynamics.
Stephen Ho’s appointment reflects a commitment to leadership continuity, as the incoming president already has an in-depth knowledge of the group’s regional operations.
Analysis | An internal succession to safeguard owner relationships
The transition announced by Hyatt is of particular interest from a governance and hotel development perspective.
The group has opted for an internal succession, entrusting responsibility for Asia Pacific to an executive already involved in its regional operations.
This choice may help ensure continuity in commercial strategy and in relationships with real estate partners.
In a sector where growth relies heavily on management and franchise agreements, stable relationships between hotel groups and owners are a key issue.
Stephen Ho’s career at Starwood, Marriott and then Hyatt also gives him experience across several major international hotel organisations.
David Udell’s continued presence as Senior Advisor provides a second element of continuity.
After more than four decades with the group, his experience and professional network can help support the transition, particularly in luxury.
The succession also comes at a time when international groups must tailor their development to the specific characteristics of very different markets, from Greater China to Southeast Asia.
The ability to uphold brand standards, support investors and identify new development opportunities will remain decisive.
Finally, the forthcoming appointment of a successor to Stephen Ho in his current remit will mark the second stage of this reorganisation.
This transition illustrates the importance Hyatt places on continuity in its regional governance and on the transfer of operational and commercial expertise.
At a Glance
Appointment: Stephen Ho named Group President, Asia Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
Effective date: 1 January 2027.
Current role: President, Greater China & Growth, Asia Pacific, Hyatt.
Previous experience: President, Asia Pacific at Starwood Hotels & Resorts; CEO, Greater China at Marriott International.
Leadership transition: David Udell retires from his current executive role on 31 December 2026 after more than four decades with Hyatt.
Continuity: Udell will remain Senior Advisor, focusing on leadership development and Hyatt’s luxury ambitions.
