Hilton has appointed Kolin Pound as Area President – Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), adding an experienced hospitality investment and asset-management professional to its senior leadership team. Based in McLean, Virginia, Pound will take responsibility for Hilton’s growing portfolio across the Caribbean and Latin America as the company continues to expand its presence in the region.
Kolin Pound to Lead Hilton’s CALA Operations
In his new role, Pound will oversee Hilton’s operations across the Caribbean and Latin America, working closely with hotel teams, owners, operators, and regional stakeholders. His focus will include strengthening hotel performance, developing owner relationships, identifying new growth opportunities, and supporting Hilton’s broader commercial strategy across the region.
The appointment brings together Pound’s background in hospitality investment and asset management with Hilton’s extensive regional network. His experience working with hotel assets and senior management teams is expected to support the company’s continued focus on operational performance and long-term portfolio growth.
Experience Across Hospitality Investment and Asset Management
Pound joins Hilton from Ares Management, where he served as Managing Director. During his time with the investment firm, he worked alongside senior leadership teams on strategy, operational performance, and value creation across a diversified investment portfolio.
His experience included hospitality assets in Caribbean and Latin American markets, giving him an understanding of the investment, ownership, and operational dynamics that shape hotel performance across the region.
Before Ares Management, Pound served as Senior Principal at Walton Street Capital, where he focused on asset management and acquisitions across the real estate and hospitality sectors.
Throughout his career, Pound has been involved in transactions across Latin America, the United States, and Europe, working with hotel owners, operators, and management teams across different markets.
A Strategic Role in Hilton’s Regional Expansion
At Hilton, Pound’s responsibilities will extend beyond overseeing day-to-day regional operations. He will work to strengthen relationships with owners and partners while supporting hotel performance and identifying opportunities for further expansion.
His investment and asset-management background also gives him experience in evaluating portfolio performance and creating long-term value—areas that are increasingly important as hotel companies expand through partnerships with owners and developers.
Pound will report to Danny Hughes, President, Americas, Hilton, and will work closely with Hilton’s regional leadership and property teams.
Hilton Continues to Expand Across Caribbean and Latin America
The appointment comes as Hilton continues to strengthen its presence across the Caribbean and Latin America. The company currently operates approximately 315 hotels and resorts across more than 35 countries and territories in the region, with a further 150 properties in its development pipeline.
Hilton’s CALA portfolio covers a broad range of hospitality segments, including luxury, lifestyle, full-service, focused-service, resort, and all-inclusive properties. This diverse portfolio allows the company to serve different types of travelers, from leisure and resort guests to business travelers and long-stay visitors.
The region also continues to attract hotel investment and development, supported by demand for leisure destinations, international travel, and expanding hospitality infrastructure.
Focus on Owners, Performance and Long-Term Growth
Pound’s appointment highlights Hilton’s focus on combining regional expansion with strong owner and operator partnerships. His background in investment, acquisitions, asset management, and hospitality performance provides relevant experience as Hilton works to grow its hotel portfolio across diverse Caribbean and Latin American markets.
With Hilton continuing to add properties across multiple brands and hospitality segments, Pound will play a central role in supporting the company’s regional strategy and helping convert its development pipeline into long-term operating performance.
What Kolin Pound’s Appointment Means for Hilton
As Area President – Caribbean and Latin America, Pound will bring investment and asset-management expertise to a region that remains an important part of Hilton’s international growth strategy. His responsibilities will include supporting hotel performance, strengthening relationships with owners and partners, and helping identify opportunities for continued development.
With approximately 315 existing hotels and resorts and another 150 properties in the pipeline, Hilton’s CALA business is positioned for continued expansion. Pound’s appointment adds another layer of senior leadership experience as the company works toward its next phase of growth across the Caribbean and Latin America.
