Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that David Udell will continue his association with the company as Senior Advisor following his retirement as Group President, Asia Pacific, effective 31 December 2026. In his new advisory role, Udell will focus on mentoring future hospitality leaders and supporting Hyatt’s continued ambitions in the luxury hospitality segment.
With more than four decades of experience at Hyatt, Udell has played an important role in the company’s growth across Asia Pacific, helping strengthen its presence in key markets and expand its portfolio of luxury hotels.
David Udell’s Four-Decade Journey with Hyatt
Udell’s association with Hyatt began in 1982 when he joined the company in Singapore as a corporate management trainee.
What started as an entry-level opportunity developed into a remarkable hospitality career spanning hotel operations, regional management and global leadership responsibilities.
Throughout his journey, he held several food and beverage leadership positions across Asian markets before being appointed the first General Manager of Park Hyatt Tokyo.
He later served as General Manager of Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, gaining further experience managing some of the region’s prominent luxury hospitality properties.
These early leadership positions helped establish his reputation as an experienced hotelier with a strong understanding of luxury operations, guest experience and brand development.
Strengthening Hyatt’s Luxury Presence Across Asia Pacific
In 2014, Udell took on the role of Group President, Asia Pacific, overseeing Hyatt’s operations and strategic development across the region.
During his leadership, he contributed to strengthening Hyatt’s position in important hospitality markets and supporting the expansion of its luxury portfolio.
His work played a significant role in the growth of the Park Hyatt brand across Asia Pacific, alongside the continued development of Hyatt’s wider luxury hospitality business.
With Asia Pacific remaining an important region for international travel and luxury tourism, his leadership helped support the company’s long-term growth ambitions and brand positioning.
David Udell to Focus on Mentoring Future Hospitality Leaders
Following his retirement from the Group President position, Udell will take on the role of Senior Advisor at Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
His responsibilities will include supporting the development of future hospitality leaders, sharing his extensive industry knowledge and contributing to Hyatt’s continued luxury growth strategy.
The advisory position will allow the company to continue benefiting from his decades of operational and leadership experience while creating opportunities for the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Stephen Ho to Succeed David Udell as Group President, Asia Pacific
As part of the leadership transition, Stephen Ho will succeed David Udell as Group President, Asia Pacific, effective 1 January 2027.
Ho currently serves as President, Greater China & Growth, Asia Pacific, and brings more than 40 years of hospitality leadership experience to the position.
His extensive industry background and regional experience will support Hyatt as it continues developing its business across Asia Pacific.
The transition reflects the company’s focus on maintaining leadership continuity while building on its established regional strategy.
A New Chapter in Hyatt’s Leadership Journey
David Udell’s transition into an advisory role marks an important milestone in a career spanning more than 40 years with Hyatt.
From beginning as a management trainee in Singapore to leading the company’s Asia Pacific operations, his professional journey reflects a long-standing contribution to the development of luxury hospitality across the region.
As he moves into his new position, Udell will continue supporting Hyatt’s ambitions through mentorship, strategic guidance and leadership development.
His experience and contribution will remain valuable as Hyatt looks towards its next phase of growth in the global hospitality industry.
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation is a global hospitality company headquartered in Chicago, United States. The company operates across several hospitality segments, including luxury, lifestyle, full-service hotels, resorts and all-inclusive properties.
Its portfolio includes internationally recognised brands such as Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency and several other hospitality concepts serving travellers across different destinations.
With a strong international presence and continued focus on distinctive guest experiences, Hyatt remains an established name in the global hotel industry.
David Udell’s transition to Senior Advisor represents the continuation of a long-standing relationship with the company, while Stephen Ho’s appointment signals the next chapter of leadership for Hyatt’s Asia Pacific operations.
