Phil Cordell, Hilton’s global category head lifestyle and new brands, will be retiring after 40 years with the lodging company. Cordell will be transitioning into an advisor role, effective July, Hilton announced.
In an internal letter to the company’s senior leaders, Chris Silcock, Hilton’s president, global brands and commercial services, said Cordell will serve as a mentor and coach, offering guidance and support to the team.
Cordell will be succeeded by Kevin Osterhaus, who joined Hilton as president, global lifestyle brands to oversee the growth, design and development of the Canopy by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, Graduate by Hilton, Motto by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Tempo by Hilton brands. Osterhaus joins from Graduate Hotels, which Hilton acquired in March.
Cordell began his career at Hilton as a bellman while he was still in high school and rose through the ranks to become the general manager of the second Hampton Hotel in 1983. He went on to helm Hilton’s All Suites and Focused Service brands for more than 20 years, including expanding the Hampton by Hilton brand by focusing on customers’ needs and adding a spirit of “Hamptonality” service.
Cordell showed his skill in adapting global brands to local markets while opening the inaugural Hampton hotel in 2015 in China. By the time he completed his 35-year tenure as the head of Hampton, the brand had grown to more than 2,300 hotels located across 29 countries.
This year marks Hampton’s 40th anniversary as well as the launch of its 3,000th hotel.
Alongside his contribution in establishing Hampton, Cordell has assisted in the success of many several Hilton brands, including Hilton Garden Inn, Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites. In his latest role, he spearheaded the creation and launch of the Home2 Suites, Tru, Motto, Tempo and Spark brands.
Spark was the fastest announcement-to-market brand in Hilton’s history. Announced in January 2023, the conversion brand opened its first hotel in October in Mystic, Conn.
Besides his contribution in building brands for Hilton, Cordell was instrumental in leading the team which created and activated Hilton CleanStay, an initiative to set a standard for cleanliness and safety during the pandemic.
“As Phil transitions into an advisory role, let us take this opportunity to express our gratitude for his exceptional leadership, mentorship, and friendship. His legacy of innovation, growth, and genuine ‘Hamptonality’ service will continue to inspire us for years,” Silcock said in the letter.
