Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the appointment of Stephen Ho as Group President, Asia Pacific, effective January 1, 2027. Ho, who currently serves as President, Greater China & Growth, Asia Pacific, will succeed David Udell as the company’s regional leader.
With more than 40 years of hospitality leadership experience, Ho takes on the position as Hyatt prepares for a leadership transition across its Asia Pacific operations.
This appointment contributes to Hyatt’s organisational development, reflecting leadership appointments in hospitality.Stephen Ho to Lead Hyatt’s Asia Pacific Operations
As Group President, Asia Pacific, Ho will assume leadership of Hyatt’s regional business from January 1, 2027.
The appointment follows the company’s announcement that David Udell, who has led the region since 2014, will retire from his current position effective December 31, 2026.
Ho’s elevation provides continuity in Hyatt’s regional leadership structure, with an existing senior executive taking responsibility for the wider Asia Pacific business.
His appointment comes as Hyatt continues to focus on its operations and development across the region.
Current Role as President, Greater China & Growth, Asia Pacific
Ho currently serves as President, Greater China & Growth, Asia Pacific, at Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
In this position, he holds a senior regional leadership role covering Greater China and growth-related responsibilities across Asia Pacific.
His appointment to Group President represents an expansion of his regional leadership responsibilities.
Hyatt has indicated that a successor for his current position will be announced at a later date.
Four Decades of Hospitality Leadership Experience
Ho brings more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry to his new appointment.
His professional background includes senior leadership responsibilities within Hyatt’s Asia Pacific organisation, most recently in Greater China and regional growth.
The experience provides a foundation for his transition to the company’s broader Asia Pacific leadership position.
The announcement does not specify his earlier employers or a complete chronology of previous appointments.
Stephen Ho Comments on His Appointment
Commenting on his new position, Ho said:
“I am honoured to lead Hyatt’s Asia Pacific team, following David, who has set such a strong foundation for the region.”
His statement acknowledges Udell’s leadership of the Asia Pacific business and the transition taking place at the end of 2026.
Udell will continue his association with Hyatt as Senior Advisor after stepping down from his current role.
Hyatt Prepares for Regional Leadership Transition
The appointment establishes Ho as Hyatt’s incoming Asia Pacific leader from the beginning of 2027.
Udell’s transition to an advisory position will coincide with Ho’s elevation, maintaining his association with the company while transferring regional leadership responsibilities.
Hyatt has not yet announced who will succeed Ho as President, Greater China & Growth, Asia Pacific.
With more than four decades of hospitality experience, Ho will assume his new position on January 1, 2027, marking the next phase of the company’s regional leadership.
