Hilton has named Caroline Krass as its new executive vice president and general counsel, bringing her extensive legal and national security expertise to the global hospitality giant. She most recently served as the general counsel for the Department of Defense (DoD) and previously held senior leadership roles at AIG and law firm Gibson Dunn.

Krass, set to begin her new role on March 17, 2025, will report directly to Hilton’s president and CEO, Christopher J. Nassetta, and serve on the company’s executive committee. Nassetta emphasized her ability to navigate complex legal environments and praised her leadership qualities.

With over 25 years in public service, Krass was the first woman confirmed by the U.S. Senate as general counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Her distinguished career includes advisory roles in the intelligence community and cybersecurity law, as well as multiple awards, such as the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service and the CIA Distinguished Intelligence Medal.

Krass expressed her enthusiasm for joining Hilton, highlighting her long-standing admiration for the company’s culture and global impact. “As someone who developed a love for travel at a young age, I look forward to working with Chris and the world-class team to advance Hilton’s business interests, safeguard its reputation, and ultimately generate meaningful business impact everywhere Hilton operates,” she said.

Her appointment comes at a time when hospitality companies are navigating evolving regulatory landscapes and legal challenges, particularly in data privacy, cybersecurity, and corporate governance. Krass’s background in both public and private sectors positions her well to lead Hilton’s legal strategy amid these complexities.