William B. Fortier ('83)
Senior VP–Development Americas
Hilton Worldwide
Lectured November 20, 2008
William B. Fortier was named senior vice president–Development Americas in June 2008. In this position, he is responsible for overseeing all development activities in the Americas for Hilton Hotels Corporation's brands, including Waldorf, Conrad, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton. From his office at Hilton Worldwide's headquarters in McLean, Virginia, Bill directs activities that include the continuing expansion of the company's network of hotels and overseeing the contractual and ownership relationship aspects of ongoing agreements.Bill began his professional career in 1983 as a consultant in management advisory services for Panell Kerr Forster. While at PKF, he worked on developing pro formas, market studies and appraisals for new and existing hotels. In 1986, he joined Marriott International, where he worked in a number of capacities from manager of market planning and feasibility to regional vice president of lodging development, a position he held until he joined Hilton Hotels Corporation in 1996.
With Hilton, Bill has served as vice president–franchise development for the western region of Hilton (1996 to 2000) and senior vice president–franchise development North America (May 2000 to June 2008). He holds a bachelor of science degree from the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston.