Beyond Returns: Hilton
As one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers, Blackstone is uniquely positioned to create lasting value for both our portfolio companies and our investors. In doing so we look beyond returns, seeking to strengthen the communities within which we live and work.
Today we’re spotlighting our former portfolio company Hilton as it was recently recognized as the #1 Best Workplace for Women in the U.S. They add this award to a growing list of recognition: in the past year Hilton was named #1 Best Place to Work in the U.S, the #2 Best Place to Work Globally, and the top global hospitality company in Asia.
We are proud of our former portfolio company’s continued success. When we invested in Hilton in 2007, we saw the company’s potential to become a global leader in hospitality. Through the course of our 11 year ownership Hilton achieved that goal, doubling the size of the company. It grew to more than 5,300 properties, 863,000 rooms and nearly 400,000 employees – more than 53% of them women and more than 17,000 of them veterans, as part of our veterans hiring initiative.
The company has become more environmentally sustainable through a wide variety of energy efficiency initiatives (smart heating/cooling systems, low-flow showerheads). Since 2008, Hilton has also reduced carbon emissions and waste by 30 percent and energy and water consumption by 20 percent.
Hilton has been recognized for its leadership by not only its customers and investors, but also by its employees. The company is continuing to develop its inclusive culture and transforming how they engage and promote their team members through industry-leading employee benefits, women-focused initiatives, learning and career development programs and improved workspaces.
We believe this latest recognition – and the many before it – underscore the importance of building strong, lasting companies. We are proud of Hilton’s commitment to their team members as they’ve continued their impressive growth under our ownership and beyond.
