Houston, TX. – April 23, 2014 – Michael L. Walker has been named general manager of the 350-room DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Downtown conveniently located in the heart of the downtown business and financial district, according to Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president operation eastern region for Hilton Worldwide. Effective immediately, Walker will oversee the day-to-day operations of the hotel which is connected to the Allen Center and is within walking distance to the theater and entertainment district.

Walker’s background includes experience in all operations, revenue management, food and beverage and sales with over 20 years management experience in full service, upscale, branded properties. A results-focused and effectual leader with a proven ability to immediately impact market penetration index, profitability and guest and team member satisfaction ratings, Walker most recently held the position of general manager of Hilton New Orleans Airport, a position he held since 2008. From 2006 to 2008, he was general manager at the Red Lion Denver Central, Denver, Colorado. Prior to that, he served as assistant general manager of 566-room Doubletree Denver where he also held the position as regional cluster leader.

Walker has been with Hilton Worldwide for 16 years and in that time has been repeatedly recognized for outstanding performance, including being named on the America’s quarterly Presidents list for YOY EBITDA growth, 3Q 2012. Before joining Hilton Worldwide, he was director of property operations for Windsor Capital Group, Destination Hotels and Resorts and The Promus Corporation.

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Jefferson Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau and The Louisiana Hotel and Lodging Association. Walker was also selected to serve on the Mayors Committee on Economic Development, for the city of Kenner, Louisiana and volunteers for Junior Achievement. In Denver, he was involved in the Denver Hotel and Lodging Association, Full Circle Intergenerational Project Mentoring Project and the American Heart Association.

Walker is certified through the American Hotel and Lodging Association as a Certified Hotel Administrator, (CHA) and was previously certified as a Certified Rooms Division Executive, (CRDE). Additionally he has completed coursework at CCA, in Aurora. He has been married for 27 years and has one daughter and three grandsons.