Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced Monday that Kristin Oliver will become its new chief human resources officer effective May 12, succeeding Malaika Myers who is retiring after seven years with the company.
Oliver brings 15 years of HR leadership experience from major consumer brands including HanesBrands, Walgreens, Chico’s and Walmart, where she held multiple C-suite positions across various functions.
“As Hyatt evolves into a more brand-focused, agile enterprise, Kristin’s extensive experience and purpose-driven approach will guide our focus on the capabilities and talent needed to move our strategy forward,” said Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt’s president and CEO.
In her new role, Oliver will oversee Hyatt’s global HR strategy as the hotel chain continues its expansion. She will relocate from North Carolina to Hyatt’s global headquarters in Chicago in the coming months.
Legacy of leadership
Myers, who will retire at the end of May, leaves behind significant contributions to the company’s culture and talent initiatives.
“Malaika’s leadership has been transformative for our organization,” said Hoplamazian. “Her unwavering commitment to our values, colleague wellbeing and fostering open dialogue around mental health has left an indelible mark on Hyatt’s culture.”
Under Myers’ leadership, Hyatt’s global Opportunity Youth program RiseHY is approaching its goal of 10,000 hires, according to the company.
Strategic positioning
The leadership change comes as Hyatt continues to expand its global footprint, which currently includes more than 1,400 hotels and properties across 79 countries on six continents.
The appointment signals Hyatt’s focus on talent development as it navigates an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape and evolving workforce demands in the post-pandemic era.
Oliver’s cross-functional executive experience is expected to bring fresh perspectives to Hyatt’s human resources strategies as the company works to attract and retain talent in a challenging labor market.
