Kathleen Hedges appointed GM for Hampton by Hilton’s first African hotel

SOUTH AFRICA – The Hampton by Hilton brand is making its African debut with the upcoming opening of Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Kathleen Hedges has been named General Manager of the 158-room hotel, which is set to welcome guests later this month.

With 17 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Hedges is well-prepared to lead the hotel’s operations and introduce the brand’s signature “Hamptonality” to Africa.

This ethos emphasizes friendly, reliable service alongside a commitment to fostering a positive workplace culture.

“We are thrilled to have Kathleen at the helm of this highly anticipated opening,” said Andreas Lackner, Vice President of Operations for Africa & the Indian Ocean. “Her extensive experience and leadership will be pivotal in delivering a welcoming stay experience while cultivating a vibrant workplace for our team.”

Hedges expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “It’s an honor to bring Hampton by Hilton’s trusted, award-winning service to South Africa. My goal is to provide thoughtful experiences that align with the country’s rich culture and traditions while supporting the growth of local tourism.”

Hampton by Hilton Sandton Grayston will offer a range of amenities aimed at enhancing the guest experience. These include complimentary hot breakfasts featuring freshly baked waffles, free Wi-Fi, and modern fitness facilities.

The hotel is expected to attract both domestic and international travelers, contributing to Johannesburg’s status as a key business and tourism hub.

The launch of Hampton by Hilton in Johannesburg is part of Hilton’s wider growth strategy across Africa. Recently, Hilton announced plans to expand in Morocco with nine new properties.

These include luxury brands such as Waldorf Astoria and LXR Hotels & Resorts, set to open in cities like Rabat and Casablanca.

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa, highlighted the momentum in Morocco’s tourism industry. “With over 13 million visitors in the first nine months of the year, Morocco is a thriving market.”

“These new developments will add over 1,300 rooms and create around 1,500 jobs, reinforcing our commitment to the region.”

Key projects include the Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé, expected to open in 2025 within the Mohammed VI Tower, Morocco’s tallest building. Similarly, the debut of LXR Hotels & Resorts in Casablanca will enhance the city’s high-end hospitality offerings.

Hilton is also extending its value-oriented Hampton by Hilton brand to Morocco, with planned locations in Benguérir and Fes set to open between 2025 and 2027.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.