James Clarke to return to London Hilton on Park Lane as general manager

James Clarke is to take on the role of general manager at London Hilton on Park Lane, taking over from Matthew Mullan in the new year.

Clarke, who is chair of the Master Innholders, joins from Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, where he is currently general manager. 

He will leave the property early next year to return to London Hilton on Park Lane, where he was director of operations for three years between 2011 and 2015.

Mullan, who has spent four years as general manager and overseen a comprehensive refurbishment of the 454-bedroom Mayfair property, is to stay on with Hilton to take on a senior role in the Middle East. 

Clarke originally left London Hilton on Park Lane to be opening general manager at Hilton London Bankside in 2015, where he stayed for eight years before joining PPHE. Under his leadership the Hilton London Bankside won the Hotel of the Year (Group) title at the 2020 Cateys.

He said: “I am honoured to return to the iconic London Hilton on Park Lane and lead this incredible team. Together, we will create a culture where people thrive and guests experience the very best of hospitality.”

Stephen Cassidy, senior vice-president, Hilton UK & Ireland, paid tribute to the work Mullan had done to redesign what was the first Hilton to open in the UK, and welcomed Clarke back to the landmark property.

He said: “We’re thrilled to welcome James back to Hilton and to have him take the reins at London Hilton on Park Lane – one of our most prestigious hotels. 

“James brings with him over 35 years of hospitality experience, including eight successful years as general manager at Hilton London Bankside. Not only did James successfully open the hotel, but he positioned it as a top destination for business and leisure travellers, winning 10 awards whilst at the helm, including Hotel of the Year at the Cateys. 

“James also has experience working at renowned Hilton properties such as Waldorf Astoria New York, so we can’t wait to have him here to lead the Park Lane team and build on the stellar job that Matthew Mullan has done over the last four years.”