Ben Bengougam is Senior Vice President, Human Resources, EMEA, Hilton. Based in the UK, he is responsible for leading the Human Resources function across the region, which includes nearly 60,000 team members in 69 countries & territories. He joined the company in 2010 with a European remit, and following this had his responsibilities widened to include Middle East and Africa.

Ben and his team have successfully developed and executed a series of award-winning people strategies to address challenges including talent acquisition and team member engagement and retention, as well as launching innovative and skills development and employability programmes for young people. Under his stewardship, Hilton has also gained consistent recognition from Great Places to Work, in which Hilton ranks among the top 10 in 12 countries across EMEA, including #1 rankings in the UK Italy and Turkey.

A passionate developer of talent, Ben and his team launched Careers@Hilton, a global initiative designed to engage and inspire a new generation of hospitality professionals. He is also responsible for implementing new initiatives to encourage the development of diverse talent across the business, including Coaching on Call, a leadership coaching service aimed specifically at female Team Members in the early years of their career. More recently he has been instrumental is setting up the EMEA Diversity Council with representation from Hilton's Team Member Resources Groups including Ethnic, Pride, Women, Abilities and Generations leaders.

Ben is a BSc engineering science graduate and has also obtained a Master’s Degree in HR Development. He is a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. With more than 30 years’ experience in human resources, Ben has worked in a range of high-profile positions, including HR Director at leading Middle Eastern franchise operator MH Alshaya.

Intro music from www.scottholmesmusic.com