Hilton Commercial Chief Talks Acquisition Spree and Brand Strategy

Hilton has been on a streak of acquiring hotel brands this year after going 16 years without buying any. Yet its commercial chief said that the hotel group hadn't shifted from its decade-long corporate strategy.

"It's driven for us by customer trends, right?" said Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services. "If there is a gap in our products that customers want to stay in, then we're going to fill it."

In March, Hilton bought the Graduate Hotels brand. In April, it completed an all-cash purchase of a majority controlling interest in Sydell Group, which owns NoMad Hotels.

Hilton's sudden shopping spree was a hot topic among hotel investors and owners at this week's NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, with many speculating about potential future deals.

Silcock acknowledged that Hilton's moves were unexpected, but he said they were consistent with the company's long-term corporate strategy and were "purposeful and paced." He also discouraged speculation tha