Hilton has announced the appointment of Michael Schmitt as Cluster General Manager, overseeing its three flagship properties on Yas Island: Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, The WB™ Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton™ (the world’s first Warner Bros. hotel), and DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences.
A seasoned hotelier with more than two decades of international hospitality experience, Schmitt brings a wealth of leadership expertise across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Most recently, he served as General Manager of Conrad Dubai, where he successfully positioned the property as one of the city’s leading luxury destinations. Prior to this, he led Waldorf Astoria Chengdu in China and held General Manager roles at Conrad Xiamen, Conrad & Hilton Dalian, and Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, among others.
Throughout his career, Schmitt has demonstrated strong commercial acumen and operational excellence, earning industry-wide recognition including an Asia General Manager of the Year award. His background spans luxury openings, repositioning strategies, and driving performance across diverse international markets.
In his new role, Schmitt will spearhead operations and strategic growth across Hilton’s Yas Island portfolio, strengthening the cluster’s positioning as a premier destination for leisure, entertainment, and business travellers in the region and beyond.
Commenting on his appointment, Schmitt said: “I’m delighted to take on this role at such an exciting time for Yas Island. Hilton has established a strong presence here, with three very distinct properties, each offering a unique experience for our guests. I am looking forward to working closely with our teams to build on this momentum, drive performance, and continue delivering the exceptional standards of hospitality that Hilton is known for.”
With its prime location on Yas Island, the cluster brings together waterfront lifestyle, immersive themed hospitality, and extended-stay living, offering a well-rounded experience for both leisure and business travellers.
