Katherine Lugar

Katherine Lugar is Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs at Hilton, overseeing the company’s global communications, government affairs, and ESG and Foundation functions. Hilton is a leading hospitality company with a global portfolio spanning 24 brands and more than 7,600 properties. Lugar joined the company in 2023.

Prior to Hilton, Lugar served as the President and CEO of the American Beverage Association (ABA), where she was responsible for setting and executing the strategic vision for ABA and representing the industry’s voice on Capitol Hill, with the Administration and across the country. Previously, Lugar served as President and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. In this role, she revamped the association, leading to record membership, tripling revenue, sharply increasing the focus on advocacy and ensuring greater industry alignment and engagement. Lugar began her career in Washington, D.C., as a legislative aide in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Lugar is the President of the Hilton Global Foundation and sits on the Boards of Directors of Bipartisan Policy Center Action and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She is also a Corporate Advisory Board member of So Others Might Eat (SOME). She has been recognized as a “Leader to Watch” by the Washington Post, a top lobbyist by The Hill and one of “Washington’s Most Powerful Women” by Washingtonian.