Hilton Hotels Corporation has revealed that Peter M. George, a member of the company’s Board of Directors, died last week after a long illness. Mr. George, who joined Hilton’s Board in 1997, was 63.

“All of us associated with the Hilton family are terribly saddened,” said Hilton co-chairman and chief executive officer Stephen F. Bollenbach. “As a Director, Peter was insightful, knowledgeable and contributed greatly to our company’s success. More importantly, he was a caring and compassionate colleague and friend. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.”

Mr. George was senior vice president of international development for Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., one of the world’s largest casino gaming companies. He had originally joined Harrah’s predecessor company, Caesars Entertainment, Inc., in 2001 in a similar capacity. Prior to that, Mr. George served as group chief executive of Hilton Group plc (formerly Ladbrokes plc) since 1994. In that role, he was instrumental in working with Mr. Bollenbach in creating the strategic alliance in 1997 between Hilton Hotels Corporation and Hilton International (the lodging subsidiary of Hilton Group.) That alliance ultimately paved the way for the 2006 acquisition of Hilton International by Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Mr. George joined Ladbroke Racing in 1963, progressing through the company before becoming managing director in 1976. He joined the Ladbroke Board in 1980, and was appointed vice chairman and joint managing director in 1990 with operating responsibilities for the group’s hotels, racing and retail divisions.

A native of England, Mr. George was educated at the City of London Freeman’s School.
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