Gary Steffen has served as Global Head of Canopy by Hilton, Hilton’s lifestyle hotel brand, since June 2014. With over 25 years of hospitality experience, Steffen evaluates and directs the strategies and programs that maximize business performance and encourage continuous improvement for a rewarding guest experience at Canopy by Hilton properties around the world.

Steffen directly oversees all operations tied to revenues, market share, distribution, service, culture and quality, as well as renovations and product improvement plans, property relicensing and hotel openings. He leads the global brand development and is an active member on Hilton’s quality assurance committee.

Prior to his new role, Steffen was Vice President, Brand Performance Support, Hilton Hotels & Resorts from 2013 to 2014, during which he assisted with the launch of Curio – A Collection by Hilton. He also worked as Vice President, Brand Performance Support, DoubleTree by Hilton from 2009 to 2013. During his time with DoubleTree by Hilton, Steffen assisted with the successful launch of the brand outside of the Americas and the repositioning of the brand worldwide.

Steffen also served as Director of Brand Standards and Strategic Initiatives for DoubleTree by Hilton, orchestrating the implementation of many core guest services and amenities including Wolfgang Puck Gourmet In-Room Coffee Service, the first phase of the DoubleTree Breakfast program and Doubletree Fitness by Precor facilities.

Earlier in his career, Steffen served as General Manager of Hilton Austin Airport as well as the Holiday Inn Minneapolis West. Under his leadership, each of these hotels realized dramatic increases in RevPAR Share, guest satisfaction scores and overall business unit revenue. Steffen also worked in leadership and management roles for Renaissance Hotels from 1989 to 2002 at hotels in Cleveland, Denver and St. Louis.

He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout and has a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management.