Global Media Center

John Forrest Ales is a loyalty point chaser who sets two wake up calls and is secretly jealous of the evening torch lighter at Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. He leads communication strategies for Hilton Hotels & Resorts and its portfolio of more than 540 hotels in 76 countries across six continents as senior director - global brand public relations for the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide.  Ales is responsible for managing the brand's global reputation; executing media and community relations; supporting brand marketing objectives and creating resources for hotels to excel in local markets. His experience includes strengthening the reputations of the world's largest retailer and a governor recovering from the greatest natural disaster in U.S. history. In 2010 Ales was named to PR Week's "40 Under 40" list, which recognizes top talent in the public relations industry.

His work for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. included developing public relations strategies and managing community relations and brand reputation in Southern California - one of the most challenging U.S. markets for the company's growth. Ales achieved favorable coverage, countered adversaries and gained supporters for Wal-Mart to support the company's real estate and public affairs priorities.

Ales shaped strategies for a range of top consumer brands including Taco Bell, Hilton, Epson, Activision and Chevron at Cohn & Wolfe (Los Angeles). While at the agency, he also managed multiple aspects of Hilton's sponsorship of the U.S. Olympic Team, including a campaign recognized with a Bronze Adrian Award and projects with Michael Phelps and other athletes.

In 2005, Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco called Ales home to Louisiana in advance of the first anniversaries of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He focused on branding her legislative and public policy agendas and managing domestic and international media interest in the state's recovery. Ales executed PR strategies for the re-opening of the Louisiana Superdome, overseas economic missions, the state's cultural economy and other areas. He developed Louisiana's first Web site streamlining emergency preparedness and recovery information, advanced the state's historic use of text alerts for emergency communication and launched the first social media campaign of any U.S. Governor.

Ales holds a Master of Arts in strategic public relations from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts in journalism/public relations, minor in political science, from the University of Arkansas.

Favorite Hilton amenity?
Our in-room Hilton Pet Friendly collection of amenities. If I were a Scottish Terrier, I would insist on having one of our pet beds.

If you could work in any on-property team member position, which would it be?
The Team Member who lights the torches at Hilton Hawaiian Village each night.

What is the best kept Hilton secret?
The Hilton Fitness by Precor facility at Hilton New Orleans Riverside is the best hotel fitness center I've ever seen. It has a large workout area, racquet ball courts, tennis courts and massage areas.

EMAIL: John Forrest Ales

FOR MEDIA: Media Inquiry or Media Accommodations