Hilton To Expand Workforce, Not Footprint, In New Headquarters Deal

Hilton plans to expand the headcount at its Northern Virginia headquarters by more than 40% over the next five years, but it will do so without expanding its office footprint, the hospitality giant said Thursday.

Hilton Worldwide has occupied the same building in McLean, Virginia, since 2009, expanding over that time from a third of the building’s footprint to roughly 70%. 

But in signing a 15-year lease renewal with property owner B.F. Saul Co., Hilton maintained roughly the same footprint — 220K SF — while committing to renovate the common spaces and offices for its workers.

The expansion plan would bring the total headcount at Hilton's headquarters, located at 7930 Jones Bridge Drive, from roughly 800 workers today to 1,150. A Hilton spokesperson, in comments emailed to Bisnow, said the brand "strongly believes in the value of in-person connections" while also valuing "the importance of workforce flexibility."

Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta praised local leadership for encouraging a strong talent pipeline in the region.

"Northern Virginia has been Hilton’s home for more than a decade, and the region has played an instrumental role in helping us create the best, most inclusive home for our Team Members while also managing the demands of a global business," Nassetta said in a statement.

Northern Virginia has landed multiple corporate headquarters relocations and renewals this year that haven't led to significant net new leases. Boeing and Raytheon both announced they were moving their headquarters to Northern Virginia, with minimal impact on their headcount or leased space.