Profile

Emma Banks

VP, F&B Strategy and Development EMEA
Hilton

Based at Hilton’s MEA Regional Office in Dubai, Emma Banks is responsible for F&B strategy and development across Europe, the Middle East and Africa supporting Hilton’s trading and future pipeline of hotels. Over the course of Emma’s career, she has seamlessly transitioned from independents to large global hospitality companies. She joined Hilton in 2019 with a mission to make the company the clear leader in food and drink. In but a short time she has made a big impact, bringing a wealth of exceptional F&B specialist talent into the business while being actively involved in Hilton’s various ESG initiatives. Emma recognizes the critical responsibility that food and drink plays in protecting the planet and has been involved in several market-leading initiatives over the last decade to reduce single-use plastics, track food waste and source ingredients locally, which was recognised at Gulfood, when Emma was named Sustainability Professional of The Year 2023, and most recently as Sustainability Champion of the Year at the Hotelier Middle East awards 2023. Emma is also a role model to women in the industry, ranking #1 in Caterer Middle East’s “2020 Women in F&B” Power List. At the end of 2020 Emma was elected a Member of the Board of Governors and Member of the Board of the Academic Committee of Dubai College of Tourism (DCT). In 2023, Emma was acknowledged with a Middle East Women Leader Award at the World Women Leadership Congress Awards Middle East, for her contribution to the promotion of empowerment and social change, she was also included in the 2023 Top Women in Travel and Hospitality report by Women Leading Travel & Hospitality and most recently as the Winner of the Excellence in Hospitality category at FilmFare’s Most Influential Women Awards 2024. Emma holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Leeds University and lives in Dubai with her husband Jon, beloved daughter Lily and a menagerie of rescue cats and dogs!