Robert Watson
Hilton Austin

Robert Watson began his career in the hospitality industry when he was only 12 years old, checking hats at the then Fairmont Mayo Hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was inspired by his father who had a 30-year career at Tulsa’s historic Mayo Hotel. Robert is now the general manager of Hilton Austin, a AAA 4 Diamond 800-room hotel in Austin.

Before moving to Austin in 2013, he served as the general manager of Hilton Omaha. Robert was also the GM of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tulsa Downtown and during his tenure, the hotel was twice awarded the “Star of the Industry” award as the Outstanding Community Service Hotel of the Year from American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). He remains active in local and national hospitality organizations and has even been recognized for his civic leadership and community service involvement. He is currently a board member for the Austin Hotel and Lodging Association and is a former board member for the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, Omaha Sports Commission and the Nebraska Hotel and Motel Association, just to name a few.