Kenneth Jarka Takes Helm as General Manager at Washington Hilton in Washington, DC
Kenneth Jarka has been named general manager of the iconic 1,107-room Washington Hilton, following the recent retirement of 39-year hospitality veteran, Tracy Marks. Located at 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC this historic hotel offers over 116,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and has been host to presidents, dignitaries, notable figures, and prestigious events for more than 50 years. The hotel is owned by Clearview Hotel Capital and managed by Hilton Management Services.
Jarka brings more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, most recently serving as general manager of Hilton Minneapolis, the largest hotel in the state of Minnesota. He first joined the hotel industry in 1988 as a front office agent at the Sherry Netherland Hotel in New York City. Throughout his career, Jarka has served as director of operations at The Grand Hyatt New York, The Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, Hyatt Dulles, Sheraton Stamford, Sheraton New Orleans, before becoming vice president of hotel operations at Mohegan Sun where he was instrumental in achieving the number two customer service rating for Luxury Casino Hotels. Jarka joined Hilton in 2011 as hotel manager of New York Hilton Midtown where he effectively managed all aspects of the operation, including a multi-million-dollar renovation of the property.
Jarka has a degree in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI and has continued his education throughout his career through hospitality management programs at Cornell University.
Washington Hilton is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's 18 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
