Director of Design, Central and Eastern Europe - Architecture, Design + Construction | EMEA - Hilton

Paola Mantello joined the Hilton AD&C team in Italy in 2022, following the Central and Eastern Europe region, and is leading the direction of the Interior Design strategy for new hotels, conversions and renovation projects within all Hilton brands such as Waldorf Astoria, LXR, Canopy, Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton and many others.

His passionate approach to 'design with a story to tell' and his unique background in both interior design and set design are bringing a fresh touch to the growing array of key properties being developed in the region.

She started in 2004 in Milan, Italy, designing sets for photo shoots, events and exhibitions for brands such as Giorgio Armani and Valentino. Moving to the Middle East in 2008, she worked as head of interior design for Armani Casa in Bahrain, from where she moved to Qatar in 2011, specialising in VVIP residential properties.
In 2013, she moved to Singapore, joining the well-known hospitality design consultancy, HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associate). In 2015, she joined the established development company, Emaar, in Dubai, working for 3 years in Dubai properties as Assistant Director of Design for Hospitality Projects, supporting several luxury hotel and residence brands across the region.

Prior to joining @Hilton, in 2018 Paola joined Accor's Design & Technical Services team in Dubai as Director of Interior Design Luxury brands in the TIMEA region, following brands such as Raffles, Orient Express, Fairmont, Sofitel and Lifestyle.

He holds a Master's degree in Interior Design from the Politecnico di Milano in Italy and a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Design from the University of Central England in Birmingham, England.