Barron Hilton was a prominent American businessman and a key figure in the world-renowned Hilton Hotels empire. Born into the Hilton family dynasty, he continued the family’s legacy in hospitality and expanded the business significantly during his tenure. Though he has now passed, his impact on the industry and his family’s fortune are still felt today.
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Table of Contents
Who is Barron Hilton?
Barron Hilton was the son of Conrad Hilton, the founder of Hilton Hotels Corporation. He took on leadership roles within the company, eventually becoming chairman, president, and CEO after his father’s death in 1979. Barron was a successful businessman and a socialite.
Barron Hilton Bio
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barron Hilton |
| Born | October 23, 1927 |
| Died | September 19, 2019 |
| Age | 91 years old |
| Parents | Conrad Hilton (father), Thelma Means (mother) |
| Spouse(s) | Marilyn June Wilkinson (1947-1987), Sandra Woolley (1988-2019) |
| Children | 8 |
| Education | University of Southern California |
| Occupation | Businessman, Hotelier |
| Known for | Leading Hilton Hotels Corporation, co-founding the American Football League (AFL) |
| Net Worth | $5 million (estimated) |
How old is Barron Hilton?
Barron Hilton was born on October 23, 1927, and passed away on September 19, 2019, at the age of 91.
Career
Barron Hilton had a long and distinguished career. His work highlights include:
- After serving in the Navy during World War II, Barron Hilton delved into various entrepreneurial ventures, including Vita-Pakt Citrus Products and MacDonald Oil Company.
- He became involved in Hilton Hotels Corporation, starting as a vice president in 1954.
- He co-founded the American Football League (AFL) and was the original owner of the Los Angeles Chargers.
- A visionary leader, he made strategic investments in Nevada casinos, significantly growing the company’s reach.
How did Barron Hilton get famous?
Barron Hilton achieved fame primarily due to his family’s name and his leadership of the Hilton Hotels Corporation. His involvement in the sports world, particularly with the AFL, also contributed to his prominence.
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Do Barron Hilton have kids?
Yes, Barron Hilton had eight children during his lifetime.
Barron Hilton Net Worth
Barron Hilton’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. While substantial, it was significantly less than other members of the Hilton family.
Who inherited the Hilton fortune?
Upon Conrad Hilton’s death, the vast majority of his fortune was left to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, a charitable organization. Barron Hilton contested this, eventually reaching a settlement which left him in control of 4% of the Hilton stock. When Barron Hilton died in 2019, he followed in his father’s footsteps and pledged 97% of his wealth to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
Is The Hilton family still rich?
Yes, the Hilton family still possesses significant wealth. Various members of the family, such as Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton Rothschild, enjoy high net worths and luxurious lifestyles.
Are the Hiltons billionaires?
No, currently, there are no billionaires within the Hilton family.
Who is the heiress of Hilton?
While Paris Hilton is often associated with the Hilton brand, she is not the sole heiress. It’s more accurate to say that the Hilton fortune is largely held by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, with various family members holding smaller portions.
Conclusion
Barron Hilton played a pivotal role in shaping the success of the Hilton Hotels empire. He was a savvy businessman with a keen eye for expansion opportunities. While his personal net worth may have been less than some of his family members, his legacy continues through his business accomplishments and his commitment to philanthropy.
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FAQs about Who is Barron Hilton? Biography, Net Worth, and Legacy
- What was Barron Hilton’s role in the Hilton Hotels Corporation? He served as chairman, president, and CEO.
- Was Barron Hilton involved in other ventures? Yes, he had an entrepreneurial spirit and was involved in real estate and the sports industry.
- Who did Barron Hilton leave his fortune to? He followed his father’s example and left 97% of his net worth to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
- Where does the Hilton family’s wealth come from? Primarily from the Hilton Hotels Corporation.
- Was Barron Hilton as wealthy as other members of his family? No, his net worth was lower than some of his well-known relatives.
