Luxury hospitality veteran Etienne Dalançon has been appointed as the General Manager of the forthcoming Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, Hilton announced. The hotel, marking the debut of the Waldorf Astoria brand in Malaysia, is set to open in late 2026 in Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant Golden Triangle, Bukit Bintang.
Dalançon brings over two decades of experience in luxury hospitality, having previously served as General Manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Under his leadership, the resort received accolades from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveller, and the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating. His career spans senior leadership roles across Asia and Europe, where he is recognised for his strategic vision and commitment to service excellence.
The Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur will feature 268 suites, seven unique dining and cocktail venues, a world-class wellness centre, and extensive meeting and event spaces. These facilities are designed to embody the brand’s signature blend of timeless elegance and personalised luxury.
“I am honoured to lead the launch of Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur and bring the brand’s sincerely elegant service to this dynamic city,” Dalançon stated. “Together with the team, we look forward to creating memorable guest experiences that reflect both Waldorf Astoria’s heritage and the vibrant spirit of Kuala Lumpur.”
The appointment of Dalançon is a significant step as Hilton prepares to introduce the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand to Malaysia, promising a new level of luxury hospitality in the region.
