W. Barron Hilton

$2.50 B

Ranked #459 in World

About W. Barron Hilton

William Barron Hilton, a prominent American business magnate, philanthropist, and sports enthusiast, passed away in 2019, leaving behind a legacy that spans across various sectors. As the second son of Conrad Hilton, he succeeded his father as the chairman, president, and CEO of Hilton Hotels Corporation and significantly contributed to the hospitality industry. A notable pilot and founder of the American Football League (AFL), Hilton played a crucial role in the AFL-NFL merger that led to the creation of the Super Bowl. His commitment to philanthropy was evident as he pledged 97% of his wealth to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, dramatically increasing its endowment. Hilton's diverse interests and achievements, from aviation to sports and humanitarian efforts, marked him as a multifaceted leader whose impact resonated well beyond his tenure.

Born

October 27, 1927 in Dallas, Texas, U.S.

Died

September 19, 2019 (aged 91)

Source Of Wealth

Hotels, Casinos

Industries

Service

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Los Angeles, CA

Education

University of Southern California

Spouse

Marilyn June Hawley (Married: 1947–2004)

Children

8, including Richard

Parent

Conrad Hilton (father)

William Barron Hilton, born on October 23, 1927, in Dallas, Texas, was the second son of hotelier Conrad Hilton and Mary Adelaide. Growing up with three siblings, Conrad Nicholson Hilton, Jr., Eric Michael Hilton, and Constance Francesca Hilton, he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for aviation at a young age.

W. Barron Hilton: Family

William Barron Hilton married Marilyn June Hawley in 1947, and together they raised eight children: William Barron Hilton, Jr., Hawley Anne Hilton, Steven Michael Hilton, David Alan Hilton, Sharon Constance Hilton, Richard Hilton, Daniel Kevin Hilton, and Ronald Jeffrey Hilton. The couple was blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who continue to carry on the Hilton legacy.

W. Barron Hilton: Career Highlights

William Barron Hilton's career was marked by several notable achievements. He served as the chairman, president, and CEO of Hilton Hotels Corporation, expanding the company's reach and solidifying its position as a global hospitality leader. Additionally, he founded the American Football League (AFL) as the original owner of the Los Angeles Chargers, contributing to the sport's growth and ultimately helping to create the Super Bowl through the merger with the National Football League (NFL).

W. Barron Hilton: Companies

William Barron Hilton's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish and lead several companies. He was the chairman emeritus of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to humanitarian causes. Additionally, he was the founder of the American Football League (AFL) and the original owner of the Los Angeles Chargers, which he later moved to San Diego.

W. Barron Hilton: Major Achievements

William Barron Hilton's major achievements include expanding Hilton Hotels Corporation into Las Vegas, introducing video cameras in casinos, and bringing renowned performers like Liberace and Elvis Presley to perform. He also completed the purchase of the iconic Waldorf-Astoria hotel and real estate in 1979. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in the merger of the AFL and NFL, leading to the creation of the Super Bowl, one of the most significant events in American sports.

W.
Barron Hilton: Awards & Achievements

William Barron Hilton received numerous awards and accolades throughout his life. He was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame in 2012 and received the prestigious FAI Gold Air Medal from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. His contributions to aviation and philanthropy were widely recognized and celebrated.

W. Barron Hilton: Personal Life & Legacy

William Barron Hilton was passionate about aviation and held various pilot ratings. He maintained a fleet of aircraft and supported attempts to fly non-stop around the world in a balloon, inspiring others to achieve this remarkable feat. He also hosted the Barron Hilton Cup, a worldwide glider competition, from 1980 to 2009. His legacy as a philanthropist and aviation enthusiast continues to inspire future generations.

W. Barron Hilton: Trivia

William Barron Hilton inherited 97% of his father's estate, which he pledged to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. He was the last surviving member of the Foolish Club, the original AFL owners. Hilton owned the Jay Paley House in Holmby Hills and maintained a suite in New York's Waldorf-Astoria. He also purchased the Flying-M Ranch in Nevada with friends and later bought them out.

Wealth History

Timeline

1927

William Barron Hilton was born in Dallas, Texas, to Mary Adelaide and Conrad Nicholson Hilton.

1944

Established the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

1947

Married Marilyn June Hawley.

1954

Elected vice president of Hilton Hotels, running franchise operations and creating the Carte Blanche credit card.

1959

Offered the Los Angeles franchise in the new AFL in 1959, named the team the Chargers.

1961

Moved the Chargers team to San Diego and played at Balboa Stadium.

1965

Served as AFL president and helped merge the AFL and NFL, creating the Super Bowl.

1966

Sold his majority interest in the Chargers for a record $10 million.

1967

Worked with local newspapers to build support for a new stadium, which opened in San Diego.

1979

Completed the purchase of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel and real estate.

1980-2009

Hosted the Barron Hilton Cup, a worldwide glider competition.

2007

Hilton Hotels Corporation was purchased by The Blackstone Group.

2012

Inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.

2019

William Barron Hilton passed away at his home in Los Angeles.

W. Barron Hilton : FAQs

What is W. Barron Hilton's net worth?

As of 2011, W. Barron Hilton's net worth was $2.50 billion.

What are W. Barron Hilton's main sources of wealth?

W. Barron Hilton's main source of income comes from Hotels, Casinos.

In which industry does W. Barron Hilton primarily operate?

W. Barron Hilton is primarily involved in the Service industry.

What is W. Barron Hilton educational background?

W. Barron Hilton holds a University of Southern California.

Is W. Barron Hilton dead?

Yes, W. Barron Hilton died on September 19, 2019 (aged 91).

How many children does W. Barron Hilton have?

W. Barron Hilton has 8 children.

Who was William Barron Hilton and what was his contribution to the hotel industry?

William Barron Hilton was an American business magnate, philanthropist, and sportsman, known for being the chairman, president, and CEO of Hilton Hotels Corporation. He expanded the company through franchising, acquisitions, and was instrumental in the purchase of iconic properties like the Waldorf-Astoria hotel.

How did William Barron Hilton impact the American Football League (AFL) and NFL?

William Barron Hilton founded the AFL as the original owner of the Los Angeles Chargers, played a key role in the merger with the NFL, which created the Super Bowl, and served as AFL president in 1965, significantly shaping American football.

What was William Barron Hilton's role in philanthropy and how did it affect the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation?

William Barron Hilton pledged 97% of his wealth to the humanitarian work of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, significantly increasing its endowment from $2.9 billion to $6.3 billion, thereby impacting various charitable causes worldwide.

What were some of William Barron Hilton's notable hobbies and achievements outside of his professional career?

Besides his business success, William Barron Hilton was a notable pilot and outdoorsman, earned various pilot ratings, backed significant aviation feats like non-stop balloon flights around the world, and hosted the Barron Hilton Cup glider competition.