74. Ian Carter

Hilton is the most high-profile hospitality brand in Formula 1, following its decision, in 2005, to sponsor McLaren. The deal, which is rumoured to generate a threefold return on the sponsorship sum, placed Hilton as the 7th most recognised sponsor in the field despite a relatively small investment in comparison to the likes of Vodafone or Santander. As President of Global Operations and Development, Ian Carter personally spearheaded Hilton’s campaign to sign a US$2m deal with McLaren in a bid to reignite the chain as an aspirational and chic brand.