Paola Mantello

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

Paola joined Hilton, AD&C team in Italy in 2022 following the Central and Eastern Europe region and she is driving the direction of Interior Design strategy for new hotels, conversions and renovation projects within the whole Hilton brands such as Waldorf Astoria, Canopy, Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton and many more. Her passionate approach for “designs with a story to say” and unique background in both interior design and set design is bringing flair and a fresh approach to the growing stable of key properties that are under development in the region.

Paola started out in 2004 in Milan, Italy, designing sets for photoshoots, events and exhibits for designer brands such as Giorgio Armani and Valentino. Moved to the Middle East in 2008, she worked as the Head of Interior Design for Armani Casa in Bahrain, from where she moved to Qatar in 2011 specializing in VVIP residential properties. In 2013 she moved to Singapore, joining the well-known hospitality design consultancy, HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associate). In 2015 joined the established development company Emaar, in Dubai, working for 3 years on Properties in Dubai as Assistant Director of Design for Hospitality Projects, supporting multiple luxury hotel and residential brands through the region.

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

Paola holds a Master’s Degree in Interior Design from Politecnico di Milano in Italy and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Design from University of Central England in Birmingham, England.