William Barron Hilton (born October 23, 1927 – died September 19, 2019) was an American business magnate, philanthropist, and sportsman. The second son of Conrad Hilton, he served as chairman, president, and CEO of Hilton Hotels Corporation, and chairman emeritus of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
A pilot and outdoorsman, he founded the American Football League and owned the Los Angeles Chargers, aiding in the NFL merger that created the Super Bowl. He pledged 97 percent of his wealth to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
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Barron Hilton Net Worth
Barron Hilton had a net worth of $4.5 billion at his death in 2019. A savvy businessman, he led Hilton Hotels, invested in Nevada casinos, and expanded the brand globally.
He owned the Los Angeles Chargers, helped form the AFL–NFL merger, and remained an aviation enthusiast. He disinherited most family, leaving 97% of his wealth to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. He married Marilyn June Hawley, had eight children, including Richard Hilton, and granddaughters Paris and Nicky Hilton.
Early life
Hilton was born in Dallas, Texas, to Mary Adelaide (née Barron) and Conrad Nicholson Hilton, founder of Hilton Hotels. He had three siblings: Conrad Nicholson Hilton, Jr., Eric Michael Hilton, and Constance Francesca Hilton. His father was of Norwegian and German descent, from New Mexico, and his mother was from Kentucky.
Hilton served in the Navy during World War II as a photographer. Fascinated by aviation, he learned to fly at 17 and attended the University of Southern California Aeronautical School, earning his twin-engine rating.
Career
Before joining Hilton Hotels, Barron Hilton built business skills through ventures like Vita-Pakt Citrus Products, MacDonald Oil Company, and Air Finance Corporation, an early aircraft leasing firm. In 1954, he became vice president of Hilton Hotels, managing franchises and creating the Carte Blanche credit card.
In 1959, Lamar Hunt offered him the Los Angeles franchise in the American Football League (AFL). He named the team the Chargers, inspired by the “Charge!” cheer at USC games. In 1961, he moved the team to San Diego and Balboa Stadium.
Personal life
In 1947, Barron Hilton married Marilyn June Hawley; they had eight children, including William Barron Hilton, Jr., Richard Howard Hilton, and Ronald Jeffrey Hilton. He had 15 grandchildren, including Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton Rothschild, and four great-grandchildren.
His home was the Jay Paley House in Holmby Hills, also featured in The Colbys. He owned a suite at the Waldorf-Astoria and the Flying-M Ranch in Nevada. Barron Hilton died on September 19, 2019, in Los Angeles, as the last surviving child of Conrad Hilton.
Is the Hilton family billionaires?
The Hilton family is one of the world’s most powerful and famous families, with a net worth of over $14.2 billion, making them billionaires.
Conclusion
Barron Hilton’s legacy in the hospitality industry and his substantial net worth of $4.5 billion illustrate the impact he had on the Hilton family’s fortunes. His stewardship of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts Group significantly contributed to the family’s prominence and wealth.
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FAQs about Barron Hilton Net Worth
- How did Barron Hilton contribute to the success of Hilton Hotels?
- Barron played a crucial role in expanding the hotel chain and diversifying the family’s investments.
- What other business ventures was Barron Hilton involved in?
- Besides hotels, Barron was involved in various other business endeavors related to the Hilton brand.
- How has Paris Hilton, as an heir, impacted the Hilton legacy?
- Paris Hilton has expanded the family’s fame into the realms of fashion, music, and reality television.
- Did Barron Hilton have any philanthropic interests?
- A significant portion of his estate was dedicated to charity, indicating his philanthropic inclinations.
- What is the current status of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts Group?
- The Hilton Hotels & Resorts Group continues to be a leading name in the global hospitality industry, with ongoing expansion and success.
