MCLEAN, VA — Hilton has named top Obama aide Katie Beirne Fallon as SVP and global head of corporate affairs.

Fallon joins the hotel giant after serving as director of legislative affairs at the White House for President Obama. Before becoming the President's chief liaison to members of Congress, Fallon served as his deputy communications director, responsible for his strategic communications planning.

At Hilton she takes on the role previously occupied by Bill Margaritis, before his departure earlier this year. Fallon will report to Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton, and serve as a member of the executive committee, overseeing communications, government relations and corporate responsibility functions.

"As we continue to gain momentum and accelerate our growth around the world, finding additional ways to connect and engage with our most critical stakeholders becomes even more important," said Nassetta in a statement. "Katie is widely admired by both high-ranking Republicans and Democrats, and her unique perspective on the strategic intersection between communications and policy will help us strengthen the Hilton brand and drive value for the business."

Fallon's arrival comes ahead of Hilton's plans to split into three publicly-traded companies, by spinning off its real estate and timeshare businesses.

Prior to her work at the White House, Fallon held various leadership roles in the U.S. Senate as a longtime aide to Senator Charles Schumer, including managing communications and legislative strategy as staff director for the Democratic Policy and Communications Center and as legislative director for Senator Schumer.