Hilton, the global hospitality company will collaborate with the Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO) to offer meaningful jobs to retired Indian Army personnel, former servicemen and their families. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by Hilton and AWPO, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the welfare of veterans and their families, with 17 regional offices and 49 placement centres across the country.
While AWPO will facilitate candidate selection, Hilton’s hiring team will interview the candidates to find out the roles they are suitable for. Hilton will also train and upskill the selected candidates so that they are able to transition smoothly into the civilian workforce.
The hospitality firm is committed to creating a best-in-class work environment that nurtures pride, bonding and a sense of belonging, and Indian Army personnel are known for their integrity, team spirit and leadership. Therefore, the shared values of the two organisations make this an ideal collaboration, with Hilton helping veterans look for suitable jobs in line with their skills and aspirations across its properties in South Asia.
Sabu Raghavan, vice president, human resources, South Asia, Hilton, swears by the qualities that army veterans bring to the table, such as “leadership, discipline, and resilience – qualities that enrich any workplace.” Since army personnel are used to leading teams “in the toughest conditions” and have “solved problems with limited resources, and carried the weight of responsibility on their shoulders” they are “strong, capable individuals who can thrive in any industry.” As per Raghavan, “The hospitality industry thrives on camaraderie, teamwork, ownership and commitment and these values make our army personnel and their families a great addition to our growing workforce in South Asia.”
Major General Ajay Singh Chauhan, managing director, Army Welfare Placement Organisation, highlighted how “Service is not just a duty for army personnel, it is a lifelong commitment, often shared by their families.” Therefore, this initiative will not only honour the dedication of these army veterans but offer them “purposeful career opportunities”. He believes “This MOU reaffirms the immense value of their contributions beyond their years in uniform.”
He hopes that more organisations will follow Hilton’s commitment to veteran hiring and “recognise the unparalleled skills and discipline our veterans bring to the workforce.”
Such partnerships ensure that the leadership, integrity, and commitment of Army veterans “continue to shape and strengthen the service sector.”
