Fueling Rapid Growth: How HSM Is Driving Spark by Hilton’s Swift Success

In less than 18 months, Spark by Hilton has surpassed 100 open hotels, setting a new benchmark for brand expansion in the hospitality industry.

This record-breaking pace is no accident—it’s the result of strategic innovation, operational efficiency, and a game-changing approach to procurement led by Hilton Supply Management (HSM). By engineering the fastest Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) supply chain in Hilton history, HSM has effectively halved the time required for Spark by Hilton conversions, positioning itself as a premier partner for owners and operators at every stage of the conversion process.

A supply chain built for speed and scale

The traditional timeline for a hotel conversion can extend to a year or more, but Spark by Hilton operates at a higher level of efficiency and cost-effective procurement. By leveraging HSM’s meticulously optimized supply chain solutions, properties are converting at an industry-record pace, allowing owners to transition seamlessly into this new brand while ensuring they receive all the essential elements to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

At the heart of this accelerated growth is HSM’s specialized Demand Planning team, dedicated exclusively to the Spark by Hilton brand. This team works closely with suppliers to maintain inventory levels and ensure a steady, replenished supply of FF&E and Operating Supplies and Equipment (OS&E). This proactive approach mitigates supply chain risks, including lengthy shipping delays, and allows properties to move from deal signing to grand opening in record time.

Informing design from the ground up

Another factor integral to the brand’s success was the involvement of HSM from the project’s earliest stages. In a typical launch process, procurement experts would be invited in during a brand’s design process—fairly far down the road in development—to assist in value engineering and controlling costs.

“That was not the case with Spark by Hilton,” said Anu Saxena, President of HSM. “We started from the outset with a cost-optimized product in mind, so pricing factors and speed to market were considerations we brought to the table from day one.”

Unparalleled partnership and expertise

HSM’s commitment to innovation has also resulted in an industry-first approach to preordering essential materials. By forecasting demand and strategically securing advance inventories, HSM has eliminated the prolonged lead times that often hinder conversions.

“It’s a first to hold inventory and be able to deploy it as quickly as we do,” said Linda Theisen, Vice President of HSM Americas. “We understand that time is money, and we’re providing a level of precision and foresight that allows Spark by Hilton owners to open their doors faster than ever before, without compromising on quality or consistency.”

Beyond the traditional procurement services in a property conversion, HSM’s Project Procurement team serves as a true partner and trusted advisor to property owners, providing tailored guidance at every step of the conversion journey. The team’s deep hospitality expertise is woven into every aspect of the process—from strategic supplier selection and order facilitation to cost-conscious logistical solutions, delivering all of the brand-specific elements that uphold Hilton’s high standards.

Sustaining momentum, maintaining the Spark

With a robust pipeline of more than 230 hotels and many conversions currently under way domestically and internationally, Spark by Hilton’s rapid expansion shows no signs of slowing. In fact, the pace of openings is expected to accelerate throughout the year, with double-digit new properties launching every month in 2025. HSM remains at the forefront of this growth, continuously refining its procurement model to support Spark’s ambitious trajectory.

By redefining supply chain efficiency, fostering strong supplier partnerships and maintaining an unwavering commitment to owner success, HSM has proven itself an invaluable asset in Spark by Hilton’s category-disrupting expansion. As the brand continues to grow, HSM’s innovative procurement strategies will remain a driving force, ensuring every new Spark property launches with the speed, quality and support developers around the world have come to expect from an HSM partnership.

To learn more, connect with our procurement experts at HSMx@hilton.com.