Hilton has appointed an executive from Black & Decker to fix growth at its hotels division, more than 18 months after the death of the unit's last boss.

Ian Carter will in February become chief executive of Hilton International Hotels, which runs 405 sites in more than 70 countries.

The division, which has 70,000 staff, has since April last year been run by David Michels, the group chief executive, after the death of Anthony Harris.

While the division has enjoyed some improvement in its performance since the slump prompted by the September 11 attacks in America and Sars in Asia, it is not expecting a "full recovery" until next year.

Room rates for Hilton-branded hotels were 0.3 per cent lower in the first six months of 2004 than a year before.

Mr Carter said: "Clearly, the industry has faced some real challenges but I hope to be able to bring a fresh look to the business whilst at the same time continuing to build upon the strengths already in place."

Mr Michels said that Mr Carter would "bring a new dimension" to the hotels business.

Mr Carter was in March named the Black & Decker president for Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand after four years heading the company's European power tools and accessories business.

A graduate of business administration from Ealing College, Mr Carter worked for British Steel before spending 11 years at General Electric, where he rose to become president of the conglomerate's specialty chemicals business.

Hilton shares stood 2.25p lower at 259.25p in afternoon trade.

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