NoMad Elevates Kristen Millar to Chief Brand Officer
Kristen Millar steps into the role as NoMad prepares to open in Singapore and Detroit over the next two years.
Photo: Courtesy of Hilton
NoMad Hotels has promoted Kristen Millar to chief brand officer as the Sydell Group-founded brand prepares for upcoming international growth, with openings in Singapore and Detroit already in the works.
Millar will oversee global brand and design strategy across NoMad’s expanding portfolio, including its first Asia property, NoMad Singapore, set to open later this year, and a Detroit outpost planned for the Michigan Central building in early 2027. Her remit covers creative direction and overall brand expression, spanning interiors, digital platforms, and the brand’s art and cultural programming.
The appointment comes as NoMad is expanding beyond its original U.S. and European footprint, following Hilton’s 2024 acquisition of a majority stake in the brand. The Singapore opening will be its first entry into Asia, while Detroit continues the group’s trend of reuse projects tied to major urban redevelopment zones.
Millar has been closely involved in shaping NoMad’s identity to date, most recently serving as global brand director. Her background includes leadership roles at Eleven Madison Park, as well as earlier work building NoMad’s creative framework as it scaled from a single New York property into a multi-market brand.
“NoMad represents storytelling, cultural connection, and the blend of creativity with hospitality,” Millar said. “The brand’s strength comes from both local and international collaboration, and it will continue bringing together top talent in design, art curation, and food and beverage to create a richly layered guest experience.”
Her role now formalizes oversight of those elements as the brand moves into more complex, multi-region operations. The Singapore property, developed in partnership with Hilton, is expected to translate NoMad’s design-led positioning into a dense urban context in the Asia-Pacific region, while Detroit will anchor the brand within Ford’s broader Michigan Central redevelopment project.
Andrew Zobler, founder and CEO of Sydell Group, said the timing of the promotion aligns with a pipeline of high-profile openings. “NoMad is entering an important chapter of global growth with several major openings ahead, including its first property in Asia and the much-anticipated NoMad Detroit,” he said. “Her creative vision and strong understanding of the brand’s values have been instrumental in building NoMad’s international presence and will continue to guide its expansion into new regions.”
Millar described the next phase as a defining period for the brand’s evolution. “I am honored to take on a central role in the brand’s expansion as NoMad enters new markets,” she said, adding that “the next year will be one of the most exciting periods in the brand’s history.”
NoMad Singapore is scheduled to open later in 2026, followed by NoMad Detroit in early 2027.
