Hyatt Hotels Corporation is a global hospitality company founded in 1957 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It operates over 600 hotels and resorts under twelve brands. Hyatt has expanded internationally since opening its first hotel outside the US in Hong Kong in 1969. Notable events in Hyatt's history include introducing new brands, acquiring other hotel companies, and going public on the NYSE in 2009. Currently, Hyatt focuses on expanding its brand presence worldwide through new hotel development, conversions, franchising, and strategic acquisitions.