The award is presented annually to a senior-level executive in the lodging industry who strives to drive change through strong leadership and community engagement.
LOS ANGELES – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the AHLA Foundation, and The BHN Group/Northstar Travel Group announced that Mark Hoplamazian, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyatt, will be awarded the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award. Hoplamazian was recognized during the AHLA Foundation’s fundraising gala, Night of a Thousand Stars on Sunday, January 21, as well as during the 23rd annual Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) today, January 23.
“Mark’s tenure at the helm of Hyatt is not just inspiring, it’s a testament to his remarkable leadership and aptitude for empathy. Beyond the boardroom, he’s championed countless initiatives that raise the bar for the level of care in our industry,” remarked AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers. “In honoring Mark with the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award, we celebrate a leader whose contributions transcend corporate success and echo in the lives of those he touches throughout the community.”
“Empathy is at the foundation of Mark’s impeccable character as his commitment to addressing social issues embodies the hotel industry’s spirit of having a strong sense of community,” said Jeff Higley, President, The BHN Group. “His commitment to a vast array of causes that help people in all walks of life epitomizes what the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Award represents, and combined with his strong industry leadership position, makes Mark the ideal candidate for this 2024 honor.”
Hoplamazian was appointed to Hyatt’s Board of Directors and became President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyatt in 2006 after 17 years with The Pritzker Organization. Throughout his Hyatt career, he has helped create transformational growth for Hyatt all while prioritizing environmental and social impact initiatives, including:
- World of Care which brings Hyatt’s purpose of care to life across all areas of Hyatt’s business through action in advancing care for the planet, people and responsible business.
- Change Starts Here, actionable commitments that accelerate Hyatt’s DE&I efforts by 2025.
- RiseHY, a global program providing career pathways and coaching for Opportunity Youth to create long-term careers in hospitality.
- Helping launch AHLA’s No Room for Trafficking Survivors Fund with Hyatt Hotels Foundation’s donation of $500,000.
- Serving as Chairman of Skills for Chicagoland’s Future which creates solutions to support unemployed and underemployed individuals in their pathway to work.
The Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award was introduced in 2022 in honor of industry icon and former president & CEO of Marriott International, Arne Sorenson, who passed away in February 2021.
AHLA’s 2024 Stars of the Industry winners:
North Star Award Winner:
- Colby Bracy, Director of Human Resources, The Nonantum Resort
North Star Award Finalists:
- Alfonso Rauda-Serrano, Chief Engineer, Valley River Inn Eugene
- Bonnie Sager, General Manager, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hazelton
AHLA Foundation ForWard: Paving the Way Award
- Lina Patel, Director, Strategic Franchise Initiative, Red Roof Franchising
Stevan Porter Emerging Hospitality Leader of the Year
- Adrian Adriano III, Director, Premium Brands, Marriott International
Foundation Scholar of the Year
- Olivia Cannella, Hospitality Senior, Michigan State University
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
