Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award

The Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award is a tribute to the extraordinary leaders who have developed new approaches to hospitality industry enterprises. The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration presents the award at the annual Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator Awards Celebration.

2024 Award Recipient

The Leland C. and Mary M. Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship (PIHE) and the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration have selected selected Chef José Andrés and Rob Wilder, co-founders of José Andrés Group and World Central Kitchen, to receive the 2024 Cornell Hospitality Innovator of the Industry Award. Details are coming soon!

Past Award Recipients

Mia Kyricos, MMH '03 (2023)

Chief Love Officer (CEO) of Kyricos & Associates

elizabeth-blau-ms-97-sha2

Elizabeth Blau, MS '97 (2022)

CEO, Blau & Associates

Andrew Fey

Andrew J. Fay ‘87 (2019)

President, The Gettys Group

Roger Hill

Roger G. Hill ‘87 (2019)

Chairman and CEO, The Gettys Group

Tim Hentschel

Tim Hentschel '01 (2018)

Co-Founder and CEO, Hotel Planner

John Zimmer

John Zimmer '06 (2017)

Co-Founder and President, Lyft

Ted Teng

Ted Teng '79 (2016)

President and CEO, The Leading Hotels of the World

Damian Mogavero

Damian J. Mogavero (2015)

Founder and CEO, Avero

Sandy Solmon

Sandy Solmon (2014)

Founder, President, and CEO, Sweet Street Desserts

Steve Ells

Steve Ells (2013)

Founder, Chairman, and Co-CEO, Chipotle Mexican Grill

Kathleen “Katie” Taylor

Kathleen “Katie” Taylor (2012)

President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Drew Nieporent

Drew Nieporent '77 (2011)

Founder and Owner, Myriad Restaurant Group

Solomon Kerzner

Solomon Kerzner (2010)

Founder, Chairman, and CEO Kerzner, International Holdings

Frederic Malek

Frederic Malek (2009)

CEO, TIG Global

Trip Schneck

Trip Schneck (2009)

President, TIG Global

Larry Reinstein

Larry Reinstein '77 (2006)

Fresh City

Bob Alter

Bob Alter '73 (2008)

Chairman, Sunstone Hotel Investors

Gary Mendell

Gary Mendell '79 (2007)

Chairman and CEO, HEI Hotels and Resorts

Stephen Mendell

Stephen Mendell '82 (2007)

Executive Vice President, HEI Hotels and Resorts

Jay H. Shah

Jay H. Shah '90 (2007)

CEO Hersha, Hospitality Trust

Chuck Mund

Chuck Mund '51 (2006)

CEO, Mega Management

Bruce Reinstein

Bruce Reinstein '79 (2006)

Fresh City