The American Hotel & Lodging Association, the AHLA Foundation and The BHN Group have named Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corp., as the third recipient of the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award. Hoplamazian will be recognized during the AHLA Foundation’s fundraising gala, Night of a Thousand Stars, on Sunday, Jan. 21, as well as during the 23rd annual Americas Lodging Investment Summit on Tuesday, Jan. 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," AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers said in a statement. "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 the company’s president and CEO in 2006 after 17 years with The Pritzker Organization. Throughout his Hyatt career, he has prioritized environmental and social impact initiatives, including:
- World of Care which advances care for the planet, people and responsible business.
- Change Starts Here, actionable commitments that accelerate Hyatt’s diversity, equity and inclusion 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 died in February 2021. 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.