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.
We are currently accepting nominations for an extraordinary innovator in the hospitality industry. Please complete the nomination form to recommend an entrepreneurial or corporate innovator for the 2025 award. Nominations for the 2025 Innovator Award are due by midnight Friday, September 27, 2024.
Award Recipient
2025 Innovator Honoree to be announced soon
Past Award Recipients
Chef José Andrés (2024)
Co-Founder, José Andrés Group and World Central Kitchen
Rob Wilder (2024)
Co-Founder, José Andrés Group and World Central Kitchen
Mia Kyricos, MMH '03 (2023)
Chief Love Officer (CEO) of Kyricos & Associates
Larry Reinstein '77 (2006)
Fresh City
Bob Alter '73 (2008)
Chairman, Sunstone Hotel Investors
Gary Mendell '79 (2007)
Chairman and CEO, HEI Hotels and Resorts
Stephen Mendell '82 (2007)
Executive Vice President, HEI Hotels and Resorts
Jay H. Shah '90 (2007)
CEO Hersha, Hospitality Trust
Chuck Mund '51 (2006)
CEO, Mega Management