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.
2026 Innovator Award Recipient
Will be announced soon!
Past Award Recipients

Cindy Estis Green '79 (2025)
CEO and Cofounder of Kalibri Labs, LLC
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