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.

Join industry leaders, colleagues, alumni, and faculty at the 17th annual Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator Awards Celebration.

Date: June 2, 2026, in NYC
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Cipriani, NYC

ALUMNI: REGISTER FOR I&I

2026 Innovator Award Recipient

The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration has selected Chris Kirby ’15, founder and CEO of Ithaca Hummus, to receive the 2026 Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award. Read full press release.

Chris Kirby '15

Founder and CEO, Ithaca Hummus

Past Award Recipients

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Cindy Estis Green '79 (2025)

CEO and Cofounder of Kalibri Labs, LLC

Chef José Andrés

Chef José Andrés (2024)

Co-Founder, José Andrés Group and World Central Kitchen

Rob Wilder

Rob Wilder (2024)

Co-Founder, José Andrés Group and World Central Kitchen

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Mia Kyricos, MMH '03 (2023)

Chief Love Officer (CEO) of Kyricos & Associates

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Elizabeth Blau, MS '97 (2022)

CEO, Blau & Associates

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Andrew J. Fay ‘87 (2019)

President, The Gettys Group

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Roger G. Hill ‘87 (2019)

Chairman and CEO, The Gettys Group

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Tim Hentschel '01 (2018)

Co-Founder and CEO, Hotel Planner

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John Zimmer '06 (2017)

Co-Founder and President, Lyft

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Ted Teng '79 (2016)

President and CEO, The Leading Hotels of the World

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Damian J. Mogavero (2015)

Founder and CEO, Avero

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Sandy Solmon (2014)

Founder, President, and CEO, Sweet Street Desserts

Portraits at Chipotle ( 45th and 5th ave) in NYC

Steve Ells (2013)

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

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Kathleen “Katie” Taylor (2012)

President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Drew

Drew Nieporent '77 (2011)

Founder and Owner, Myriad Restaurant Group

Kerzner

Solomon Kerzner (2010)

Founder, Chairman, and CEO Kerzner, International Holdings

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Frederic Malek (2009)

CEO, TIG Global

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Trip Schneck (2009)

President, TIG Global

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Larry Reinstein '77 (2006)

Fresh City

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Bob Alter '73 (2008)

Chairman, Sunstone Hotel Investors

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Gary Mendell '79 (2007)

Chairman and CEO, HEI Hotels and Resorts

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Stephen Mendell '82 (2007)

Executive Vice President, HEI Hotels and Resorts

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Jay H. Shah '90 (2007)

CEO Hersha, Hospitality Trust

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Chuck Mund '51 (2006)

CEO, Mega Management

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Bruce Reinstein '79 (2006)

Fresh City