Shannon Knapp, President & CEO

Company: The Leading Hotels of the World
Time: 9/25/26 at 1:25 PM
Where: Statler Auditorium

Shannon Knapp is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW), the premier global collection of independent luxury hotels. Since assuming the position in 2019, she has spearheaded the transformation of the nearly 100-year-old organization, redefining its role and positioning LHW as the unrivaled global leader in independent luxury hospitality.

A results-driven executive with more than two decades of experience in financial services, luxury travel and hospitality, Ms. Knapp has been instrumental in modernizing LHW’s business model, accelerating the growth and strengthening the competitive position of more than 425 of the world’s most exceptional independent luxury hotels.

Under her leadership, LHW achieved record-breaking performance, doubling revenue generated for member hotels within four years while advancing a long-term strategic vision focused on innovation, technology, customer insight, and enhanced member value creation. Building on the Company’s longstanding legacy in luxury hospitality, Ms. Knapp has repositioned LHW as a strategic growth partner for independent luxury hotels. Her targeted investments in technology, distribution, loyalty, and commercial capabilities are transforming the Company into a modern platform that enables member hotels to compete globally in an increasingly complex landscape.

Prior to becoming President and CEO, Ms. Knapp served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of LHW, where she led a significant evolution of the company’s brand, customer strategy, and loyalty ecosystem.

Before joining LHW, Ms. Knapp held senior leadership roles at American Express, including Vice President of Marketing for American Express Travel. Ms. Knapp holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Colgate University.