CEOs in the Hospitality Industry Who Began in Entry-Level Positions

According to Richard Stockton, CEOs of hospitality companies who began their careers in entry-level positions like dishwashing, technical support, or accounts payable frequently rose through the business ranks with perseverance and commitment. These CEOs currently oversee hospitality businesses all over the world. Leadership is dependent on interpersonal abilities in a sector of the economy where customer satisfaction is critical. Although challenging to teach, it is a crucial skill in hotel management.

Christopher J. Nassetta: Chris Nassetta, CEO of Hilton, began his career in entry-level positions, such as a junior engineering position at a Holiday Inn Capitol Hill, where he used his plumbing expertise to assist with toilet unclogging. Later, he advanced through the hotel ranks by putting people and their needs first.

The World Travel & Tourism Council, International Youth Foundation, Partners for a New Beginning, CoStar Group Inc., The Real Estate Roundtable, Economic Club of Washington, D.C., and the Arlington Free Clinic are just a few of the boards and institutions he has served on.

He was appointed president and chief executive officer of Hilton Worldwide in 2007, overseeing a portfolio of more than 5,900 hotels with more than 939,000 rooms spread across 114 nations and territories. Along with being involved with Shatterproof, a group that works to prevent and address the addiction crisis in the hospitality industry, he is also the chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council. He is the 2020 Hospitality Executive of the Year this year.

Levy Restaurants, one of the biggest providers of food and beverage experiences at sporting events and entertainment venues, is led by David Levy, who also serves as its president and chief executive officer. He oversees more than 40,000 team members who serve guests at more than 200 locations in North America and abroad with Levy's renowned hospitality.

Andy is a passionate leader who encourages innovation and the spirit of entrepreneurship in his team. He oversees and hires the best specialists at Levy Restaurants to provide an exceptional guest experience.

Andy founded E15, an advanced analytics and emerging technology subsidiary that supports a diverse clientele across numerous industries by strategizing and implementing strategic technology, in addition to his position as president and chief executive officer of Levy.

In addition to complex contract disputes, business torts, restrictive covenants, intellectual property, real estate and construction, mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy and insolvency, insurance and energy issues, and international arbitration, he specializes in high-stakes commercial litigation. He also gives clients legal and crisis management advice.

Lara Weiss: With almost three decades of experience in the hotel business, Lara Weiss has held positions as a sales and revenue management director. Her knowledge ranges from consortia marketing to maximizing online travel agent tools and strategies. It also includes corporate account management.

She has a talent for simplifying complex topics and a strong work ethic, which she puts to use in her position as Director of Ota & Gds Management at Sader Hospitality Worldwide, where she is in charge of the company's international operations. She also acts as a mentor for the business start-up hospitality businesses, guiding them through the challenging landscape of hotels and property management.

Most people who advance to the highest levels of hospitality management began their careers in entry-level positions like dishwashing or technical support. These jobs lay the groundwork for a career in the hospitality sector and give you a comprehensive understanding of the sector. They also help you learn the proper behaviors for your future employer and demonstrate what the job entails.

Two hundred years after his birth, John MacDonald is still primarily recognized for his contribution to the formation of Canada. Innumerable symbols, including the ten-dollar bill for the nation, bear his name. However, younger generations have reevaluated his politics and policies, and his reputation for political ruthlessness has come under scrutiny.

Having lived most of his life in Canada, Macdonald played a crucial role in revising the Confederation agreement for that nation. He was a charming and astute leader who sided with the wealthy English establishment of the country.

He was also a successful politician, and his political acumen allowed him to avoid some of the mistakes made by his forebears. Although he was a fierce supporter of Chinese immigration and Indigenous rights, some criticized his policies as too severe.

McDonald has a background in hospitality, but he has also started several media businesses. He is a three-time National Magazine Winner and co-founded the first Tasting Table food newsletter.