The American
Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), The American Hotel & Lodging
Foundation, and The BHN Group announced David Kong, the recently retired
president and CEO of BWH Hotel Group, has been named the inaugural recipient of
the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award. Kong will be recognized
during the AHLA Foundation’s premier fundraising gala, the Night of a Thousand
Stars on Sunday, January 23, 2022, as well as during the 21st Annual Americas
Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.
The Arne
Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award is a new award named for the late Arne
Sorenson, an industry icon and former president & CEO of Marriott
International who passed away in February 2021. The award will be presented
annually to a senior-level executive in the lodging industry who strives to
drive change through strong leadership and community engagement. Nominations
are reviewed by AHLA’s Executive Committee and representatives from ALIS.
“Like Arne,
David is an industry icon—an amazing leader and among the most respected people
in our industry,” said AHLA President and CEO Chip Rogers. “The story of
David’s career trajectory, from dishwasher to CEO, is inspiring to us all—as is
his commitment to the next generation of hotel leaders and the communities we
serve. It has been a joy to work with David, and I can think of no better way
to honor him at the conclusion of his illustrious career than with this award.”
“The
humanity-meets-business crossroads that Arne and David built their leadership
styles around are more important than ever, so it’s an honor to acknowledge
Arne’s legacy by having David as the inaugural recipient of this award,” said Jeff
Higley, President of The BHN Group. “The impact of embracing a
people-centric approach by prominently addressing key social issues serves as
an agent of change far beyond the boundaries of the hotel industry. We should
all be proud of the impact that Arne and David have contributed by being kind,
thoughtful and forward-looking leaders.”
Kong’s
lifelong career in hospitality began when he immigrated to the United States
from Hong Kong as a young adult, with no money, job, or connections to offer
support. He started as a dishwasher and busboy and rose through the ranks,
culminating in his role as President and CEO of BWH Hotel Group from 2004-2021.
During his career, Kong also held leadership positions with KPMG Consulting,
Hyatt Hotels, Omni International and Hilton Hotels.
Kong is known
in the industry as a strategic thinker and innovator. Highlights of his
leadership include:
- Inspiring initiatives focused on women,
including BWH Hotel Group’s “Today’s Women in Leadership Forum” designed to
celebrate the vital role women play both in and out of the hotel and lodging
sector;
- Fostering a BWH Hotel Group partnership with the
AHLA Foundation to provide scholarships to students studying for a career in
hospitality who exemplify the values of community service and high marks in
academics;
- Spearheading BWH Hotel Group’s Future Leaders
Group initiative to engage and develop future generations of leaders through
networking, training, career counseling and exposure to the various disciplines
of the hotel business;
- Becoming a prominent industry voice from the
onset of the pandemic, advocating for hoteliers and helping ensure the survival
of their business and protection of their family legacies; and
- Driving Best Western’s establishment as a leader
in the online, mobile and social media space.
About AHLA
The American
Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association
representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry. Headquartered in
Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support
and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. Learn more at www.ahla.com.
About The
AHLA Foundation
The AHLA Foundation, the charitable giving arm of the American Hotel &
Lodging Association, is dedicated to helping people build careers, improve
their lives, and strengthen the lodging industry. We are committed to
elevating, educating, and empowering individuals and the public on the
industry’s story of opportunity and advancement. The Foundation is funded
solely by contributions from generous individuals and companies who want to
give back to the hotel industry and ensure a successful future. Learn more
at www.ahlafoundation.org.
About ALIS
Produced by Northstar
Travel Group, in association with the American Hotel & Lodging Association
(AHLA) and The BHN Group (www.burba.com), the two-and-a-half-day ALIS event features
an extensive array of seminars and panels hosted by leading experts and
investors discussing important trends and identifying new opportunities. The
conference attracts the lodging industry’s leading hotel executives, investors,
lenders, developers, and professional advisory community. Learn more at www.ALISconference.com.