Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series

Tim Hentschel is the Co-Founder and CEO of HotelPlanner, a leading travel technology company that combines proprietary artificial intelligence capabilities and a 24/7 global gig-based reservations and customer service network. Hentschel oversees HotelPlanner’s family of brands which include its flagship site HotelPlanner.com and its business-focused site Meetings.com. He is a third-generation hotelier and a graduate […]

Ben Cadwell is Chief Operating Officer for North & Central America at Accor, whose portfolio comprises internationally acclaimed luxury brands, such as Fairmont, Raffles, Sofitel Legend, and SO Sofitel, as well as the popular midscale and boutique brands, including 25hours, Novotel, and Mercure, among others. Based in New York City, Cadwell oversees Accor’s portfolio of […]

Catherine Powell leads Airbnb’s global integrated hosting team, which includes Airbnb Homes and Experiences, and delivers best-in-class, quality hosting. Her responsibilities include overseeing the host insights and research team, as well as developing new products and features for Airbnb’s host community. Prior to Airbnb, Powell was at Disney for more than 15 years where she […]

Mark Canlis The second of three sons, Mark grew up in a restaurant family. He joined Canlis in 2003 after graduating from Cornell University and serving as a Captain in Air Force Special Operations. He met his wife, Anne Marie, while opening famed restaurateur Danny Meyer’s fifth restaurant, Blue Smoke, in Manhattan. After stints at […]

Christina Tosi is the rule-breaking, award-winning chef and founder of Milk Bar. She was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in the World in 2022, whose inventive and nostalgic treats have fueled a national dessert empire with locations across the USA, a robust e-commerce platform, and products in grocery stores nationwide. Guided by […]

Will Guidara is the former co-owner of Make It Nice, a hospitality group that included Eleven Madison Park, the NoMad restaurants, Davies and Brook at the Claridges Hotel, and Made Nice. Under his leadership, Eleven Madison Park received numerous accolades, including four stars from the New York Times, three Michelin stars, and, in 2017, was […]

Crystal Vinisse Thomas is a brand management and marketing leader with over10-year-long international experience driving brand innovation and operational excellence, crafting memorable guest experiences, creating global brand marketing campaigns, and executing branded events and partnerships. She currently leads the lifestyle and luxury brands at Hyatt Hotels Corp – including Park Hyatt, Thompson, Alila, Andaz, Hyatt […]

Atish Shah has been Xenia’s Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer since April 2016. Shah previously served as Senior Vice President – Strategy, Financial Planning & Analysis, and Investor Relations for Hyatt Hotels Corporation (“Hyatt”). He also served as Hyatt’s Interim Chief Financial Officer from April 2015 until March 2016.  Prior to joining […]

Christina Heggie has worked at Google for over three years in several roles that focus on connecting Google to the travel industry. As an experienced professional with extensive operational expertise across the travel industry, she oversees the go-to-market strategy for Google’s Travel Products. Prior to Google, Heggie was a founding team member of JetBlue Ventures, […]

Tracy L. Prigmore is an award-winning executive and the Founder of TLTsolutions, a real estate investment and development firm that provides unparalleled access and insight to alternative investments. With the mission to empower people to build generational wealth, she creates opportunities for individuals, families, and entities to obtain passive income by investing in residential, multifamily, […]