Speaker: Ben Cadwell ‘04, Chief Operating Officer Accor

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 hotels in the United States. He plays a critical role in powering the continued growth and development of the group and its brands across the region by driving operational performance and excellence He is also spearheading the region’s road to recovery.

Previously, Cadwell was Executive Vice President for Asset and Investment Management of Kingdom Hotel Investments, one of the world’s most diversified hotel investment platforms. During his 16-year tenure with Kingdom, he was involved in transactional and asset management for over 20 luxury hotel investments in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia,. He played a key role in the $3.3 billion sales of Fairmont Raffles Hotels International and $600 million sales of Movenpick Hotels, both to Accor. Prior to joining the Kingdom, Cadwell was an associate with Ernst & Young LLP’s Transaction Real Estate practice in New York City. He is a past member of the Cornell University Council and Nolan’s Dean’s Council of Young Alumni.