Hospitality executive Keith Barr, who stepped down as CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts last summer, is set to receive the 2024 Cornell Hospitality Icon of the Industry Award.
The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration said it selected Barr, a 1992 graduate of the university, as the recipient of the award that will be presented June 4 at its Hospitality Icon and Innovator Awards ceremony at Gotham Hall in New York City.
Kate Walsh, dean of the Nolan Hotel School, said Barr has been a major player in the hospitality industry. “With his strategic abilities and warm, collaborative approach, Keith has been able to strengthen our brands, build travel and tourism, and promote our industry’s seat at the global economic table," Walsh said in a statement.
Barr worked at IHG from 2000 to 2023 and served as CEO of the Americas; CEO of Asia, Middle East and Africa; vice president of operations for the midscale segment in North America; vice president of operations for Holiday Inn in North America; and chief operating officer in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific. Prior to joining IHG, he held senior positions at Bristol Hotels and Resorts, which IHG acquired in 2000.
“My journey so far has been more than I ever imagined and has been underpinned by the support of my family, mentors, and the wonderful people I’ve had the privilege to work with around the world over the last three decades," Barr said in a statement.