IHIF Lifetime Achievement awarded to former Best Western CEO David Kong
The International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) will present the 23rd Lifetime Achievement Award to David Kong, former CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts at IHIF 2022.
Kong, who served 17 years as president and CEO before retiring last year, will receive the honour in recognition of his leadership at the helm of Best Western Hotels & Resorts and his unwavering commitment to building a more inclusive hospitality sector.
During his 17-year tenure as CEO, Kong grew the company from one brand to 18 and under his leadership the company saw unprecedented RevPAR and EBITDA growth.
“It is a tremendous honour to receive this year’s International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) Lifetime Achievement Award, after serving in an industry that is so near and dear to my heart,” says Kong. “I have spent my entire career in the hospitality industry, and the last 17 years serving as the President and CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts have been supremely rewarding, as we achieved record breaking results in brand growth, revenue delivery, as well as guest and hotel satisfaction.”
Kong continues: “As one of only a few people of colour to lead a major American-based hotel company, I know first-hand the importance of a diverse workforce. As I look to what’s ahead, I’m excited about continuing my work in increasing diversity, equity and inclusion by ensuring women and minority groups have equal opportunities to achieve their career aspirations within this rewarding industry.”
The award will be presented to Kong at IHIF in Berlin on 5 May where he will also take part in a Q&A.
“The IHIF Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals whose careers have made a lasting impact on the hospitality sector and David Kong more than qualifies for this,” explains Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Questex Travel and Hospitality. “Having spent his life working in hospitality and championing a more diverse and inclusive working environment, he is a beacon for hotel leaders of the future and a worthy recipient of this accolade. Congratulations.”
Organised by Questex Hospitality Group, IHIF is the leading event in the global hotel industry calendar, attracting senior leaders and top brands from over 80 countries, including global investors, asset managers and leading hoteliers. With a core focus on people, planet and profit, this year’s programme will feature 180 world-class speakers across three days of thought-provoking content.
