Shah’s career combines business leadership and community engagement. He has helped shape the travel and hospitality industry and expanded opportunities for future leaders. As the host of the Bharat Shah Leadership Speaker Series—named for his father—at Georgia State University and the Hunter Hotel Conference in Atlanta, he has supported aspiring professionals. The series highlights the personal journeys of industry leaders whose perseverance, purpose and faith exemplify the American Dream, guiding students and the business community.
Through the Shah Family Foundation, he and his wife have supported academic resources, facilities and financial aid at colleges and universities, expanding access to higher education for students who might not otherwise have it, the statement said. Focused on advancing medical research, the foundation provides multi-year funding, partners with leading institutions and issues outcome-based grants that move discoveries from lab to patient. It also supports data sharing, cross-disciplinary collaboration and patient access initiatives to help research reach more people faster.
“Mit is one of those formidable people who care more about others than he does about himself,” said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA’s president and CEO. “Throughout his career, Mit has focused on building up his community just as much as he has his business. I am thrilled that he’s being honored with this notable award and am grateful for everything he does to advance our industry and his community.”
Kevin Carey, AHLA Foundation president and CEO, said Mit embodies the values Arne Sorenson lived by—leading with purpose and using his platform to improve lives.
“That’s exactly the kind of impact this award was created to recognize,” he said.
The Arne Sorenson Social Impact Leadership Award was introduced in 2022 to honor Arne Sorenson, former president and CEO of Marriott International, who passed away in 2021. It is presented annually to a senior lodging executive committed to social responsibility, community engagement and advancing positive societal change. The recipient is selected by the AHLA executive committee, marking recognition by industry peers.
“Mit’s approach to leadership mirrors his good friend Arne’s approach as it is rooted in the belief that success is measured not just by business results, but by the opportunities created for others,” said Jeff Higley, president, The BHN Group by Northstar. “His complete engagement in building a company with a greater purpose is demonstrated through his dedication to building pathways for the next generation of leaders. This, combined with his family’s transformative philanthropy in health and education, fully exemplifies what the Arne Sorenson Social Impact Award represents.”
In 2024, Shah shared his story on Asian Hospitality’s Leadership Series, the first episode of the year. He discussed his family history, Noble’s investment practices, the economy and lessons from hosting interviews with industry leaders for the Bharat Shah Speaker Series.
