- Sternlicht to receive two hospitality awards.
- Awards recognize his leadership, philanthropy.
- He will be honored Jan. 25 at ALIS.
Barry Sternlicht, Starwood Capital Group chairman and CEO, will receive the 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award and Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award. He will be recognized Jan. 25 at the Shatterproof Reception during the Americas Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles.
The awards recognize Sternlicht's business achievements, leadership, innovation and philanthropy, ALIS and Shatterproof said in a statement. Over three decades, Sternlicht structured investments exceeding $280 billion in asset value and oversees Starwood Capital Group, which manages about $130 billion in assets.
"Few individuals have had as profound an impact on the hospitality industry as Barry Sternlicht," said Pam Jenkins, Shatterproof chief executive officer. "His visionary leadership transformed how travelers experience hotels around the world, while his entrepreneurial spirit continues to shape the future of hospitality. Beyond his remarkable business accomplishments, Barry has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others."
Sternlicht founded Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and created W Hotels, the statement said. He expanded St. Regis Hotels & Resorts globally and created the Westin Heavenly Bed and Starwood Preferred Guest.
In 1998, he acquired ITT Corp., which included Sheraton Hotels, making Starwood the world's largest hotel operator at the time. He later founded what is now Starwood Hotels, the parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels.
Jeff Higley, president of Hotel Investment Group by Northstar and ALIS organizer, said Sternlicht helped redefine the modern hotel environment.
"From making bold acquisitions to pioneering iconic brands to advancing new standards in guest experience, sustainability, and investment, his influence has helped reimagine the entire industry," he said.
The ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to hospitality, the statement said.
"Hospitality is perhaps one of the world's most important professions!" said Sternlicht. "We simply make the world a better place. From welfare to work, providing tens of millions of jobs to help lift people, train them and provide meaningful career paths; to breaking down horrible stereotypes through travel and understanding and learning about different cultures; to teaching the power of diversity and teamwork in our employment bases – travel powers the world, and I am grateful and humbled to have played a small part in its evolution."
Shatterproof was founded by former hotelier Gary Mendell after the loss of his son Brian to addiction. Since 2016, hospitality leaders have raised more than $12 million through Hospitality Heroes events at ALIS to support people and families affected by addiction.
"Barry's influence extends far beyond the companies and brands he has built," said Gary Mendell, Shatterproof’s chairperson emeritus. "He has helped define modern hospitality while setting a standard for leadership, innovation, and giving back."
The 2027 Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes Reception will bring together hospitality executives, owners, operators, investors and business partners to celebrate Sternlicht and support Shatterproof's mission. ALIS 2027 will run Jan. 25 to 27 at the JW Marriott/Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles L.A. LIVE.
Anthony Capuano, Marriott International president and CEO, received the 2026 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award Jan. 27 in Los Angeles. The ninth annual Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes Reception at the Americas Lodging Investment Summit raised $2.1 million for Shatterproof's work addressing addiction.
