Keith Barr Triumphs as recipient of 2024 Cornell Hospitality Icon Award

Published on January 24, 2024

The Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration has declared today that Keith Barr ’92, a Cornell alumnus and former CEO of IHG, will be honored with the 2024 Cornell Hospitality Icon of the Industry Award. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Cornell Hospitality Icon and Innovator Awards event in New York City on June 4, 2024.

With over three decades of experience in the hospitality sector, Barr commenced his career in hotel operations. He assumed the role of CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts in July 2017, following four years as chief commercial officer and a role on the executive committee since April 2011. Before serving as CCO, he led IHG’s Greater China business as CEO for four years.

Having joined IHG in 2000, Barr held significant positions across the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. His previous roles encompassed vice president of operations for midscale brands in North America, vice president of operations for the Holiday Inn brand in North America, and chief operating officer for Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

Prior to joining IHG, Barr occupied senior roles at Bristol Hotels and Resorts, which IHG subsequently acquired in the year 2000. Currently, he holds the position of a non-executive director at Yum! Brands and played a pivotal role as a founding board member of Women in Hospitality Travel & Leisure. Barr, having earned his degree from the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration, actively engages with the school. He serves as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board at the Nolan Hotel School and is also part of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.

Dean Kate Walsh expressed pride and honor in recognizing Barr’s accomplishments, describing him as a pivotal leader for the industry. She commended his strategic abilities and collaborative approach, highlighting his impact on strengthening brands, fostering travel and tourism, and advancing the industry globally. Barr is viewed as a role model for aspiring leaders.

The Cornell Hospitality Icon and Innovator Awards, the largest annual event for the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, gathers influential leaders in the global hospitality and travel industries. Barr, expressing humility and gratitude, acknowledged the recognition from the Nolan Hotel School and emphasized the support he has received from family, mentors, and colleagues worldwide throughout his remarkable journey of over three decades.

This awards event serves as a crucial fundraiser for the school’s need-based scholarships.