In Brief: Starwood Capital Group Chairman and CEO to Receive the 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award and 2027 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award in Recognition of His Transformational Impact on Hospitality, Real Estate, and Philanthropy
The Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS), the hotel industry’s premier investment conference, and the national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a world where addiction never defines or ends a life, today announced that hotel pioneer Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, will be recognized with two of the industry’s most prestigious honors during ALIS 2027: the 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2027 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero Award.
Sternlicht will receive the honors on January 25, 2027, during ALIS, when hotel leaders from across the industry will gather in Los Angeles to celebrate a career that has reshaped global hospitality, transformed real estate investing, and inspired generations of industry leaders. Together, the awards recognize Sternlicht’s extraordinary business achievements, visionary leadership, commitment to innovation, and longstanding dedication to philanthropic causes.
“Few individuals have had as profound an impact on the hospitality industry as Barry Sternlicht,” said Pam Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Shatterproof. “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. It is our privilege to honor him as the 2027 Shatterproof Hospitality Hero as ALIS simultaneously recognizes his extraordinary lifetime of achievement.”
“Barry Sternlicht’s impact on the hospitality industry is unparalleled,” said Jeff Higley, President of the Hotel Investment Group by Northstar and organizer of ALIS. “Through his vision, innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership, Barry has helped redefine the modern hotel environment and inspired a generation of industry leaders. 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. We are proud to recognize Barry with the 2027 ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award and to celebrate his extraordinary legacy alongside our partners at Shatterproof.”
The ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to individuals who have made significant, lasting contributions to the hospitality industry through their actions, deeds, and accomplishments.
As Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, Sternlicht has built one of the world’s leading alternative investment firms. Over the past three decades, he has structured investments with an asset value exceeding $280 billion and oversees a firm managing approximately $130 billion in assets.
Sternlicht is best known for founding Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and revolutionizing the hotel business through the creation of innovative brands including W Hotels and the global expansion of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. Additional innovations include the creation of Westin’s Heavenly Bed and Starwood Preferred Guest, one of the most beloved frequent travel programs of its time.
He later founded what is now Starwood Hotels, the parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels, and Treehouse Hotels, continuing to push the industry forward through sustainability, design, and guest experience innovation. His acquisition of ITT Corp., which included the Sheraton Hotels global brand, closed in 1998 and made Starwood the world’s largest hotel operator at the time.
“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.”
Founded by former hotelier Gary Mendell following the loss of his son Brian to addiction, Shatterproof has long partnered with hospitality leaders to address substance use disorder through education, awareness, advocacy, and action. Since 2016, hospitality industry leaders have raised more than $12 million through Hospitality Heroes events held during ALIS, demonstrating the sector’s commitment to helping individuals and families affected by addiction.
“Barry’s influence extends far beyond the companies and brands he has built,” said Gary Mendell, Founder and Chairperson Emeritus of Shatterproof. “He has helped define modern hospitality while setting a standard for leadership, innovation, and giving back. He is exceptionally deserving of both honors, and we look forward to celebrating him alongside the industry’s leaders at ALIS 2027.”
The 2027 Shatterproof Hospitality Heroes Reception will bring together hospitality executives, owners, operators, investors, and business partners to celebrate Sternlicht’s achievements and support Shatterproof’s mission.