What's Happening?
Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Development at Marriott International, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Peggy Berg Castell Award by the AHLA Foundation. This award recognizes women trailblazers in the hospitality industry. Oberg has been instrumental in Marriott's strategic growth and has played a key role in elevating women to leadership positions within the industry. The award will be presented at The Lodging Conference 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Why It's Important?
The recognition of Leeny Oberg highlights the importance of advancing women in leadership roles within the hospitality industry. Her contributions to Marriott's growth and her commitment to fostering professional development for women serve as a model for other companies. This award underscores the industry's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, which can lead to more innovative and effective business practices. It also reflects the growing recognition of women's leadership in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
What's Next?
Leeny Oberg's upcoming retirement in March 2026 will mark the end of a significant era at Marriott. The company will need to identify a successor who can continue her legacy of strategic growth and leadership development. The AHLA Foundation may continue to spotlight women leaders, encouraging more companies to prioritize diversity and inclusion. The hospitality industry may see increased efforts to support women in leadership roles, potentially influencing hiring practices and corporate culture.