Rooms for growth for women, Black leaders in hotel industry

Women remain significantly underrepresented in hotel company leadership, while Black executives continue to face steep barriers. Penn State School of Hospitality Management notes that women hold about 25% of C-suite roles, with representation highest in HR and sales/marketing, but “remain scarce” in investment, development and technology positions. Women now account for 15% of hotel leaders, up 8% from four years ago. Black leaders hold just 2.1% of director to CEO positions. There is only one Black leader for every 68 executives. The report says, “achieving lasting parity will require intentional strategies to open pathways for women and Black professionals into investment, development, technology, and other critical areas that shape the industry’s future.”