ATLANTA, Oct. 3,
2019—Officials of Castell Project, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
dedicated to accelerating the careers of women professionals in the hospitality
industry, today named Heather McCrory, Accor chief executive officer of
North & Central America, as the winner of its inaugural Castell Award
honoring a woman leader in the hospitality investment arena.
The award was presented to McCrory at the
2019 Lodging Conference held in Phoenix, Ariz., where she received a unique,
handcrafted award designed by artist Brad McCollum representing the
glass ceilings women rise through as they succeed.
A seasoned professional with an extensive hospitality background
spanning more than 30 years, McCrory joined Accor’s executive committee upon
her appointment to CEO, North & Central America, in April 2019.
In this position, she is responsible for the
strategic direction of the global hospitality group in the region, with
oversight of more than 115 hotels, 11 brands in 10 countries, 28,000 employees
and more than $3 billion in revenue.
Patty Berg |
She also serves as the executive sponsor for
North & Central America for RiiSE, Accor’s international network to promote
diversity that launched in October 2018.
“The work that the Castell Project is doing to assist women in
securing one in every three leadership seats in the hospitality industry is
encouraging, but we all still have a long way to go,” McCrory said.
"Gender inclusivity is a personal and
passionate goal of mine, both for Accor and the hospitality industry at
large. While women make up more than 50 percent of the hospitality
workforce, we need to have more females in the board room.
"With organizations like the Castell
Project in place, I am confident we will one day meet our diversity
goals. As numerous studies have proven, this benefits the industry and
drives our collective performance.”
Accor’s Heather McCrory (left) Receives the Inaugural Castell Award from Kirk Kinsell, board member and Peggy Berg, president, Castell Project, Inc.” |
McCrory leads numerous initiatives as part of the RiiSE program,
including a research project to understand why women are opting out of
leadership roles and a formal mentorship program for women within the
organization who have the potential and desire to be a GM within the next three
to five years.
“The Castell Project received a wonderful roster of nominations
describing deserving leaders and the impact they are having on coworkers –
female and male – and how they are shifting the culture within their
organizations,” said Peggy Berg, Castell Project president.
“Heather stood out as a powerful female making a
difference in the industry. She understands wholeheartedly that as part of an
international hospitality company, a more diverse team is a better performing
team. Heather is an inspiration to other women as they find their own paths to
success.”
CONTACT:
CHRIS DALY
PRESIDENT
DALY GRAY PUBLIC RELATIONS, INC.
620 Herndon Parkway, Suite 115 | Herndon, VA 20170
Main: 703-435-6293
Mobile: 703-864-5553
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