Hilton and Marriott have been recognized for their commitment to diversity and inclusion by DiversityInc. Hilton was ranked No. 1 on the 2021 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list, while Marriott, which topped last year’s list, has been named to the DiversityInc Hall of Fame.
For Hilton, the award marks its seventh consecutive year on the list, which highlights the nation’s top companies that hire, develop, retain and promote a broadly diverse workforce. Hilton also placed as a Top Company on a record 12 specialty lists: Latino Executives (No. 2), Mentoring (No. 3), Philanthropy (No. 3), Native American/Pacific Islander Executives (No. 3), Executive Diversity Councils (No. 5), People with Disabilities (No. 6), Board of Directors (No. 6), Sponsorship (No. 7), Employee Resource Groups (No. 8), Veterans (No. 10), Asian-American Executives (No. 12) and Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) (no ranking provided).
“Conrad Hilton founded this company on the belief that travel could be a bridge to world peace,” said Chris Nassetta, president/CEO, Hilton. “Today’s recognition is evidence that our hospitality has the ability to create greater understanding and unite communities, and I’m so proud of the inclusive workplace our team members have built together.”
Hilton recently announced its plans to increase gender and ethnic diversity in leadership roles, with a focus on the future as the pace of hiring within the industry picks up. The hospitality leader has committed to achieve global gender parity and 25% ethnic diversity at its corporate leadership levels in the U.S. by 2027. Additionally, it has established region-specific diversity goals for hotel leadership.
“We are incredibly proud and honored to receive this recognition from DiversityInc,” said Laura Fuentes, EVO/chief human resources officer, Hilton. “Our progress on this journey is thanks to our team members and the community they have helped us build. They have embraced the power of inclusion and make Hilton a great place to work for all. We’re so humbled by this honor, which means more than ever this year, and we look forward to continuing this work together.”
Marriott honored
Marriott became the first hospitality company to be named to the DiversityInc Hall of Fame, joining previously No. 1-ranked companies.
“Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a business imperative that has proven to be even more relevant in the most challenging times,” said Anthony Capuano, CEO, Marriott International. “It inspires a culture of engaged associates who live our core values and take care of our communities, our guests and each other. We are incredibly honored to join the DiversityInc Hall of Fame.”
Marriott has consistently championed diversity, equity and inclusion and has been recognized for its talent development programs with a long list of notable and lifetime achievement awards, including Working Mother 100 Best Companies Quarter-Century Club and Hall of Fame; Black Enterprise Best Companies for Diversity; a repeat LATINA Style Company of the Year; Asia Society Best Companies for Asian Pacific Americans; National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) Top 10 Companies for Executive Women and Hall of Fame; National Organization on Disability (NOD) Leading Disability Employer; AAPD and Disability: IN DEI Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion; a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For each year since inception of the list in 1998, and have received a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for many years.
“Marriott International’s foundation is built upon the wellbeing of our associates, and embracing diversity, equity and inclusion is critical to keeping our legacy vibrant for future generations,” said Dr. David Rodriguez, EVP/global chief human resources officer, Marriott International. “As we join the DiversityInc Hall of Fame, our work doesn’t end. Our commitment to ensure a culture of belonging and respect for all associates remains steadfast.”
To learn more about diversity in the hospitality industry, register here for Hotel Business’ Hot Topics session on diversity and inclusion, “Breaking the Barriers: Creating an Industry for All,” on May 19 from 3-4 pm (EST).
