The 46th annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, operated by Questex, in partnership with the NYU School of Professional Studies and its Tisch Center of Hospitality, announces that Blackstone’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Jon Gray, will receive the inaugural Jonathan Tisch Active Citizenship Award. The award celebrates the positive impact and achievements of a leader in the hospitality industry.
“In today’s challenging times, it is even more important for individuals and companies to be engaged in the community. I believe it is a responsibility we all share,” Tisch, executive chairman of Loews Hotels & Co. and chair of NYU IHIIC, said in a statement. “Both professionally and personally, Jon Gray focuses on making a difference. He is a high-integrity leader who has also made time to engage philanthropically. He and his wife, Mindy, have focused particularly on improving the lives of children in New York City’s underserved communities as well as on cancer research. Through this award, we recognize and highlight impactful work being done by individuals in the broad hospitality industry. Jon is most deserving of this inaugural award, and I am honored to present it to him at the NYU IHIIC in June.”
Gray will receive the award on June 4 at the NYU International Hotel Industry Investment Conference, where he will also participate in a fireside chat with Tisch, covering the state of the industry and his philanthropy.
“My wife Mindy and I are proud to support the work of vital organizations throughout New York City that seek to expand access to education, healthcare and opportunity for young people," Gray said. "It is my distinct honor to receive this award, and I would like to express my gratitude to Jonathan Tisch and NYU for their efforts to promote community engagement at a time when the needs of underserved youth in our city are more acute than ever.”
Gray joined Blackstone in 1992. Prior to becoming president and COO, he served as Blackstone’s global head of real estate, which he helped build into the largest commercial real estate platform in the world. He currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of Hilton Worldwide and on the board of Harlem Village Academies. Jon and Mindy established the Basser Center for BRCA at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine focused on the prevention and treatment of certain genetically caused cancers. They also established NYC Kids RISE in partnership with the City of New York to accelerate college savings for low-income children.
The NYU IHIIC has been the touchstone for hotel investment and development in the Americas for over 40 years. The 2024 NYU IHIIC program will deliver unparalleled thought leadership through keynotes, general sessions, workshops, and networking events. Top industry executives, from CEOs of hotel brands to various investment and real estate executives, will discuss the latest trends, economic influences and projections. NYU IHIIC will take place June 2-4 at the Marriott Marquis in New York.