Women Hoteliers Share Personal Journeys to Leadership Success

The hospitality industry is made up of more than 50 percent women, yet leadership roles remain disproportionately male. Research from Penn State’s School of Hospitality Management shows that for every woman who holds a chief officer title, four men do. We spoke with several women leaders across the globe to hear their experiences, insights and advice for the next generation of hospitality professionals.

CONNIE WANG
Managing Director, Hotel Figueroa
Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles opened in 1926 as a women-only hotel and was originally led by pioneering aviatrix Maude Bouldin, the country’s first female managing director. Today Connie Wang runs the 268-room property in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. A graduate of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration, she worked across every department to build her knowledge of hotel operations.

What does a woman bring to the role of managing director?
A genuine sense of care, a steady commitment to the team and calm leadership in stressful moments. These qualities, often labeled as feminine, are real strengths in hospitality.

Advice for young women aiming for this role:
Hospitality demands long hours, nights and weekends. Choosing a supportive life partner who shares responsibilities at home makes it much more feasible to pursue demanding career goals.

ALESSANDRA BRAGOLI
General Manager, Castille Paris
Alessandra Bragoli discovered hospitality while working a summer job at a seaside hotel and later gained experience with several luxury brands. For the past eight years she has been general manager of Castille Paris, a boutique Starhotels Collezione property on Rue Cambon.

Biggest challenge as a woman general manager:
The industry’s history of male dominance can create unequal opportunities. Despite that, women often offer perspectives that enhance guest satisfaction and service quality.

Advice for aspiring women leaders:
Work hard, stay modest yet strong, and ground yourself in respect, equality, integrity and consistency. Cultivate the ability to create beauty and memorable experiences for guests.

MANDY FARMER
CEO, Accent Inns and Hotel Zed
Mandy Farmer grew up around hotels: her father opened one in the 1980s, and she spent college summers working across properties. She took over the family’s small hotel chain in 2008 and has led Accent Inns to recognition for its corporate culture.

Advantages of being a woman owner:
Leading with compassion and empathy is a strength I embrace. Those qualities help to unlock leadership potential across my team, regardless of gender.

Key lesson:
Authentic leadership is the only right way to lead. When I embraced my true self — including colorful, vintage outfits — I stopped trying to blend in and became a more effective leader.

SARAH TOMPKINS AND ISABELLE TOMPKINS
Owners, Samara Karoo Reserve
Since 1997 the Tompkins family has been restoring former livestock farms in South Africa’s Great Karoo into a 67,000-acre wildlife reserve, reintroducing species such as cheetah, lion, black rhino and elephant. Isabelle emphasizes the power of purpose-driven business to create meaningful environmental change.

Challenges as women in wildlife conservation:
Wildlife reserve management remains male-dominated, which can make it harder for women to be heard. At a time when biodiversity needs diverse solutions, excluding half of the population’s perspectives is counterproductive.

Advice for young women:
Being underestimated can be an advantage. Keep pursuing your passion consistently and breakthroughs will follow.

ELISABETH GÜRTLER
Owner, Hotel Sacher
Elisabeth Gürtler joined Vienna’s Hotel Sacher family through marriage and became owner of the Sacher Group after her husband’s death. She also owns Alpin Resort Sacher in Tyrol and has earned numerous honors, including the Hermes Prize Entrepreneur of the Year 2020.

Running a legendary hotel:
Attention to small details — polished glassware, crisp linens, fresh flowers and a welcoming scent — creates a distinct, private atmosphere. Caring for repeat guests and recognizing them personally helps build lasting loyalty.

KARIN VAN ZYL
General Manager, Soneva Kiri
Karin van Zyl built a global career across Belize, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia, India and Botswana before becoming general manager at Soneva Kiri in Thailand. Her experience spans luxury brands and diverse cultures.

Are there differences between how men and women lead?
Women often emphasize collaboration and empathy, building strong relationships with staff and guests. Men may sometimes be more direct and goal-focused. That said, many male leaders are equally empathetic and collaborative; leadership style depends on the individual.

How she leads:
I lead by staying visible, learning from everyone, engaging with guests and staff, and valuing a hands-on approach that recognizes employees’ expertise.

ROSANNA CONTI
General Manager, Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina D’Ampezzo
With 40 years in hospitality, Rosanna Conti has worked in every department from service to front office. She now leads the historic Grand Hotel Savoia in the Italian Dolomites, a property that will play a prominent role during the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Advantages of being a woman general manager:
Women often have an intuitive awareness of what’s happening across the property and anticipate guests’ needs before they ask.

Lessons learned:
Resilience is essential. Day after day, passion, sacrifice, curiosity, ambition and leadership keep you moving forward in this demanding but rewarding industry.