The hospitality industry has long been a space where women in leadership have made remarkable contributions, yet their influence is often overlooked. Today, women are redefining the industry, championing innovation, sustainability and inclusivity. From boutique hotels to global chains, hospitality brands led by women are making a significant impact worldwide.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we want to acknowledge the incredible women making strides in the hospitality industry and take a closer look into how they found success. We’ll explore a range of these hospitality businesses, their achievements and how they continue to shape the industry.

The Rise of Women in Hospitality Leadership

Women have been at the forefront of the hospitality industry for decades, but only in recent years have they begun to receive the recognition they deserve.

The rise of women in hospitality can be attributed to:

  • Increased opportunities for women to start and scale businesses
  • Greater awareness of gender diversity and the benefits of inclusive leadership
  • Support networks and mentorship programmes focused on fostering female leadership
  • A growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical business practices led by influential female leaders
  • The success of high-profile female entrepreneurs who have paved the way for future generations

As more women enter the industry, they bring fresh perspectives that challenge traditional hospitality norms. Many are founding businesses that prioritise responsible tourism, ethical labour practices and community-driven hospitality experiences.

These efforts not only elevate service standards but also contribute to a more equitable industry overall.

Inspirational Female Leaders in Hospitality

Let’s take a look at some of the female entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry achieving success today.

1. Amanda Hyndman – Mandarin Oriental Group

As a seasoned hotelier and senior executive within the Mandarin Oriental Group, Amanda Hyndman is a shining example of leadership in luxury hospitality. She has worked across multiple countries, implementing high standards of service excellence while mentoring and uplifting women in the industry.

Hyndman has been a vocal advocate for workplace diversity and the professional development of women in hospitality, ensuring more women have access to leadership roles within the industry.

2. Puneet Chhatwal & Sonica Malhotra – The LaLit Hotels

Sonica Malhotra is a driving force behind The LaLit Hotels, a hospitality brand known for its inclusive and diverse workforce. Under her leadership, the hotel chain actively supports gender diversity and LGBTQ+ rights, setting a strong example of how female-led brands can champion social responsibility.

The LaLit Hotels have launched various initiatives supporting women in leadership, including mentorship programmes and partnerships with organisations that empower female professionals in hospitality.

3. Mélanie Masliah – Hotel Lutetia, Paris

Mélanie Masliah has been instrumental in revamping and elevating the prestigious Hotel Lutetia, a historic Parisian landmark. Her keen eye for luxury and ability to blend tradition with modernity have positioned the hotel as one of the finest in the world.

By incorporating sustainable practices and championing a diverse workforce, Masliah has ensured that Hotel Lutetia remains an iconic yet forward-thinking establishment in the global hospitality scene.

4. Arlene Dickinson – District Ventures

A Canadian entrepreneur and hospitality investor, Arlene Dickinson has played a pivotal role in fostering female-led hospitality businesses. Through District Ventures, her investment firm, she provides funding and mentorship for women-led businesses in food, beverage and hospitality.

Her work has helped elevate numerous brands that focus on sustainability, responsible sourcing and inclusive hospitality practices.

5. Sonu Shivdasani & Eva Malmström Shivdasani – Soneva

While Sonu Shivdasani co-founded Soneva, his wife, Eva Malmström Shivdasani, played a crucial role in shaping the brand’s identity and sustainability efforts. The couple’s commitment to environmental responsibility has made Soneva a leader in luxury eco-tourism.

Eva’s design expertise and sustainability vision helped create a hospitality experience that prioritises ecological impact and social responsibility. The brand incorporates green architecture, plastic-free policies and carbon neutrality initiatives, setting an industry standard for sustainability.

6. Alexandra Champalimaud – Champalimaud Design

As the founder of Champalimaud Design, Alexandra Champalimaud has transformed the luxury hospitality space with her innovative approach to interior design.

Her firm has worked on some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton and The Waldorf Astoria. Champalimaud’s influence extends beyond design—her work reimagines hospitality experiences by blending cultural storytelling, sustainability and modern elegance.

How Female Entrepreneurs are Transforming Hospitality

Women in hospitality are not only running successful businesses but also redefining industry norms and empowering women as they do it. Their contributions include:

  • Sustainability initiatives: Many female-led brands prioritise eco-friendly practices, such as zero-waste policies, ethical sourcing and responsible tourism. They are leading the charge in reducing carbon footprints, implementing renewable energy solutions and promoting conservation efforts in their hotels and restaurants.
  • Workplace diversity: Women-led companies often create more inclusive environments, offering leadership opportunities for underrepresented groups. They implement diversity hiring initiatives, training programmes and mentorship opportunities to support the advancement of women and minorities in hospitality leadership.
  • Innovative guest experiences: Female leaders bring fresh perspectives and introduce creative and customer-centric hospitality solutions, such as immersive cultural stays and wellness-focused retreats. Female entrepreneurs in hospitality often pioneer personalised guest experiences, tech-driven conveniences and unique luxury concepts.
  • Mentorship and leadership development: From leadership training programmes to mentorship opportunities, these brands actively invest in the growth of future hospitality leaders. By fostering mentorship networks, they ensure that more women have the confidence and skills to rise through the ranks in the hospitality industry.
  • Social impact programmes: Many women-led businesses focus on giving back to communities by supporting local artisans, offering employment to disadvantaged groups and reinvesting profits into community development initiatives. They often partner with NGOs and social enterprises to create meaningful, long-term change.

From luxury hotels to eco-friendly resorts, women in the hospitality industry are leaving a significant mark. Their leadership not only enhances guest experiences but also fosters social change and innovation. By recognising and supporting the impact of women in hospitality, the industry can continue to evolve into a space that prioritises sustainability, diversity and empowerment.