Marriott International’s Julius Robinson, Vice President and Global Lead for Autograph Collection Hotels was recently honored with the Freedom Rider Award presented by the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators and Developers (NABHOOD). The organization is dedicated to increasing the number of African Americans developing, managing, operating and owning hotels and increasing vendor opportunities and executive level jobs for minorities.
NABHOOD created the Freedom Rider award in memory of civil rights activist Hank Thomas; it is intended to honor those that continue to advocate for equality within the hospitality industry. Julius was recognized for his passionate support of diversity and inclusion, especially in the hotel ownership business.
“At the heart of our business, as a hospitality company, is welcoming everyone from our guests and associates to our owner partners,” said David Rodriguez, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Human Resources Officer. “Julius is a leader and champion of Marriott’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and his efforts are front and center, particularly in the hotel ownership space. His extraordinary dedication to this creates opportunities for our associates, guests, suppliers and owners.”
Marriott partners with women and diverse business owners to build Marriott-branded hotels around the world. The company has plans to have 1,500 of its global hotel portfolio owned by diverse owners by 2020. As of year-end 2015, nearly 800 of Marriott’s hotels are owned by diverse business partners.