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Heinecke, Mady feted as 2017 Hoteliers of the World

HOTELS feted on Monday night its 2017 Hotelier of the World award winners – empire builder William Heinecke of Minor International, Bangkok, and team builder Edward Mady of the Beverly Hills Hotel and Dorchester Collection – at a gala in New York City.

William Heinecke (l.) and Ed Mady pose with their Hotelier of the World awards
William Heinecke (l.) and Ed Mady pose with their Hotelier of the World awards

A who’s who of industry luminaries gathered at the Lotte New York Palace to listen to Heinecke and Mady in their acceptance speeches wax about their careers, what the industry has meant to them, as well as identify the people who helped them reach this momentous evening.

Passion play

Heinecke, who attended the event with his wife, Kathy, and son David, along with many life-long friends, said he was lucky to grow up in Asia during a time of great opportunity. “I’ve had successes and I’ve had failures,” he reflected. “But I’ve always learned from my experiences and used that to be better the next time and the time after.”

He added that while he is known as an ardent fan of expansion, he hopes that it doesn’t go unrecognized that the brands and the companies he has grown represent his personal passions.

“The creation of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is the realization of a life-long dream,” he added. “Not only does it reflect my appreciation for authentic travel experiences and unique destinations, but with its success I’ve come to realize that our private passions can play a role in the evolution of a brand and a business.”

Heinecke said by sharing his passion on a global platform, he has been able to pursue even more of the things that are important to him. “Minor’s success has given me the privilege of actively making a difference. Because I think we can all agree that … every successful person here today has had a dose of fortune or good luck somewhere along the line – perhaps not in the form of cash, but at the very least the fortune of opportunity, good health and being surrounded by people, great people. And this is something I strongly believe must be repaid in some way.”

He concluded: “If people are our business, and business is all about people, the only way to spiral upwards is to team up with the best… These are the people who don’t just see their work role as a job but as a way of transforming their own passions into reality. I’m thrilled to play a role in such a dynamic industry, and while I’m not close to handing over Minor’s reins yet, I have an extraordinary team by my side and new talent hot on their heels.”

“If people are our business, and business is all about people, the only way to spiral upwards is to team up with the best." -- William Heinecke
“If people are our business, and business is all about people, the only way to spiral upwards is to team up with the best.” — William Heinecke

So many to thank

Mady accepted his award at the hotel where he learned so much, first as a lieutenant reporting to Leona Helmsley when the hotel was under the Helmsley family ownership and then when he returned as GM for Dorchester Collection. It was his first time back visiting the hotel since he had moved to Beverly Hills seven years ago.

He first referred back to working behind the counter at his parents’ business in Windsor, Ontario, Baker’s Dairy Bar. “One of the things my dad would share with me was that you should never ever let anyone outwork you,” Mady said. “So it was always about persistence, dedication, being consistent and always being forthright… Now I find myself behind the counter at the Beverly Hills Hotel.”

Among many others, Mady credited Ritz-Carlton co-founder Horst Schulze, who was in attendance Monday night and who gave Mady his first GM’s role in New York City. “Horst will always represent to me the very heart and soul of luxury and hospitality,” he said. “Horst, thank you for giving me that break many years ago.”

He also thanked whom he called his best boss, Dorchester Collection CEO Christopher Cowdry, and his “personal board of directors, which include baseball legends Joe Torre, Tony LaRussa and Derek Jeter. “So everyone has helped me become a better coach, a better team leader. It’s with tears of joy that I have to tell you that I start to recognize and take an inventory of the things that have gone on in my career and in my life.”

“One of the things my dad would share with me was that you should never ever let anyone outwork you." -- Edward Mady
“One of the things my dad would share with me was that you should never ever let anyone outwork you.” — Edward Mady

In celebrating the 36th year of the event, the awards presentation was followed up with a lavish reception sponsored, in part, by LaBottega, Protect-A-Bed and Purchasing Management International.

HOTELS readers, several past winners of the award and supporters were on hand to congratulate and celebrate Heinecke and Mady.

Ed Mady savors the moment with Horst Schulze
Ed Mady savors the moment with Horst Schulze
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