CNBC’s Simon Hobbs to Emcee Cornell Gala

Ithaca, NY (USA) – May 21, 2013 – The Cornell School of Hotel Administration (SHA) has announced that Simon Hobbs, co-anchor of CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, will serve as master of ceremonies at the sold-out 5th annual Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator Awards on June 4, 2013, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. At the gala event, Hobbs will help honor Tom Pritzker, executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, as recipient of the Cornell Icon of the Industry Award, and Steve Ells, founder, chairman, and co-CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, as the recipient of the Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award.

“Simon Hobbs is a talented broadcaster with his finger on the pulse of the global business world. We are delighted that he will emcee the Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator Awards,” said Michael D. Johnson, dean and E. M. Statler Professor at SHA.

Hobbs joined CNBC in 1998, and he currently co-anchors Squawk on the Street. Prior to 2009 he was based at CNBC in London, where he most recently anchored European Closing Bell and Europe Tonight. Hobbs also hosted The Leaders, a series of in-depth interviews with the world’s business and political elite.

Hobbs was named “Television Personality of the Year” by the Association of International Broadcasters in 2006, and he has hosted high-level, international meetings for the European Union, the United Nations, the World Bank, and environmental nonprofit organizations.

Since its inception in 2009, the Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator Awards has grown to be the largest event on the SHA calendar, attracting more than 900 of the most influential leaders and innovators in the hospitality and travel industry from 17 countries. The gala raises funds to support SHA’s scholarships and programs.

The 2013 awards ceremony already has more than 70 corporate sponsors. Hyatt is the title sponsor. Travel + Leisure and USA TODAY are exclusive media co-hosts; Baccarat, Delta Airlines, Flag Luxury, Groupe du Louvre, InterContinental Hotels Group, Latham and Watkins, Marriott International, Menin Hotels, Shelborne, and the New York Observer are diamond sponsors; Amazing Taste, LLC is strategic marketing and event consultant; and Do More Good | CSK is directing strategic brand marketing and design.

For additional information, please visit www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/industry/events/awardsdinner.html or contact Kathleen Bolton, manager of corporate affairs, at ksh11@cornell.edu

About the Cornell School of Hotel Administration
The Cornell University School of Hotel Administration is shaping the global knowledge base for hospitality management through leadership in education, research and industry advancement. The school provides management instruction in the full range of hospitality disciplines, educating the next generation of leaders in the world’s largest industry. Founded in 1922 as the nation’s first collegiate course of study in hospitality management, the Cornell School of Hotel Administration is recognized as the world leader in its field. For more information, visit www.hotelschool.cornell.edu.

Media Contact:
Ashlee McGandy
607.254.1368
am754@cornell.edu