From left to right: Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Hospitality, Travel & Wellness, Questex LLC, Tea Ros, ISHC Chair and Managing Director, Strategic Hotel Consulting, Briana Swift, Regional Vice President of Development - Northern Europe, HYATT, Andrea Belfanti, CEO, ISHC — Photo by ISHC

The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in partnership with the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) presented the prestigious ISHC Young Leader Award to Briana Swift, Regional Vice President of Development - Northern Europe, Hyatt.

Swift joined Hyatt in February 2017 and now acts as Regional Vice President of Development for Northern Europe. With 10 years’ experience in hospitality, Briana is responsible for the growth of Hyatt’s brands throughout DACH, the Nordics and Benelux; her responsibilities span deal sourcing, negotiations, development strategy and portfolio retention. Prior to her current remit, Briana worked in a pan-regional capacity dedicated to furthering Hyatt's expansion in wider Europe and Southwest Asia. Briana previously worked at Starwood Hotels and Resorts in a role which supported their development strategy across Western Europe via real estate branding and positioning. Briana holds a Master of Science in International Hospitality Management from the University of Surrey and Bachelors' Degrees from Boston University.

“I was initially drawn to hospitality as it is the perfect intersection of travel, real estate, and human connection. Collaborating with colleagues and industry partners to find new approaches to challenges and achieve mutual success continues to drive my enthusiasm for the industry,” said Briana Swift, Regional Vice President of Development at Hyatt. “I am profoundly humbled and delighted to receive such an award and am grateful to work for an organization that has invested in my professional growth from the earliest stages of my career.”

Felicity Black-Roberts, Vice President Development & Acquisitions for Hyatt said, “Briana’s remarkable capacity to manage a substantial workload coupled with her analytical prowess commands respect, enabling her to secure the trust of new franchisees. Under her guidance, Hyatt has successfully launched several brand debuts, including the first Hyatt properties in Scandinavia, Malta, and Greek Isles in the company's history. Briana's commitment to excellence is unwavering; she meticulously leads projects and proactively seeks new avenues to enhance value for our owners and franchisees.”

ISHC’s CEO Andrea Belfanti commented, “Everything from Briana’s education to her rise through the ranks at Hyatt makes her the ideal recipient for this year’s Young Leader Award. Her recent promotion to Regional Vice President of Development for Northern Europe is another example of her trajectory and I know we will continue to see great things from her. Congratulations, Briana!”

“Questex is delighted to continue our work with the ISHC in recognizing young talent in hospitality.” commented Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Travel and Hospitality, Questex, “Hospitality is powered by people and it’s a privilege for us to recognize and celebrate up and coming talent amongst the industry’s largest and most qualified gathering of senior executive leaders. Congratulations to Briana Swift!”

The Young Leader Award was established by ISHC and IHIF in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the excellence of young emerging leaders in the hospitality industry. Candidates must meet the following criteria and be nominated by someone they work with:

  • Is 30 years of age or younger, born on or after 16 April 1993
  • Currently works for or directly within the hospitality sector (no vendors/industry suppliers)
  • Is recognized by peers and industry members as an emerging leader for the hospitality industry
  • Whose contributions are already making an impact on the hospitality industry

Respected CEOs from across the hotel industry reviewed a shortlist of nomination forms of outstanding candidates before voting on the winner.

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