Marriott International shines a spotlight on innovation, service, and community impact through its prestigious global awards ceremony recognizing exceptional associates and properties.

Marriott International has proudly celebrated a new class of honorees at its highly anticipated 2025 J. Willard Marriott Awards of Excellence ceremony, reaffirming the company’s legacy of recognizing excellence, leadership, and service within its global workforce. Launched in 1987 and named in honor of Marriott’s visionary founder, the awards continue to recognize associates and properties across the world who go above and beyond in upholding the company’s core values of putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing change, acting with integrity, and serving the world.

“Every year, I am amazed by the inspiring stories of the Awards of Excellence honorees,” said Anthony Capuano, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marriott International. “Their hard work and outstanding actions have a positive impact that extends far beyond the walls of the workplace. These individuals perfectly embody our company’s core values, and it is a privilege to come together in celebration of their remarkable accomplishments.”

Each year, the awards ceremony brings together top-performing associates, hotel teams, and leadership to highlight not only business excellence but also dedication to communities, wellness, inclusivity, innovation, and the nurturing of future leaders. The 2025 event continued this tradition with remarkable flair, showcasing the strength of Marriott’s global culture and its deep-rooted commitment to people.

Celebrating Excellence Across the Globe

This year’s awards honored ten individual associates, one Marriott Business Council, and four outstanding properties. These winners were selected for their extraordinary achievements across diverse categories such as community engagement, service innovation, team empowerment, and well-being initiatives. Each recipient took the stage to share their inspiring journey and contributions with peers and executives, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

Among the recipients was Guillermo Baudino, Director of Housekeeping at Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance, who was recognized for his meticulous attention to detail and team leadership. Sheila Burgess, Guest Event Expert at Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, was celebrated for her guest-first approach and dedication to creating memorable experiences.

In Asia, Mohammed Kashif Khan, a rising star from The St. Regis Mumbai, earned recognition for his culinary creativity and commitment to excellence. Likewise, Frank Zhang Fangyi, Banquet Supervisor at JW Marriott Hotel Beijing Central, stood out for his exceptional event management and guest satisfaction efforts.

The Ritz-Carlton Berlin’s Murat Elci, Environmental Management Officer, received honors for driving sustainable practices and environmental awareness in the luxury hospitality space. Dasha Chayka, General Manager of TownePlace Suites Naples, was lauded for visionary leadership and fostering a high-performance culture.

Other honorees included Vilma Gonzalez, Club Lounge Concierge at The Westin Galleria Houston; Rachel Gregoire, Assistant Director of Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos; Able He, Duty Engineer at Zhuzhou Marriott Hotel; and Rickey Oubre, Cook at Walt Disney World Dolphin, each recognized for their outstanding contributions to Marriott’s service culture.

Celebrating Culture, Diversity, and Impact

The awards also spotlight properties and councils that embody the company’s vision of inclusivity, care, and culture-building.

• Alice S. Marriott Award for Community Service went to Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center for its exceptional outreach programs and local partnerships that uplift community welfare.
• The W. Marriott Diversity Excellence Award was awarded to Delta Hotels Fredericton, which has made diversity and inclusion a core tenet of its operational strategy, from hiring practices to guest engagement.
• The Debbie Marriott Harrison TakeCare Award of Excellence was presented to Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel in Vietnam for its innovative programs that promote the physical, mental, and financial wellness of its associates.
• Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa in Portugal received the Stephen Garff Marriott Award of Excellence for Culture, honoring its success in cultivating a strong, values-driven work environment rooted in respect, collaboration, and service.
• The David S. Marriott Next Gen Business Council Award went to the Egypt Next Gen Business Council, applauding its forward-thinking approach to empowering the next generation of leaders within the company’s regional structure.

A Leadership Legacy of Recognition

The 2025 ceremony was hosted with Marriott’s hallmark style and warmth. CEO Anthony Capuano opened the event alongside Chairman of the Board David Marriott and Debbie Marriott Harrison, Board Member and Global Cultural Ambassador Emeritus, who served as emcees and shared heartfelt reflections on the enduring impact of the award program.

“Every year, this event reminds us why our associates are the heart and soul of everything we do,” Capuano shared. “Their stories of perseverance, creativity, and service excellence embody the spirit of our founder, J. Willard Marriott.”

David Marriott added, “These awards reflect our unwavering belief that when we take care of our people, they take care of our guests. Our 2025 winners prove that our culture is stronger than ever and continues to thrive around the globe.”

A Company Culture That Powers the Future

The J. Willard Marriott Awards of Excellence are more than a recognition—they are a reflection of a company culture that empowers individuals, celebrates diversity, and champions impact-driven hospitality. This year’s winners not only excelled in their roles but also uplifted their teams, communities, and the global Marriott family through acts of compassion, leadership, and innovation.

As Marriott International continues to expand its global footprint, the values honored in these awards remain central to its mission. With more than 8,800 properties across 139 countries and territories, the company continues to set the gold standard in hospitality by investing in its people—those who make a meaningful difference every day.

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