Ed Fuller, former long-time global Marriott executive, will be presented with the ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award during the 24th annual the Americas Lodging Investment Summit held Jan. 28-30, 2025 in Los Angeles.
This prominent award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the hospitality industry through their actions, deeds and great accomplishments.
Fuller is a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry with a distinguished career spanning over five decades. He served with Marriott for 40 years, holding several key marketing, sales and operational positions, including chief commercial officer. He also served as Marriott International's president and managing director of international lodging for 22 years, overseeing global operations, international expansion, crisis management and strategic development.
Under Fuller’s leadership, Marriott established 555 hotels in 73 countries, generating $8 billion in annual sales and creating 80,000 jobs worldwide.
To prepare for his corporate career, Fuller graduated from Boston University’s School of Business and attended Harvard Business School. He also served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, earning the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal for his service in Vietnam and Germany. His military background laid the foundation for his leadership style and crisis management expertise, which he later applied to his business endeavors.
After retiring from Marriott in 2012, Fuller remains actively involved in the corporate world through teaching at several universities, engaging in philanthropic efforts and serving on various boards. An accomplished author, Fuller has published four books, including his leadership-focused work You Can’t Lead with Your Feet on the Desk and the "Red Hotel" series of fictional thrillers.
"Ed Fuller personifies the globetrotting executive that spearheaded a worldwide footprint for American hotel brands through building strong relationships with many cultures,” Jeff Higley, president of The BHN Group, said in a statement. “Ed’s track record speaks for itself as his leadership took Marriott from 16 international hotels to becoming a global leader and set the tone for hotel brands to become the worldwide juggernauts we know today. His far-reaching contributions to the hotel industry are extraordinary, and we’re honored to present him with the well-deserved ALIS Lifetime Achievement Award.”