Jack DeBoer: Innovation
Jack DeBoer, the father of the extended-stay hotel. Hard to believe his brand Residence Inn is now 45 this year, while his brand Candlewood Suites is now 25 this year. These two brands have one thing in common: birthing extended-stay brands for two types of travellers: high-end and mid-level. His brand Summerfield Suites no longer exists thanks to Hyatt, but I'll bet he is proud of the name change to Hyatt House.