Women have a significant presence in the management and daily operations of luxury hotels, but their representation at the highest levels of company leadership remains limited.
Strong Female Representation in Hotel Management
Across the luxury hospitality sector, women are frequently found in key operational roles. They often oversee guest services, manage hotel operations, and direct departments such as food and beverage, housekeeping, and events. Industry data shows that women comprise a majority of the workforce in many luxury hotels, particularly in roles that directly interact with guests and shape the customer experience.
Leadership Gap at the Executive Level
Despite their strong presence in hotel operations, women are underrepresented in executive positions such as chief executive officer, president, or board chair. According to a 2022 report from the Castell Project, only one in four hotel company executives is a woman, and just one in twenty holds the title of CEO or president. This disparity is evident across major luxury hospitality brands.
Industry Perspectives on Advancement
Industry leaders acknowledge the gap between women’s operational influence and their presence in top executive roles. “Women are running the hotels, but they’re not running the companies,” said Peggy Berg, founder of the Castell Project, which advocates for women’s advancement in hospitality leadership. She noted that while women are often promoted to general manager positions, the pipeline to the C-suite remains narrow.
Barriers to Advancement
Several factors contribute to the underrepresentation of women at the highest levels. These include a lack of mentorship opportunities, limited access to influential networks, and persistent stereotypes about leadership in the hospitality industry. Some executives point to the demands of executive roles, which often require frequent travel and long hours, as additional challenges for women seeking advancement.
Efforts to Increase Female Leadership
Luxury hotel companies have launched initiatives aimed at increasing the number of women in senior leadership. Programs include mentorship schemes, leadership training, and targeted recruitment efforts. Some organizations have set specific goals for gender diversity in executive positions and are tracking progress toward those targets.
Looking Ahead
While women continue to play a vital role in the daily operations of luxury hotels, industry observers say that achieving greater gender balance in executive suites will require sustained commitment. The Castell Project and similar organizations continue to advocate for policies and practices that support women’s advancement to the highest levels of hospitality leadership.
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