Hyatt Hotels Renames Strategic Partner Award in Honor of Corry Oakes
In a heartfelt tribute, Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently announced the renaming of its Strategic Partner award to The Corry Oakes Strategic Partner Award. This renaming honors the legacy of Corry Oakes, co-founder and CEO of OTO Development, who tragically passed away in 2022. The announcement was made during Hyatt’s 2025 Americas Owners Conference at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.
A Legacy of Excellence
Corry Oakes was a visionary leader in the hospitality industry, known for his commitment to excellence and innovation. He co-founded OTO Development in 1998 and grew it into a leading hotel development, ownership, and management company. OTO Development’s partnership with Hyatt Hotels Corporation spanned over two decades, resulting in the successful development and operation of numerous Hyatt-branded hotels.
Additional Honors Presented
The renaming of the award was not the only recognition bestowed during the conference. Hyatt also introduced two new categories, Purpose & Care and Operational Excellence, to its annual awards program. These categories reflect Hyatt’s dedication to fostering a culture of purpose, care, and operational excellence across its properties.
Impact on the Hospitality Industry
The renaming of the award and the introduction of new categories speak to Hyatt’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding exceptional partnerships and performance. This move is likely to inspire other companies in the hospitality industry to follow suit and establish similar recognition programs.
- Encourages collaboration and strengthens relationships: Renaming the award in honor of Corry Oakes emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships in the hospitality industry. This can lead to increased collaboration and stronger relationships between hotel brands and developers.
- Recognizes excellence in purpose and care: The introduction of the Purpose & Care category highlights the growing importance of corporate social responsibility and employee wellbeing in the industry. This recognition can motivate hotels to prioritize these areas and create a positive impact on their communities and workforce.
- Fosters a culture of operational excellence: The Operational Excellence category acknowledges the importance of delivering high-quality guest experiences. This focus on operational excellence can lead to increased guest satisfaction and loyalty, as well as improved financial performance for hotels.
Impact on Consumers
For consumers, the renaming of the award and the introduction of new categories may not have an immediate impact. However, they can contribute to a positive trend in the hospitality industry, leading to better partnerships, more purpose-driven businesses, and improved guest experiences.
Conclusion
Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s renaming of its Strategic Partner award in honor of Corry Oakes and the introduction of new categories, Purpose & Care and Operational Excellence, reflect the company’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding exceptional partnerships and performance. This move is likely to inspire other companies in the hospitality industry to prioritize collaboration, purpose, and operational excellence, leading to a stronger and more dynamic industry overall. While the impact on consumers may not be immediate, these changes can contribute to a positive trend in the industry and ultimately lead to better guest experiences. RIP Corry Oakes, your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
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