Join us as we honor travel industry leaders who go above and beyond.
For the third year, FXExpress Publications, Inc., names its Industry Leader Awards, a hand-selected group of the best and brightest in the travel industry and a recognition of those leading the way in their fields. Congratulations to all the amazing honorees!
THE PROCESS
The team at FXExpress Publications, Inc., submitted nominations for industry leaders in each of the categories. Once all nominations, submitted with a brief reasoning for each, were compiled, a survey was distributed to all members of the FXExpress team to select the final Industry Leader honoree.
BEST AVIATION INDUSTRY LEADER
Mitsuko Tottori, CEO & President, Japan Airlines
In January 2024 history was made at Japan Airlines when Mitsuko Tottori was named the first female president and chief executive of Japan Airlines, after a nearly 40-year career she began as a JAL flight attendant. Women in Japan still face obstacles to promotion, and Tottori hopes more women in the country can follow in her footsteps. It’s also extremely rare for flight attendants to rise through the ranks as she has. In 2015 she became senior director of cabin attendants and has continued to shatter the glass ceiling ever since.
BEST HOTEL INDUSTRY LEADER
Christopher J. Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton Hotels
In 2007 Chris Nassetta joined Hilton as president and CEO, following his role as president and CEO of Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. In addition to running the 24 brands under the Hilton Hotels umbrella, it’s clear Nassetta is a valued thought leader in the travel industry, serving on multiple boards and organizations, including the U.S. Travel Association and the World Travel & Tourism Council. Some of the key reasons Nassetta was selected for this honor includes Hilton’s plans to outpace the hotel industry with a development pipeline of nearly half a million hotel rooms, the company’s prioritized investments in technology, and the brand’s sustainability efforts.
BEST CRUISE LINE INDUSTRY LEADER
Kristin Karst, Co-Founder & Executive Vice President, AmaWaterways
Family is at the heart of everything Kristin Karst does, co-founding AmaWaterways with her husband, Rudi Schreiner, more than 21 years ago. Every guest is treated like part of their family, and they’ve more than accomplished their mission of creating a river cruise company they themselves would enjoy. Karst in particular delivers a love of food, wine and wellness to the world’s rivers. She also lives and instills AmaWaterways’ five-prong value system: passion, positivity, personal interaction, partnership and pioneer spirit, serving as a true inspiration for other leaders in the travel industry.
BEST AIRPORT INDUSTRY LEADER
Ralph Cutié, Airport Director, Miami International Airport
The superlatives precede Ralph Cutié, as he leads the now second-largest airport in the country for international passengers and eighth-largest for international passengers globally. In addition to overseeing operations at Miami International Airport, Cutié is also responsible for four general aviation airports in the Miami area. All together, the airports generate $118 billion in business revenue and support more than 700,000 direct, indirect, related and induced jobs. The future is bright for MIA under Cutié’s direction.
BEST GREEN INITIATIVES & SUSTAINABILITY INDUSTRY LEADER
Eric Caplan, Sustainability and Resilience Program Director, Tampa International Airport
As a Florida native with a degree in environmental studies, Eric Caplan is perfectly positioned to lead sustainability issues at Tampa International Airport. Some of the airport’s environmental initiatives under the direction of Caplan include energy and water reduction efforts, a solar array on the roof of one of the parking garages, EV charging stations at various locations, and sustainable development projects. Caplan also heads up various plans and efforts on behalf of all the airports that make up Hillsborough County Aviation Authority.
BEST DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION INDUSTRY LEADER
Tyronne Stoudemire, Senior Vice President, Global DEI, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Across Hyatt’s brands, diversity and inclusion remain important hallmarks, and the efforts led by Tyronne Stoudemire in his role include Resource Groups, mentoring groups for people of color, and brand marketing efforts focused on multicultural and LGBTQIA+ audiences. And his many, many accolades speak to his success in strengthening DEI across the hospitality industry and include being named one of the Top Executives in Diversity by Black Enterprise Magazine.
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