David Kong

Founder & Principal, DEI Advisors

David Kong is founder and principal of DEI Advisors, an Arizona nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering personal success. When Kong retired as president and chief executive officer of BWH Hotel Group – comprised of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Sure Stay Hotels and WorldHotels – in 2021, he was
the longest-running CEO of any major hotel company. His leadership and legacy, characterized by a genuine care for people and a passion for hospitality, attracted praise and respect from leading voices across the industry. Kong led Best Western
Hotels and Resorts to unprecedented growth, transforming the company and expanding its portfolio from one brand to 18 distinct brands and achieving new records in revenue and growth. Previously, Kong held leadership positions with KPMG Consulting, Hyatt, Omni and Hilton. Kong has received numerous accolades including the Lifetime Achievement Awards from Business Travel News, International Hotel Investment Forum and United Jewish Appeal Federation in 2022. He was the recipient of the inaugural
Arne Sorenson Social Impact Award in 2022 and was recognized by Hotel Interactive with the Innovator of the Year award and Innovation Award from Guest Lab (Italy). In 2021, Global Business Travel Association presented him with the WINiT Best Mentor/Male Coach award. He served as the chairman of the American Hotel & Lodging Association in 2010 and was appointed to the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. He completed the Executive Development Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management and holds a
bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Travel Industry Management School, Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii.