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From left to right: Néstor Ruiz Colón, CEO, IHP Hospitality, Andrea Belfanti, CEO, ISHC, Claire Ruiz Doreste, CFO, IHP Hospitality, Jonathon Zink, COO, The BHN Group by Northstar – Image Credit ISHC
The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) in partnership with ALIS Caribbean and Latin America (ALIS CALA) presented Néstor J. Ruiz Doreste, Chief Operations Officer of IHP Hospitality with the prestigious ALIS CALA Rising Star Award.
Ruiz Doreste is a third-generation hospitality executive. As Chief Operations Officer at IHP Hospitality, he oversees a portfolio of branded and independent properties, including well-known brands such as Marriott and Best Western. Néstor brings a distinctive leadership perspective, shaped by his military training at the United States Military Academy at West Point and academic foundation from the University of Pittsburgh. He is deeply committed to developing talent, driving operational excellence, and expanding the legacy of family-led IHP Hospitality in Puerto Rico.
Of his award, Ruiz Doreste remarked:
“Receiving the ALIS CALA Rising Star Award is not only a great honor, but a meaningful reminder that hospitality is more than a business, it’s about legacy, responsibility, and passion. I’m proud to help grow our family business while leading the next generation in our industry. As we embrace innovation and invest in our people every day, I believe the future of hospitality will be shaped by purpose-driven leadership and a deep commitment to guest and employee experiences.”
“It’s rare, and incredibly rewarding, to encounter a true ‘born leader,’ and Néstor Ruiz exemplifies that spirit,” commented Bill Clegg, Regional Director of Development, Caribbean for BWH Hotel Group. “As Chief Operations Officer for IHP Hospitality, Néstor leads with a combination of discipline, vision, and heart. He inspires those around him and elevates every project he touches. His leadership of the ambitious ‘Square District’ revitalization project in Mayaguez reflects not just a commitment to operational excellence, but also a deep dedication to community impact. At just 30 years old, Néstor has already achieved a remarkable career’s worth of success, fueled by the values and determination he cultivated at West Point. I am thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved recognition and look forward to watching his leadership journey continue to unfold.”
ISHC CEO Andrea Belfanti commented, “It was a pleasure getting to know Néstor and to recognize his incredible leadership with the 2025 ALIS CALA Rising Star Award. His vision for revitalizing the historic core of Mayaguez, PR combined with his operational excellence and deep commitment to his team and community, represents the very best of the next generation of hospitality leaders. We are proud to celebrate his achievements and grateful to partner with ALIS CALA to spotlight rising talent across the region.”
“The ALIS CALA Rising Star Award is a key feature of this market-leading gathering of the hotel investment community, as it shines a spotlight on our industry’s future,” said Jonathon S. Zink, COO of The BHN Group by Northstar. “Néstor’s dedication to developing the future of hospitality is admirable and makes Néstor a dynamic ambassador for Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and beyond. Congratulations to Néstor on this prestigious achievement and very best wishes on his journey of making a difference.”
This is the fifteenth year ISHC and The BHN Group have collaborated to recognize young, talented leadership in the Caribbean and Latin American regions. Néstor J. Ruiz Doreste was honored with the award during the plenary session of ALIS CALA, held at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida. Although Néstor was unable to attend due to the impending arrival of his first child, the award was proudly accepted on his behalf by his sister, Claire Ruiz Doreste, CFO of IHP Hospitality.
Nominations for the award were required to meet the following criteria:
– Is 35 years of age or younger, born on or after April 30, 1990
– Is currently, and has been, working in a hospitality-related field
– Is recognized by leaders in the hospitality field as a rising star
– Is currently living and working in the Caribbean or Latin America with a minimum of two years’ experience in the market
Respected executives from across the Caribbean and Latin America reviewed a shortlist of nomination forms of outstanding candidates before voting on the winner.
