The best in the business
Recreation and Leisure Studies alumna, Dorothy Dowling has revolutionized the world of hospitality marketing. In 2014, Dorothy was named the 27th most influential Chief Marketing Officer by Forbes Magazine and has since risen to the 18th most influential in 2015! Dorothy’s passion for marketing, dynamic leadership skills
Joining Best Western in 2004, Dorothy serves as the Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales and has successfully implemented award winning programs leading to the hotel chain’s accelerated growth over 12 years. She has rebranded the brand’s loyalty program, Best Western Rewards, which more than doubled its revenue contribution percentage. Under Dorothy’s leadership, Best Western has transitioned into a business that now focuses on marketing and sales. She has thrived in securing branding partnerships with large organizations such as Disney and Expedia. Prior to her work with Best Western, Dorothy was highly influential in her executive roles in organizations such as ARAMARK and Travelodge Canada.
Dorothy’s contributions to the hospitality industry have had great impact. She has been recognized with a number of awards and honours, including receiving the prestigious American Hotel Foundation Award for Best Practices in Guest Loyalty Programs, and was among HSMAI’s Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Sales and Marketing two times. Additionally, in 2014, Dowling was inducted into the Direct Marketing News Marketing Hall of Femme. She serves as a leading figure in a number of hospitality and tourism industry associations, including Global Business Travel Association Allied Leadership Council as the Vice-President and Chair of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing International Association. Committed to giving back to the industry that has been her great passion, Dorothy consistently thinks forward by mentoring (and nurturing) the promising leaders of our future.
In recognition of her efforts and leadership in the hospitality industry, Dorothy is the recipient of the 2016 Applied Health Sciences Alumni Achievement Award.