Apoorva Gandhi

Apoorva Gandhi is a senior executive at Marriott International, holding the position of Senior Vice President of Multicultural Affairs, Social Impact and Business Councils.1 In this role, he is responsible for creating and executing globally-focused strategies to make Marriott more inclusive and welcoming to all guests, regardless of their background or abilities.12

Background and Motivation

Gandhi has a personal connection to disability, which has fueled his passion for inclusivity. He has a deaf family friend and a deaf daughter, experiences that have shaped his commitment to creating a more inclusive world.1 Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area as the son of immigrants who came to the United States in the 1960s, Gandhi draws inspiration from his parents' hard work and sacrifice.12

Key Responsibilities and Initiatives

At Marriott International, Gandhi's work focuses on several key areas:

1. Accessibility and Inclusion: He champions initiatives to improve the travel experience for guests with disabilities, such as the 'Room for All' project, which involved designing accessible hotel rooms with input from the disability community.1

2. Multicultural Affairs: Gandhi is responsible for ensuring that Marriott's approach to hospitality is inclusive of all cultures and backgrounds.3

3. Social Impact: He oversees Marriott's Serve360 program, which focuses on social impact and sustainability.1

4. Business Councils: Gandhi works with various business councils within Marriott to promote diversity and inclusion across the organization.1

Achievements and Philosophy

Gandhi is particularly proud of the 'Room for All' initiative, which exemplifies his commitment to inclusive design and the principle of "nothing about us without us".1 He emphasizes the importance of including the disability community in discussions about inclusion, recognizing that disability intersects with all demographics and backgrounds.1

In his role, Gandhi strives to create a sense of belonging for all guests at Marriott properties, regardless of their identity, origin, abilities, or sexual orientation.1 His work extends beyond the hospitality industry, as he is also involved with organizations like Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, promoting LGBTQ+ workplace equality.4

Apoorva Gandhi's efforts at Marriott International reflect a broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the corporate world, making him a notable figure in the realm of multicultural affairs and social impact in the hospitality industry.