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Rena Reiss
Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Marriott International
Professional Background
Rena Reiss is a distinguished attorney and an accomplished executive, renowned for her role as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Marriott International. In this prestigious position, Rena plays a pivotal role in guiding the company's legal functions and strategic direction, leveraging her extensive expertise in the hospitality industry. Her career trajectory reflects a deep commitment to legal excellence and corporate governance, enabling Marriott International to navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining its status as a leading global hospitality company.
Prior to her significant appointment at Marriott, Rena Reiss honed her legal skills and strategic insight as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where she was instrumental in overseeing all legal matters and business operations. Her earlier experience also includes serving as Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Marriott International, where she contributed to a variety of legal initiatives and fostered a culture of compliance and ethical business practices.
Her leadership style is characterized by a focus on fostering collaboration across departments, ensuring that the legal framework supports both the company's business model and its commitment to social responsibility. Rena is recognized for her ability to handle high-stakes negotiations and her commitment to corporate ethics, making her a respected figure in the legal community.
Education and Achievements
Rena Reiss's educational background is a testament to her intellectual rigor and ambition. She graduated with an A.B. degree in History from the prestigious Princeton University, where she developed a critical understanding of the socio-legal contexts in which businesses operate. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at Harvard Law School, consistently ranked among the top law schools in the United States. This exceptional educational foundation equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in legal practice and corporate governance.
Throughout her career, Rena has accumulated significant achievements that highlight her expertise and dedication to her profession. She has successfully led legal teams in various initiatives, from mergers and acquisitions to litigation management, ensuring that her organizations are well-positioned to thrive in a competitive industry. Her forward-thinking approach has not only benefited Marriott and Hyatt but has also set benchmarks for best practices within the hospitality sector.
Achievements
Rena's career is marked by a series of notable achievements that underscore her leadership in the field of corporate law. These include:
- Implementing innovative legal strategies to support the expansion of Marriott International and Hyatt Hotels Corporation into new markets while maintaining compliance with local laws and regulations.
- Spearheading initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the corporate legal departments, reflecting her commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.
- Actively participating in industry forums and legal associations, where she shares her insights on contemporary legal challenges faced by multinational corporations in the hospitality sector.
- Committed to philanthropy, Rena supports public libraries and various educational initiatives, emphasizing her belief in the power of accessible education and community engagement.
In addition to her professional commitments, Rena is a proud mother, dedicated to raising her children with values of integrity and social awareness. She enjoys engaging with the community through public libraries and is an avid supporter of her favorite sports teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks and ACC basketball. Rena brings her personal passions into her professional life, advocating for the importance of work-life balance and the pursuit of personal interests outside of the corporate environment.
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