Dr. Demian Hodari was EHL Professor of Corporate Strategy from 2000 until his passing in early 2026. He specialized in bringing industry practice into the classroom and created and directed EHL’s Graduate Institute for Teacher and Executive Development (GIFTED), including the launch of the EHL Executive Teaching Fellowship program. He hosted conferences, delivered executive education courses, facilitated strategic management workshops for hotel companies worldwide, and co-created and co-hosted RISE, a live weekly web show for the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry. His research focused on the strategic relationships between hotel general managers, owners, and management companies, and he was twice recognized by EHL as Researcher of the Year. Before joining academia, he spent 15 years in the hotel industry in roles including hotel general manager, consultant, president of an independent hotel management company, bartender, and parking valet.