Horst Schulze, Chairman and CEO of West Paces Hotel Group (parent company of Capella Hotels and Resorts), is a legend and leader in the service world. His vision has helped reshape concepts of customer service throughout the hospitality and service industries.

In 1991, Mr. Schulze was recognized as "corporate hotelier of the world" by HOTELS Magazine. In 1995, he was awarded the Ishikawa Medal for his personal contributions to the quality movement. In 1999, Johnson & Wales University gave him an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree in Hospitality Management. Most recently, Mr. Schulze has been honored as a “Leader in Luxury” by Travel Agent Magazine and its sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor.

Mr. Schulze served as Vice Chairman of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company from 2001-2002, after serving as President and COO of The Ritz-Carlton Group, starting in 1988. Under his leadership, the Group was awarded the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in both 1992 and 1999 -- the first and only hotel company to win even one such award. In addition, Ritz-Carlton was continuously voted “best hotel company in the world” by meeting and other trade publications.

Upon joining Ritz-Carlton as a charter member and VP of Operations in 1983, Mr. Schulze created the operating and service standards that have become world famous. He was appointed EVP in 1987, and President and COO in 1988. When he left Ritz-Carlton to form the West Paces Hotel Group, Mr. Schulze was responsible for the $2 billion Ritz-Carlton operations worldwide.

Prior to his long tenure with Ritz-Carlton, Mr. Schulze spent nine years with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where he was a hotel General Manager, Regional VP and Corporate VP. Before his association with Hyatt, he worked for Hilton Hotels.

Mr. Schulze serves on the boards of Reliance Trust Company, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, The Travel Institute, Georgia Family Council, and The InfiLaw System.