Kirk Kinsell MPS ‘80
The Cornell Hotel Society mourns the passing of Kirk Kinsell MPS ‘80. Kirk had a very distinguished career in the hospitality industry and was a great supporter of the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration and Cornell Hotel Society. He passed on March 25, 2026, at the age of 71.
Kirk received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 1978, followed by a Master’s Degree from the Hotel School in 1980. The majority of his professional career (2003 – 2015) was spent at Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) where he ultimately served as served as President of both the EMEA and Americas regions. In 2015 he left IHG to become President and CEO of Loews Hotels. Kirk found his own firm (Panther Ridge Partners, LLC) in 2017 and served as Principal through 2026.
For Cornell, Kirk served as a member of the advisory board for the Center for Hospitality Research, was a Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series presenter in 2010, and routinely supported Cornell Hotel Society events and initiatives in Atlanta and around the world.
In recognition of his support of the Hotel School, Kirk was chosen as the recipient of the 2011 MMH Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award.
Below are links to hospitality media articles praising Kirk’s contributions to the global hotel industry.
- Leader Kirk Kinsell dies at 71 | Hotel Investment Today
- Industry veteran Kirk Kinsell passes away at 71 - hotelbusiness.com
- Former Loews CEO dies at 71 | Hotel Management
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the Georgia Aquarium. To honor Kirk, the family requests donations be made to the Georgia Aquarium, Beachside Church, and Mayo Clinic.
