Book Horst Schulze through The Keynote Curators
Biography
A legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze’s teachings and vision have reshaped the concepts of service and hospitality across industries.
Mr. Schulze’s professional life began more than 70 years ago as a server’s assistant in a German resort town. Throughout the years he worked for both Hilton Hotels and Hyatt Hotels Corporation before becoming one of the founding members of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1983. There Mr. Schulze created the operating and service standards that have become world famous.
During his tenure at The Ritz-Carlton, Mr. Schulze served as President and COO, responsible for the $2 billion operations worldwide. It was under his leadership that The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company became the first service-based company to be awarded the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award — twice.
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. More recently, Mr. Schulze was honored with the “Legacy of Innovation and Inspiration Award” by Historic Hotels of America.
After leaving The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Mr. Schulze went on to found The Capella Hotel Group. This luxury hotel company managed some of the most elite properties worldwide and gave Mr. Schulze the opportunity to further define the luxury hotel industry, receiving countless awards and recognitions.
In 2022, Auburn University announced its school of hospitality would forevermore be named The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management.
Today, Mr. Schulze serves on numerous boards and is a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant. His first book, titled Excellence Wins, was published in 2019 and has sold over 100,000 copies.
Contact us for Horst Schulze fees and availability
Videos
Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more
Creating a high-performance environment through leadership systems and processes where passionate employees take ownership of their work. Audiences learn how to identify the key requirements of employees, customers, and management/ownership. Schulze then shows the true value in utilizing, building, and maintaining all of their assets—tangible and non-tangible.
A vision of quality business practices encompasses a broad spectrum and determines the overall success for your business. This conversation will review the necessity of and process for defining, communicating, implementing, measuring, and continuously improving quality as specific to your mission and to the needs of your customer.
It is one thing to provide service – it is another to be able recognize it. An internal measurement system is an invaluable tool to assess the performance results of your service delivery system. Mr. Schulze shows how to determine appropriate standards and create reliable systems to measure the impact of your service.
When does customer satisfaction lead to the elusive quality of customer LOYALTY? The need to truly understand the needs of your customers versus understanding your perceptions of their needs is vital. Measuring results is the foundation for creating a process of continuous improvement that will lead to world-class customer loyalty.
Establishing the plan for the company and aligning the company behind the plan creates the foundation on which the organization will function. Understanding the importance of defining the values and integrity of management practices that will further support that foundation. In addition, discussion will also include steps to ensure that the operating processes are in full support of the mission, the vision, and the objectives of the organization.
Testimonials
For Meeting Planners
Get in TouchContact US
Fill out the form so we can best understand your needs.
A representative from The Keynote Curators will reach out to you.
Related Leadership Speakers
Blog Posts
The Hidden Cost of Success Nobody Talks About Enough
Sean Swarner reached the top of the world and felt empty. Here's what his story teaches about redefining success on your own terms.
Read More
Innovation Needs Curiosity to Thrive with Diana Kander
Innovation keynote speaker Diana Kander explains why curiosity, subtraction, and a day one mindset outperform a packed calendar.
Read More
Purpose Before the Noise: Why Your Morning Sets the Whole Day
Purpose sets the tone for your whole day. Learn why protecting it each morning matters more than any meeting on your calendar.
Read More
Communication Breaks Down When Leaders Forget the Human Element, with Melina Palmer
Melina Palmer explains why communication is a psychology problem, not just a clarity one, and how leaders build trust through language.
Read More
Everyone Has Creativity, Even If They Don’t Believe It
Creativity isn't a personality trait. Nir Bashan explains why creativity shows up when everything else fails, and how to unlock it in your team.
Read More
Customer Service Starts by Truly Listening, Says Barbara Khozam
Barbara Khozam explains why customer service depends on real listening, respect, and consistency, not scripts or slogans.
Read More
Event Experience Design Is What Separates Memorable from Forgettable in 2026
A premium event isn't built on the biggest name. Here's what event professionals say actually drives unforgettable experiences in the second half of 2026.
Read More
True Authenticity Starts With Knowing Yourself, with Kevin Boehm
Kevin Boehm reveals why authenticity in business starts with knowing yourself and how leaders can build success that actually means something in this episode of The Keynote Curators Podcast.
Read MoreOur Services
Keynote Speakers Topics
© 2026 The Keynote Curators. All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions
The Keynote Curators, 8275 South Eastern Avenue, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89123
Local (310) 299-4595 | Toll Free (888) 585-8715 | info@thekeynotecurators.com
The Keynote Curators - Top Keynote Agency, USA.
