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J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence

Named for our founder and created in 1987, this award recognizes the company's finest associates who, through their extraordinary service, exemplify the timeless core values of our culture.

Zürich Marriott Hotel

Daniel Lehmann

General Manager

While Daniel Lehmann has achieved remarkable professional success, his most enduring contribution is inspiring associates to embrace hospitality as a pathway to positive change.

Daniel’s hospitality career began in 1996 when he assumed the role of Front Office Manager at the Ramada Renaissance Hotel. He became Director of Room Operations the next year, coinciding with Marriott International’s acquisition of the Renaissance brand.

Propelled by a sense of natural leadership, Daniel served as General Manager of the Munich Marriott Hotel, and in 2008, began his current role as general manager of the Zürich Marriott Hotel. Daniel guided the hotel through major renovations and sustained financial growth, earning the property several industry awards. Throughout these operations efforts, he remained committed to developing associates, mentoring many who have since advanced into senior leadership roles across Marriott.

What truly distinguishes Daniel is how he inspires those around him to serve communities in need. Daniel leads the Switzerland Business Council’s annual four-day, six-car caravan trip to deliver food, furniture, and other goods to children living at the Star of Hope orphanage in Alba Iulia, Romania. Daniel has never missed a trip in 20 years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has further expanded his impact by securing donations of new clothing from major retailers.

Outside of donations, Daniel has capitalized on his operational experience to coordinate essential renovation work at the orphanage, from bathroom and kitchen repairs to garden improvements, and supported the construction of an annex to house additional children. When the orphanage’s longtime director required urgent surgery in 2025, Daniel mobilized external sponsorship to ensure her medical needs were met without diverting funds from the children.

Over the years, an increasing number of associates have been moved by Daniel’s dedication and have felt compelled to join his mission. What began as a modest effort has grown into a volunteer list that now fills up faster than the hotel can accommodate, benefiting associates and the orphanage alike.

A true community builder, Daniel brings together associates, owners, vendors, and local partners in a shared purpose. Through his steadfast leadership and unflinching belief in service, Daniel has transformed countless lives and inspired many others to carry that spirit forward. His example reminds us that at its best, hospitality is a force for good.