The International Society of Hospitality Consultants has named Dana-Marisa Licsandru of Alvarez & Marsal Corporate Finance the 2026 recipient of its Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting.
Licsandru, an associate director at Alvarez & Marsal Corporate Finance, received the award at the ISHC Annual Conference, held 24-26 September at the Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, in Rome, Italy. Sarah Churchill, an ISHC member and the 2023 recipient of the same award, presented it.
The advisory work behind the award
Licsandru works in Alvarez & Marsal’s Corporate Finance practice. The society states that she advises hospitality owners, operators and investors on complex transactions and strategic opportunities across Europe.
ISHC credits her with experience supporting clients across the hospitality sector, including on high-profile transactions and engagements. The society describes that work as requiring financial expertise, industry knowledge and an understanding of the needs of owners and investors.
What the award carries
As the recipient, Licsandru receives a one-year associate membership to ISHC. The society states the membership gives her the opportunity to develop professional relationships and to take part in its events, education and networking with hospitality consultants from around the world.
Licsandru on the recognition
“I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved in my career to date, and particularly of what we have built with our Hospitality & Operating Real Estate M&A team at Alvarez & Marsal,” Licsandru said. “It is particularly meaningful to be recognized by a community that brings together so many leaders from across the hospitality industry.”
She added that she is excited to be part of the ISHC community, that she looks forward to building relationships across the network and that she intends to continue contributing to the industry.
The society’s chief executive on the award
Andrea Belfanti, chief executive officer of ISHC, said Licsandru represents the qualities the award was created to recognize: professional excellence, a commitment to continued growth and an investment in the hospitality industry and the people within it.
Belfanti said her work across complex transactions and her ability to build trust with clients and colleagues have established her as an emerging leader in hospitality consulting.
The presenter’s citation
Churchill said Licsandru has distinguished herself by leading complex transactions and advising owners, operators and investors across Europe while helping grow Alvarez & Marsal’s hospitality practice. Churchill described her as deserving of the recognition.
The award and its namesake
The Lori Raleigh Award for Emerging Excellence in Hospitality Consulting was established in honor of Lori Raleigh, a longtime ISHC member and a leader in the hospitality consulting industry. The award recognizes an emerging hospitality consultant who demonstrates professional excellence, leadership and a commitment to the continued advancement of the hospitality industry.
Work beyond the transactions
The society also notes Licsandru’s commitment to supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals. It states that she mentors young professionals and contributes to Hospitality Beats Cancer.