SPS Stories
Faculty Spotlight
Bjorn Hanson
Adjunct Professor
Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality
A Storied Career, a Profession of Destiny
Fast Facts
- Has had long careers in both the private sector and as an instructor at NYU
- Excited about how technology is changing the hospitality sector
- Believes that every day is an opportunity to learn how to do something even better
<p>Bjorn Hanson holds an undergraduate degree from Cornell University, an MBA from Fordham University, and a PhD from NYU. He has been general manager of a hotel in New Jersey, a consultant at PwC, and investment banker. In addition to serving as NYU SPS adjunct faculty, Hanson is a founding director of an NYSE-listed company that owns 100 hotels, as well as executive vice-president of the entity that owns New York City's Pierre Hotel, and a consultant specializing in expert witness testimony. Hanson is among the most cited industry researchers, with 50+ citations in <i>The Wall Street Journal</i> and 100+ in <i>The New York Times</i>.</p>
Destined for Education
<p>"I have always understood universities to be among the most important, exciting, stimulating, creative, and powerful forces in the economy and society," he shares. "So I knew from my first days as an undergraduate I would be involved with universities throughout my career. I started as a guest speaker at several colleges and universities about five years after graduation, then became an adjunct professor, a visiting assistant professor, a member of a full time faculty, and even the dean of the NYU Hospitality, Tourism, and Sports degree programs, and co-interim dean of what is now SPS."</p>
<p>Hanson believes that NYU students are truly special—academically strong enough to be accepted to NYU, and courageous enough to choose to live and study in New York City. "Hospitality students are especially interesting, as demonstrated by their interest in our SPS fields of study," muses Hanson. "Our students are from around the world and ready to share their perspectives and experiences with classmates, staff, and faculty."</p>
A Changing Sector Brings Opportunity
<p>Hanson is excited about how technology is changing the hospitality sector. Traditionally, the hospitality industry has organized its business activities and processes to serve major demand segments such as commercial, leisure and group. </p>
<p>"Today, technology is allowing the industry to serve each guest/patron/customer as a unique demand segment for each time that individual is ready for a hospitality experience.”</p>
<p>He also believes that every day is an opportunity to learn how to do something even better, or to learn something new, and to do things to make the day a better day for others—and to make the world a better place. Our sectors operate as meritocracies—those who have the best education and experiences, work the hardest and smartest, and contribute the most, will be recognized and rewarded. Those rewards can be external, such as with promotions and raises, or personal, just knowing we did our challenging job well.</p>
<p>Our <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/bs-in-hotel-and-tourism-management.html" title="BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management">BS in Hospitality, Travel, and Tourism Management</a> can open doors that you may have never imagined were possible. See where you can start the next chapter of your career with a degree from the<a href="/content/sps-nyu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/jonathan-m-tisch-center-of-hospitality.html" title="Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality"> Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality</a>.</p>
Today, technology is allowing the industry to serve each guest/patron/customer as a unique demand segment for each time that individual is ready for a hospitality experience.”
