Leland C. (Lee) Pillsbury
May 4, 2026, 9:30 a.m., Rick Case Arena
Undergraduate Ceremony: Business, Education, Psychology
Leland Pillsbury is an entrepreneur and investor whose work has helped shape the modern global hospitality and travel industry. A Cornell University graduate and former Marriott executive, he built one of the industry’s most successful hotel real estate investment platforms before launching a leading venture capital firm focused on travel and technology.
During his nearly 20‑year career at Marriott International, Pillsbury became the company’s youngest executive vice president, pioneering innovations including the first hotel revenue management system and the industry’s first large-scale guest loyalty program.
Pillsbury left Marriott to cofound Thayer Lodging Group and Thayer Ventures and helped launch 15 companies. In these roles, he oversaw multibillion‑dollar hotel real estate portfolios, served as chairman or director of major hospitality companies, and supported ventures that have influenced how organizations understand and serve their customers.
Pillsbury has said that the heart of strong entrepreneurial education “provides individuals with the concepts and skills to recognize opportunities that others have overlooked and to act where others have hesitated.” This philosophy guides his work with students and founders. He believes leadership is built on a strong team mindset, practical collaborative skills, and high emotional intelligence. Pillsbury has been a university trustee, visiting professor, and mentor. Additionally, he was honored as Cornell Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016 and was inducted into Nova Southeastern University’s Entrepreneur and Business Hall of Fame in 2025.