Chris Rice named 2025 NEWH ICON of Industry—and with that, a powerful chapter in hospitality recognition begins. This honor is more than a career milestone. It’s a moment that celebrates legacy, purpose, and relentless innovation.

For over three decades, Chris Rice has quietly shaped the hospitality manufacturing world with precision, heart, and an unwavering commitment to mentorship. Now, NEWH shines a spotlight on his journey by awarding him its most prestigious title: 2025 NEWH ICON of Industry.

But what makes this recognition so significant? Why now? And why Rice?

Because this is no ordinary accolade. It’s a powerful acknowledgment of a leader who has redefined excellence through every chair designed, every student mentored, and every opportunity created. His impact stretches from factory floors to design studios to classrooms across the country.

Meanwhile, Rice hasn’t just led a company—he’s built a movement. One that uplifts people, elevates design, and inspires the next generation to dream bigger.

As the hospitality industry braces for new challenges and transformations, Chris Rice stands as a symbol of enduring values and forward vision.

And the thrill? It’s just getting started. This award may celebrate the past—but the legacy it honors is still very much in motion.

Chris Rice named 2025 NEWH ICON of Industry is a headline that carries weight. And the story behind it is one every industry leader—and future leader—should hear.

A Milestone Moment in Hospitality Leadership

The hospitality industry just crowned one of its most respected leaders. Chris Rice, founder and president of Kellex Corporation, has been named the 2025 NEWH ICON of Industry by the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH). It’s a moment of recognition that speaks volumes—not just about his legacy, but about the direction the industry is headed.

This prestigious honor will be formally celebrated at the Gold Key Gala on November 10, 2025, in New York City, alongside the renowned BD|NY showcase. But the excitement is already building. This award isn’t just about a title. It’s about impact. And Rice’s three-decade journey in hospitality design and manufacturing is a blueprint for purpose-driven leadership.

Championing American Hospitality Manufacturing for 30+ Years

Rice founded Kellex Corporation in 1994 with one mission—to raise the standard of hospitality furniture manufacturing in America. What started as a focused operation grew into a nationally respected brand, known for its quality craftsmanship, contract expertise, and long-term industry partnerships.

However, the real story isn’t just about furniture. It’s about vision.

Rice built Kellex around principles of community, service, and innovation. He saw the hospitality sector not only as a market but as a movement—one where investing in people would drive long-term success. And that belief is now at the heart of this ICON recognition.

Mentorship as a Mission, Not a Trend

One of the defining elements of Chris Rice’s impact is his relentless commitment to mentorship. While others talk about investing in the next generation, Rice lives it.

His support for education, both inside and outside his company, is reshaping how hospitality professionals are developed. Internally, he’s built workforce initiatives that prioritize skills growth, team collaboration, and upward mobility. Externally, he’s brought industry insight into schools and colleges—bridging the often-missing link between classroom and real-world production.

In 2024, he launched a competitive design mentorship program for college students focused on hospitality interiors. It wasn’t just a scholarship—it was an immersive experience, complete with factory visits, hands-on design practice, and exposure to the full lifecycle of hospitality manufacturing.

The results? Transformational. Two winning student teams will now have their designs featured at BD|NY 2025, sharing space with the most innovative brands in the world.

Elevating the Future of Hospitality Through Design

Design is the soul of hospitality. And Chris Rice understands that better than most. His commitment to design innovation has been constant—from pioneering ergonomic furniture for boutique hotels to guiding sustainable production processes that minimize waste and improve durability.

As the global conversation around eco-conscious tourism and responsible sourcing grows louder, leaders like Rice are setting an example. His operations prioritize not only quality, but ethical craftsmanship—ensuring that excellence extends from raw material to final experience.

And now, through his mentorship of student designers, Rice is shaping how future leaders view design: not as decoration, but as a tool for human connection and guest satisfaction.

The ICON of Industry: More Than a Title

To be named the NEWH ICON of Industry is to be recognized for more than just career success. It is a celebration of vision, consistency, and contribution across every level of hospitality.

Rice checks every box—and then some.

He has invested in people. He has created opportunity. He has shown that business growth and community uplift can go hand in hand. His company is a living example of what happens when leadership is rooted in responsibility.

That’s why this award feels personal to so many in the industry. Because Rice’s journey isn’t just about him—it’s about everyone he’s uplifted along the way.

What This Means for the Industry in 2025 and Beyond

The hospitality world is evolving fast. Automation, AI, sustainability, and global travel shifts are changing how brands operate. Amid this wave of disruption, there’s a growing hunger for values-driven leadership—for people who build things that last and invest in the teams behind them.

Rice’s ICON status arrives at a moment when hospitality needs grounding. His story offers a guidepost: grow with purpose, lead with integrity, and always leave space for the next generation to thrive.

For hotel brands, designers, and manufacturers alike, this recognition is a reminder that impact isn’t measured only in profit margins—but in legacies that elevate the industry as a whole.

A Legacy on Display at BD|NY

This fall, the spotlight turns to BD|NY, where Rice’s influence will be felt across exhibits, conversations, and student showcases. The winning entries from his design mentorship program will stand as proof that when education meets opportunity, innovation thrives.

This moment isn’t a finish line. It’s the next chapter in a story that keeps expanding.

For NEWH, honoring Rice is about affirming the core values that define hospitality: service, excellence, mentorship, and community.

For Rice, it’s a chance to shine a light on the people and passions that have fueled his success.

What’s Next for Chris Rice and the Industry

As he continues to lead Kellex Corporation and guide the next generation, Rice’s influence will extend far beyond the Gold Key Gala stage. His example will inspire others—business owners, educators, students, and rising professionals—to think differently about what leadership looks like in hospitality.

And for those watching from across the travel and tourism ecosystem, his story is a reminder: the most powerful innovations come from people-first thinking.

The post Chris Rice Named 2025 NEWH ICON of Industry in Powerful Recognition of His Three-Decade Legacy in Hospitality Manufacturing, Mentorship, and Design Innovation appeared first on Travel And Tour World.