Leif R. Evensen, passionately referred to as “Mr. Cornell in Europe,” and a deeply appreciated figure in the hotel market, died on September 6, 2024, at the age of 89, after a long disease. He invested his last weeks at Ullern Health Centre.
Born in Grimstad, Norway, Leif lived a long and impressive life filled with enthusiasm for hospitality and service. He started his profession as a purser with SAS Airlines however quickly established an early enthusiasm for the global hotel market, acknowledging that a strong instructional structure was necessary for success. He pursued research studies in hotel management at the Norwegian Hotel School in Stavanger, the EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, and the Cornell School of Hotel Administration in the United States.
Leif’s connection with Cornell was long-lasting. After finishing from Cornell in 1966, Leif ended up being an active member of the Cornell Hotel Society, the alumni association for previous trainees. In 2005, he was honoured with the function of Global President and held a crucial function in the management of the Norway Chapter for several years and was highly participated in the facility of numerous chapters throughout Europe.
Leif’s worldwide profession took him to management functions in hotels in New York, Washington DC, and Chicago. Upon his go back to Norway, he dealt with SAS Catering and SAS International Hotels. His last position was as Director of Hotel Europa in Oslo. His biggest tradition lies in his commitment to supporting skill and advancing education within the hospitality and tourist sectors. In acknowledgment of his contributions, a Cornell scholarship entitled “Master of Management in Hospitality” was called in his honour. Driven by his enthusiasm for supporting young specialists, Leif started numerous scholarships to assist appealing skills advance their education.
As a previous board member and later on an active member of HSMAI in Norway, he started numerous prominent awards through HSMAI, consisting of “Young Hotelier of the Year” and “Young Leader of the Year in the Travel Industry,” which were very first granted in 2003. In 2010, the “Hotelier of the Year” award was presented together with HSMAI, acknowledging skilled leaders. Each winner had the chance to participate in Cornell’s prominent General Managers Program, which considerably formed their future professions.
Leif was likewise an active member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an organisation commemorating the art of great dining, where he shared his enthusiasm for food, red wine, and extraordinary cooking experiences with fellow lovers. He served on the board and played a substantial function in the organisation’s advancement. His participation extended globally as a member of the Conseil d’Magistral in Paris.
In spite of being extensively appreciated for his comprehensive understanding and large network of contacts within the global hotel market, Leif was understood for his humbleness. He never ever looked for the spotlight, constantly prioritising the development of the market and the success of those around him. Leif had a special present for identifying and mentoring young skill, warmly inviting them into his network and assisting them with compassion and kindness.