Leif R. Evensen, affectionately known as “Mr. Cornell in Europe,” and a deeply respected figure in the hotel industry, passed away on September 6, 2024, at the age of 89, after a long illness. He spent his final weeks at Ullern Health Centre.
Born in Grimstad, Norway, Leif lived a long and remarkable life filled with passion for hospitality and service. He began his career as a purser with SAS Airlines but soon developed an early passion for the international hotel industry, recognising that a solid educational foundation was essential for success. He pursued 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 lifelong. After graduating from Cornell in 1966, Leif became an active member of the Cornell Hotel Society, the alumni association for former students. In 2005, he was honoured with the role of Global President and held an instrumental role in the leadership of the Norway Chapter for many years and was strongly engaged in the establishment of several chapters across Europe.
Leif’s international career took him to leadership roles in hotels in New York, Washington DC, and Chicago. Upon his return to Norway, he worked with SAS Catering and SAS International Hotels. His final position was as Director of Hotel Europa in Oslo. However, his greatest legacy lies in his dedication to nurturing talent and advancing education within the hospitality and tourism sectors. In recognition of his contributions, a Cornell scholarship titled “Master of Management in Hospitality” was named in his honour. Driven by his passion for supporting young professionals, Leif initiated several scholarships to help promising talents advance their education.
As a former board member and later an active member of HSMAI in Norway, he initiated several prestigious awards through HSMAI, including “Young Hotelier of the Year” and “Young Leader of the Year in the Travel Industry,” which were first awarded in 2003. In 2010, the “Hotelier of the Year” award was introduced together with HSMAI, recognizing experienced leaders. Each winner had the opportunity to attend Cornell’s renowned General Managers Program, which significantly shaped their future careers.
Leif was also an active member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an organisation celebrating the art of fine dining, where he shared his passion for food, wine, and exceptional culinary experiences with fellow enthusiasts. He served on the board and played a significant role in the organisation’s development. His involvement extended internationally as a member of the Conseil d’Magistral in Paris.
Despite being widely respected for his extensive knowledge and vast network of contacts within the international hotel industry, Leif was known for his humility. He never sought the spotlight, always prioritising the growth of the industry and the success of those around him. Leif had a unique gift for recognising and mentoring young talent, warmly welcoming them into his network and guiding them with kindness and generosity.
To those of us who were fortunate to know him, Leif was a deeply kind, generous, and supportive friend, whose presence enriched our lives in countless ways. His influence will be felt for years to come.
Ingunn Hofseth, Tarje Hellebust, Rolf Brænd, Deiv Salutskij, Michael Nowlis, Ådne Skurdal and Robert Holan
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