Stephanie Sonnabend is a change agent consultant who focuses on coaching individual, organizations, and boards through transitions. Her clients are company founders, new leaders, and boards wishing to reinvigorate themselves.
As CEO and President of Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, Ms. Sonnabend led a publicly held (NASDAQ) global hospitality management and franchise company through numerous business cycles and major crises. She built a strong corporate culture applauded by the industry and resulting in longevity of employees at all levels. She spearheaded significant international growth, launched a new brand, and rebranded 21 hotels in six months.
In 2010, Ms. Sonnabend co-founded 2020 Women on Boards, a national campaign to increase the percentage of women on U.S. company boards to 20 percent or greater by the year 2020. Today the campaign is rapidly spreading throughout the United States providing education and advocacy strategies designed to encourage change. She is an inspirational speaker educating mainly female audiences about advancing their careers and preparing for board service.
Ms. Sonnabend currently serves on the Board of SVN (formerly Sperry Van Ness), a commercial real estate franchisor. She is on the Board of Advisors of Safr, a start-up ride sharing company with women drivers. For eighteen years, she served on the Board of Century Bank and Century Bancorp, where she was a member of the Audit Committee and chaired the Asset Liability (risk) Committee. She has chaired numerous committees (facilities, marketing, strategic planning, nominating, governmental affairs) on higher education boards of trustees and on association and governmental boards.
A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard University, Stephanie Sonnabend received her master’s degree from M.I.T.’s Sloan School of Management. Ms. Sonnabend resides in Longboat Key, FL and Rye, NH. She is married with two adult children.