For the last eight years, employee review website Glassdoor has hosted its annual Employees’ Choice Awards by surveying users and asking them to voluntarily rate the leadership of their company’s CEO.
Respondents are asked about several other aspects of their job, from workplace environment to salary. Glassdoor — which normally offers job-seekers insider insight on potential employers — then uses this data to rank the Top 100 CEOs (the average CEO rating, across all users, is 73%).
“Over the past year, company leaders around the world faced unprecedented challenges to support employees during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Christian Sutherland-Wong, CEO of Glassdoor, in a press release. “Now, the employees have spoken, and it’s clear that these CEOs excelled and found new ways to support their people when the world of work flipped upside down. Through a challenging year, it’s inspiring to see top CEOs who, according to their employees, adapted to change, redefined visions and led with transparency while putting the health and safety of employees first.”
According to Glassdoor, common themes among top honorees include:
- Strong leadership during the COVID-19 crisis
- Prioritizing employees’ health, safety and well-being
- Dedicated to company mission
- Provides leadership/professional growth opportunities
- Invests in company culture
- Personable and approachable
- Transparent leadership
Last week marked the release of the company’s eighth-annual edition of the Employees’ Choice Awards, featuring four leaders from the travel and tourism industry (down from six in 2019). Here’s a look at who made the cut this year.
No. 4: Gary C. Kelly, Southwest Airlines
With a 98% approval rating, Southwest Airlines’ Gary C. Kelly ranked No. 4 on Glassdoor’s Top 100 CEOs list. Kelly has served as CEO of the airline since 2004 and recently announced that he will step down from the role in February 2022. His impact on the company, however, will be long lasting, and he’ll continue to serve as executive chairman at least through 2026.
“What’s most meaningful about Glassdoor’s top CEOs ranking is it’s based upon approval ratings from employees,” said Linda Rutherford, senior vice president and chief communications officer for Southwest Airlines. “Gary just led Southwest Airlines through one of the most challenging years in our history. Throughout the pandemic, Gary shined brightly, navigating unprecedented challenges with transparency, frequent communication to employees and optimism. If you’ve even spent just a few minutes with Gary, you know he is humble; he prefers to shine the spotlight on our amazing employees, rather than himself.”
No. 8: Ed Bastian, Delta Air Lines
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, earned an approval rating of 97%, ranking him as No. 8 on this year’s list. Bastian is the ninth CEO to lead the global air carrier. He has served in this role since May 2016, though he joined the Delta team in 1998.
“Throughout the pandemic, Ed has been steadfast about putting people before profits and ensuring that safety and well-being are at the forefront of each and every decision along the way,” said Joanne Smith, executive vice president and chief people officer of Delta Air Lines. “That’s a leadership lesson for the ages, and one that’s made all the difference.”
No. 41: Mark S. Hoplamazian, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
A 94% approval rating puts Mark S. Hoplamazian, CEO of Hyatt, at No. 41 on the Top 100 CEOs list. Hoplamazian has served in his role as CEO since 2006, and considers himself a steadfast champion of diversity, equity and inclusion. He’s also passionate about connecting unemployed youth with careers in hospitality.
“Honored to be named on Glassdoor‘s 2021 top CEOs list — this recognition from the Hyatt family means a lot after a challenging year for our industry,” Hoplamazian said in a LinkedIn post sharing the news of his Employees’ Choice Award.
No. 96: Richard D. Fain, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
With a 90% approval rating, Royal Caribbean CEO Richard D. Fain joined the list for the first time, ranking at No. 96 on the CEOs list. Fain has been with the company for more than 30 years. Under his leadership, Royal Caribbean has grown to include 50 ships, spanning six cruise line brands, operating in more than 500 destinations on all seven continents.
Here’s the full list of the Top 100 CEOs from Glassdoor’s 2021 Employees’ Choice Awards.
The Details
Delta Air Lines
Glassdoor
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Royal Caribbean International
Southwest Airlines
