FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dhalla Group of Companies Named
Company of the Year
by Hotelier Magazine’s 2026 Pinnacle Awards

One of Canadian hospitality’s highest honours recognizes a Canadian-owned hospitality group
defined by resilience, courage, disciplined expansion and purpose-driven growth

 

MISSISSAUGA, ON – The Dhalla Group of Companies, a premier Canadian hospitality, development and investment firm led by CEO and President Dr. Ruby Dhalla, has been selected as the recipient of Hotelier magazine’s prestigious 2026 Pinnacle Award for Company of the Year, recognizing the organization’s leadership, growth and contribution to Canada’s hospitality industry.

Presented by Hotelier magazine and Kostuch Media Ltd., the Pinnacle Awards honour companies and leaders making an exceptional impact through innovation, achievement, leadership and community involvement.

 

Often described as the “Academy Awards” of Canada’s hospitality industry, the Pinnacle Awards represent one of the sector’s highest and most coveted distinctions.

“All of this year’s winners are defined by the ability to adapt, innovate and grow in response to changing market demands. KML is proud to welcome these companies and individuals to our circle of winners and congratulate them for continuing to set new benchmarks for success, proving that a strong business foundation paired with a passion for hospitality can lead to incredible achievements,” said Rosanna Caira, editor and publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality and Hotelier magazines.

“I am humbled, thankful to God and filled with gratitude,” said Dr. Dhalla. “I am profoundly grateful to my Mother, our exceptional team and my fellow hoteliers for their trust and support.”

“This recognition honours the vision upon which our company was founded and the people who continue to move that vision forward. Teamwork truly makes the dream work, and this award belongs to everyone across our organization who dares to dream boldly and works relentlessly to turn ambitious ideas into reality.”

A Legacy Transformed into Momentum

The Dhalla Group’s story began with the late Dr. Neil Dhalla, a visionary entrepreneur, physician and philanthropist whose journey as the son of a single mother took him from bellman in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to hotel owner in Canada and the United States. He built his company and lived his life according to three enduring values: integrity, honesty and hard work. His philosophy reflected the message of The Secret: Ask for it. Believe it. Receive it.

 

Following the sudden and devastating loss of her brother, Dr. Ruby assumed leadership of Dhalla Group. She stepped forward determined not only to protect his legacy, but to build a bold future worthy of his vision.

 

“The loss of my brother changed every part of my life,” said Dr. Dhalla. “Leading the company became more than a responsibility. It became a promise to my family, our team and our stakeholders that his vision and values would continue.”

“I learned that resilience is not simply surviving what happens to you. It is finding the courage to transform loss into purpose, purpose into action and action into impact.”

Under Dr. Dhalla’s leadership, the Group has emerged as one of North America’s fastest-growing organizations across healthcare, real estate and hospitality. It has expanded its hospitality presence, strengthened its operating platform and advanced a growth strategy centred on rigorous underwriting, operational excellence, active asset stewardship and long-term value creation.

 

Building with Purpose

“For Dhalla Group, performance and purpose are inseparable. Success is measured not only by the assets we acquire, but by the opportunities we create, the people we empower and the communities we strengthen. Strong investments create financial value. Strong values create a legacy,” said Dr. Dhalla.

The Group is proud to support individuals, organizations and initiatives addressing domestic violence, mental health, addiction treatment and mentorship for young entrepreneurs.

From Parliament to the Boardroom

Dr. Ruby brings a rare combination of business leadership, public service and international perspective to the hospitality industry.

 

An inspiring public speaker and former three-term Member of Canada’s House of Commons, she made history as the first woman of Indian origin elected to Parliament in the Western world. Most recently, she returned to the national stage as a candidate for Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and Prime Minister of Canada. Her journey from Parliament to the boardroom has established her as an influential voice on entrepreneurship, hospitality investment, resilient leadership, women in business and transforming adversity into opportunity.

“Leadership is truly revealed when the stakes are high, the road is uncertain and others are depending on you,” said Dr. Dhalla. “True leaders transform adversity into action, courage into opportunity and success into a platform that lifts others.”

A results-driven entrepreneur, Dr. Dhalla asks boldly, believes fiercely and executes relentlessly – transforming adversity into opportunity, vision into enterprise and barriers into breakthroughs. From shattering glass ceilings in Parliament to driving growth in corporate boardrooms, her journey proves that courage, conviction and purpose can make the impossible possible.

As a keynote speaker at leadership, business and hotel conferences, she has inspired audiences with her journey, insights and conviction that the impossible can be made possible. Her forthcoming book will reveal the defining lessons of a life spent breaking barriers, building businesses and proving that when purpose is matched by relentless action, limits disappear.

The Next Chapter

Being named Company of the Year represents an important milestone for Dhalla Group as the organization continues to evaluate strategic acquisitions and development opportunities across North America and selected international markets, including India and the UAE.

“This award is more than recognition – it is a call to dream bigger, lead more courageously and open doors for others,” said Dr. Dhalla.

“To every entrepreneur, hotelier, woman leader and young person carrying a dream: never allow adversity to write the ending of your story. Lead with integrity. Stand firm in your convictions. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision – and then work relentlessly to make it real.”

“What seems impossible today may become the achievement that inspires others and the legacy you leave tomorrow.”

The award will be formally presented at the 37th Annual Pinnacle Awards Gala Luncheon on December 4, 2026, at Toronto’s landmark Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

Dhalla Group extends its heartfelt appreciation to Hotelier magazine, Kostuch Media Ltd., the Pinnacle Awards judging panel and every employee and supporter who contributed to this achievement.

About The Dhalla Group

The Dhalla Group is one of North America’s fastest-growing companies in hospitality and healthcare. Founded by the late Dr. Neil Dhalla and led today by CEO and President Dr. Ruby Dhalla, the Group combines entrepreneurial agility with institutional discipline – applying rigorous underwriting, hands-on asset management and operational excellence to build resilient businesses and create enduring value.

With an established presence across Canada and the United States and relationships with globally recognized brands including Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Hyatt, Dhalla Group is strategically positioned to continue its growth trajectory through strategic acquisitions.

 

Media Contact
Media Relations
Dhalla Group of Companies
media@dhallagroup.com
+1 905 593 7770 ext. 110
www.dhallagroup.com