It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Ken Greger—husband, father, friend, mentor, partner. Ken lost his battle with cancer after six months, but his is not a story of loss. Ken leaves behind a great legacy within our firm, in the broader travel and hospitality industry, and, most importantly, with his beloved family. Ken’s greatest pride and number one priority was his wife Cindy and his three children.

Ken was one of the first Partners to join August Leadership. If we’re being honest, our first impression was that he looked like a Hollywood star—who wasn’t envious of that hair! but when he started speaking you knew immediately that you’d met someone special. Ken was not one for “business” relationships, he was all about human relationships. Genuine care, warmth, and kindness always came first for him. To know Ken was to feel close to him.

Ken was a tireless advocate for the best of what we aspire to be as a firm. He exemplified a more human way of doing business, setting the example for everyone around him. Everything Ken did was grounded in his faith, his values, and his commitment to being of service. Many Partners in our firm looked to him for guidance and mentorship which he always offered with grace. This spirit of generosity is what made him so successful as a search professional. It was never just a transaction for him; it was always personal.

Ken was deeply respected by his clients and candidates. They trusted him with their careers because he always saw search as so much more than simply filling a role. To Ken, search was an opportunity to help people realize their biggest aspirations and dreams. Clients looked to him to create new possibilities for their business. They appreciated how much effort he put into understanding their culture, their needs, and their industry. Candidates looked to him to help them find their life’s work. They appreciated that he saw them in the fullest sense as humans, not just as a set of skills or a resume.

Ken was a legend in travel and hospitality—shaping the industry by shaping its leadership. Beyond the many searches he completed, Ken was known for his thought leadership. His involvement with the ALIS Planning Committee and his thought pieces published in esteemed industry publications such as HOTELS Magazine highlight his role and voice as a visionary leader. Ken consistently challenged the status quo, inspiring leaders to continuously innovate and transform.

Having served multiple terms as a member of the Board of Directors of the HSMAI Foundation, Ken’s influence extends into the very fabric of the industry—not merely as a strategic advisor but as a mentor, a guide, and a peer. It is no exaggeration to say that Ken had a hand in shaping the entire industry's future, ensuring it remains vibrant, resilient, and forward-thinking.

Ken’s profound influence throughout his career was built on a foundation of genuine human connection. He demonstrated respect and love for all—from CEOs to doormen—and, in turn, was loved and respected by all who were fortunate enough to have met him.

Though Ken’s legacy may be seen through the many senior executives he placed, his greatest pride and joy was about one search he completed outside of the industry…

What else is there to say about a man who has had such profound impact on so many?

In the words of his brother David, “Always the gracious gentleman, after hearing the decision Thursday to discontinue all treatment, Ken extended his hand to the doctor and thanked him.”

That’s the man Ken was. He lit up every room with his laughter and joy. He made everyone feel valued. We will miss him dearly and will rededicate ourselves to carrying on his legacy.

To read more about what Ken meant to us at August Leadership, we invite you to read a compilation of thoughts from his colleagues.