Current Industry Employer
Hyatt Corporation
Academic Degrees
JD, University of Detroit, 1994
BA, Alma College, 1985
Teaching Interest
Hospitality law, risk and ethics
Biography
Mark Baker is an instructor for the School of Hospitality Leadership at DePaul University. He is currently the vice president of risk management at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Baker oversees all aspects of Hyatt’s global risk management and insurance program, health and safety and claim management functions. The Risk Management team includes eight individuals in Chicago with another 12 spread across the U.S. with resources in Zurich and Hong Kong. Baker also holds the title of global director of workplace safety and along with the risk, insurance and claim functions he is supported by a team of about 45 individuals worldwide. Baker also partners with a global team related to board-level enterprise risk management and crisis management functions. He created and is the president of two captive insurance companies for Hyatt, Xenia Assurance Company of Arizona and Illinois.
Baker has significant experience in risk management, legal and accounting functions with service, manufacturing, distribution and retail operations. He has guest lectured on risk management at the Illinois State University College of Business. He was the Spencer Foundation risk manager in residence at the University of Hartford, University of Rhode Island, Ohio State University, University of North Texas and University of Louisville. He frequently delivers speaking engagements at local, national and international events and has participated with a variety of industry-related advisory boards and trade groups.
Prior to joining Hyatt, Baker worked in the auto industry for more than 10 years as the risk manager for both Delphi and TRW, large auto suppliers located just outside of Detroit. He is also a licensed attorney and previously practiced in state and federal courts with a number of jury trials. His work experience began with stints as an auditor and accountant with Sears and Chas Levy in Chicago.