Shortlist announced for IoH Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2026

Seven leading hospitality professionals have been shortlisted for the IoH Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2026, recognising their contribution to the Institute and the wider hospitality profession.

This year’s nominations, put forward by members of the IoH College of Fellows, recognise the work and achievements of their peers. The shortlisted finalists will now be considered by an independent judging panel before the winner is announced at the Institute’s Fellows’ Dinner at Kimpton Fitzroy London on Monday 19 October 2026.

The seven finalists nominated for the IoH Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2026 are:

• Ioannis S. Pantelidis FIH, Deputy Dean & Professor, University of West London
• Marco De Simone FIH, Restaurant Director of Crystal Moon Lounge and The Garden Restaurant, Corinthia Hotel, London
• Matt Townley FIH, Group Operations Director, Dakota Hotels
• Michael Hales FIH, CEO, Juniper Ventures Limited
• Mike Deegan FIH, Secretary, Maritime Skills Alliance
• Debora Drago FIH, Deputy General Manager, Roehampton Club
• Howard Field FIH, Chairman, Savoy Educational Trust

Commenting on the shortlist, Robert Richardson FIH MI Hon DLitt, Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality, said: “There is something very meaningful about being recognised by your peers at this level. Our seven finalists have all made a real contribution to hospitality throughout their careers, and I am delighted to see them recognised. Congratulations to them all. I look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Fellows’ Dinner and finding out who will receive this year’s award.”

This year’s winner will follow in the footsteps of Caitriona Lennox FIH, who received the award in 2025, Paul Gilley FIH in 2024, Harry Murray MBE FIH MI in 2023, and inaugural joint winners Stephen Carter OBE FIH and Phil Street FIH in 2022.

IoH Fellows can book tickets to the 2026 Fellows’ Dinner at the link below.

Book Tickets Here.