Business Partner News | Master Innholders shortlisted five hoteliers for 2027 GM of the Future Award

The Master Innholders has announced the five finalists for its 2027 GM of the Future, the Neil Bannister Scholarship, recognising emerging talent and supporting the next generation of hospitality leaders.

The award celebrates hotel professionals with the ambition and potential to become general managers, recognising their commitment to personal development, their teams and the wider hospitality industry. The five shortlisted candidates for the 2027 scholarship are:

• Niels Boulter, Hotel Manager at Miiro Templeton Garden Hotel
• Eslam Okasha MIH, Director of Rooms at The Grand Hotel York
• Alessandro Passaglia AIH, Food & Beverage Manager at the Aviator Hotel
• Conor Sedgwick, Lake House Manager at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
• Alex von Ulmestein, Deputy General Manager at Cliveden House and Spa

The shortlisted hoteliers will attend the Hotel Leadership Conference on 11 – 12 January 2027 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, where the winner and runner-up will be announced during the black-tie dinner on the first evening.

The winner will receive a fully funded place on Cranfield University’s 12-month Talent Development Programme, worth over £15,000. Designed for high-potential managers, the programme focuses on organisational awareness, effective leadership, strategic thinking and emotional intelligence.

The runner-up will receive a place on Cranfield’s two-day Impact and Influence Programme, helping them develop their leadership capabilities and ability to influence others.

Commenting on this year’s shortlist, Zoe Jenkins FIH MI, Chair of the Master Innholders and General Manager of Coworth Park, said:

“It’s fantastic to see our five talented hoteliers recognised on this year’s shortlist. Getting to this stage in your career takes real dedication, and each of our shortlisted candidates has plenty to be proud of.”

She added that the award provides valuable support and inspiration for those working towards general management positions, recognising the importance of developing the next generation of hospitality leaders.

The scholarship is made possible through the generosity of the late Neil Bannister MI, whose legacy continues to support the development of future leaders across the hospitality industry.

To find out more about the GM of the Future Award and the Hotel Leadership Conference visit the following links:
Master Innholders & Hotel Leadership Conference