Five talented and ambitious hotel professionals have been shortlisted for the prestigious Master Innholders GM of the Future Award 2026.Created to identify and support early career professionals with strong leadership and management potential, the annual award recognises individuals who demonstrate the ability to champion the hotel industry, inspire others and progress towards future general management roles.
The five professionals shortlisted for the GM of the Future Award 2026 are:
The shortlisted candidates will attend the Hotel Leadership Conference, taking place on 19 to 20 January at the London Hilton on Park Lane. The winner will be announced during the black-tie dinner on the first evening of the conference.
The winner of the GM of the Future Award 2026 will receive a fully funded scholarship to the Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University, Buckinghamshire, valued at over £11,000. The award is generously funded in memory of the late Neil Bannister, whose legacy within the hospitality industry continues to inspire future leaders. The runner up will be awarded a place on Cranfield University’s Impact and Influence Programme, a two day course focused on addressing and working through a specific leadership challenge using strategic approaches.
Nominations were judged by a panel of senior hoteliers and industry experts, including James B. Clarke MI, Chair of the Master Innholders and General Manager at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, Zoe Jenkins MI, Vice Chair of the Master Innholders and General Manager at Coworth Park, Gareth Banner MI, Group Managing Director of The Ned and Hotelier of the Year 2024, Brigitta Kovacs IG, Assistant Hotel Manager at Lucknam Park Hotel and 2025 GM of the Future winner, and Alistair Sandall, Executive Secretary of the Master Innholders.
Commenting on the shortlist, James B. Clarke MI, Chair of the Master Innholders, said:
“Our five finalists are excellent examples of the calibre of early career professionals already making an impact within our industry. Programmes such as GM of the Future play a vital role in equipping talented individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to progress, opportunities they may not otherwise receive.
“With a 63 percent increase in applications compared to last year, selecting the shortlist was particularly challenging. The quality and breadth of achievements across the industry is extremely encouraging and reflects a strong desire among professionals to invest in their own development and that of their teams.”
For more information on the GM of the Future Award or the Hotel Leadership Conference, please visit www.masterinnholders.co.uk or www.hotelleadershipconference.com
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