Master Innholders award 12 Scholarships

The Master Innholders have selected 12 hoteliers for their Scholarship programme, with eight being members of the Institute of Hospitality, including one IoH Trustee.

Each of the twelve scholars will now have the opportunity to undertake one of two prestigious management courses, each worth over £11,000, supporting their professional growth and development as future leaders in hospitality.

Delivered over six months and structured around a series of focused modules, the Innholder Scholarship Programme equips participants with the skills to lead cross-functional teams, manage change, develop strategic thinking, and gain a global business perspective. Scholars will attend either the Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University in the UK or the General Managers Programme at Cornell University in the USA.

The 12 successful applicants are:

• Leo Forte, Hotel Manager at Rubens at The Palace
• Daniel Greenock AIH, Director of F&B at Gleneagles
• Christie Hayes MIH, Hotel Manager at Penmaenuchaf Hotel
• Jacques Hobson MIH, Director of F&B at The Belfry
• Joshua Jay-Bates, Hotel Operations Manager at The Headland
• Gilles Louis MIH, F&B Manager at Pennyhill Park
• Tom McMillan FIH, Hotel Manager at The Dixon, Tower Bridge
• Katariina Reissaar MIH, Director of Operations at RAF Club & IoH Trustee
• Wioletta Rowinska MIH, Rooms Division Manager at The Beaumont
• Murray Scott, General Manager at The Hoxton
• Mark Thewlis FIH, Hotel Manager at Foxhills Hotel & Spa
• Mark Walsh, Hotel Manager at The Westminster, Curio by Hilton

Speaking on the announcement, David Connell, MI, Executive Committee Member of the Master Innholders and facilitator for this year’s scholarship interviews, said: “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the future of hospitality, and the Innholder Scholarships play a crucial role in offering ambitious professionals the chance to expand their knowledge, sharpen their leadership, and bring fresh ideas to our ever-changing sector.

“This year saw a 25% increase in applications over the previous year, and the highest number since before the pandemic in 2020.

“Selecting our winners was incredibly difficult, but it’s clear that this year’s winners have all shown exceptional drive, curiosity, and commitment to developing both themselves and our industry.”

Since 1997, the Worshipful Company of Innholders, the Savoy Educational Trust, the Master Innholders Charitable Trust and the Lord Forte Foundation have funded the Innholder Scholarships.

Find out more about the Master Innholders