Master Innholders names six finalists in GM of the Future Award

The Master Innholders has named the six finalists in its GM of the Future Award.

The award recognises dynamic young professionals who show commitment to future leadership development.

The shortlist was selected by a prestigious judging panel including David Morgan-Hewitt, chair of the Master Innholders and managing director at the Goring hotel in Belgravia (pictured) and Dan Rose-Bristow, owner and managing director of the Torridon Resort in the Scottish Highlands as well as Anna Sirba, general manager of the Bodmin Jail Hotel.

The finalists are:

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  Beth Bryant, hotel manager, the Ickworth Hotel, Suffolk

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  Oliver Harris, operations manager, Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire

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  Rachel Stevens, rooms division manager, Pennyhill Park, Surrey

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  Jill van Rest, operations manager, Strand Palace, London

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  Alexander Wilson, front office manager, The Goring, London

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  Karen Weisheit, hotel manager, Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire

David Morgan-Hewitt, chair of the Master Innholders said: “This process has demonstrated the incredible high-quality talent we have inside our properties, and I have no doubt that within the next few years, our industry will witness the emergence of excellent general managers and leaders.

"We were astonished by the number of applicants we received for the GM of the Future Award, the calibre has been more than encouraging. It has been a joy to read through the applications, the future of our industry looks very bright. The work of narrowing down the candidates was difficult, but I am confident that all the finalists are well on their way to general manager.”

The winners of the awards will be announced at the end of the first day of the Independent Hotel Show on Tuesday 4 October.