Rosewood London's Michael Staub wins 2018 Gold Service Scholarship

Michael Staub, floor manager at the Rosewood London hotel, has won the 2018 Gold Service Scholarship.

He was awarded the title and a host of prizes at an awards ceremony this evening at Claridge's in London's Mayfair, in front of an audience of more than 250 hospitality leaders, celebrating the sixth annual competition for young front of house professionals.

Staub has been a floor manager at the hotel since 2017, having joined Rosewood’s management trainee scheme in 2016.

He began his career in hospitality at McDonald’s in his native Switzerland, studied hospitality management at the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, and moved to the UK in 2015 as a sales and marketing trainee with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

Among the prizes he will receive are work placements at an overseas Mandarin Oriental property; at the three Michelin-starred Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire; and a three-day stage at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle for a state visit.

Eight finalists competed at Massimo restaurant at the Corinthia Hotel London last month, whittled down from 120 aspiring young professionals who entered the competition.

Edward Griffiths, trustee and chairman of the judges, said: “The eight finalists are all winners â€" they have shown noteworthy expertise, poise and professionalism throughout the journey from nomination to the rigorous final assessments. Sadly, there can only be one scholar â€" but the trustees are thrilled with the remarkable quality of this year’s participants.”

Thomas Kochs, managing director of the Corinthia Hotel London, who is also a Gold Service Scholarship trustee, added: “Our industry needs to nurture the next generation of leaders. The Gold Service Scholarship plays a vital role in that process, and in just six years it has established itself as a prime stepping stone in the career paths for young people.”

A new strand to the Gold Service Scholarship is the launch of ‘Team Gold’, a platform for alumni (the past six years’ finalists) to network, share ideas and connect through events, online communications and social media.

Eight finalists announced for Gold Service Scholarship 2018 >>

Golden girl: we meet Gold Service Scholarship 2017 winner Stephanie Beresforde >>

Stephanie Beresforde of the Seafood restaurant scoops 2017 Gold Service Scholarship >>

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