Manager of the Year

Sponsored by Dudson Group

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2004 winner Christopher Cowdray Claridge's

"His efforts had not previously gone unnoticed, as the awards lining the hotel's corridors demonstrate" A manager who resurrected a hotel's glorious past while driving it towards an impressive future with a well-chosen team was the obvious choice for last year's Manager of the Year. Christopher Cowdray took over as general manager of Claridge's in 1998, at a point in its history when its fame as a national icon kept it in the limelight. But cracks were beginning to show. By the time he left for the Dorchester - where he is now ensconced - six years later, Cowdray had shaken off the dust and revolutionised the working environment at Claridge's, which is nearing its 200th birthday. While retaining the hotel's character, Cowdray ensured that changes kept it up-to-date. In 2002 he was in charge of establishing Gordon Ramsay's fine-dining operation at the hotel. The judges were particularly impressed with Cowdray's capability as a leader. With his inventive human resources manager, Sara Edwards, by his side, Cowdray focused on making sure his staff felt valued and rewarded. Edwards established quarterly staff meetings, monthly birthday parties for team members, and annual awards, including Brick of the Year and Health and Safety Champion. Cowdray's ability to track down the best staff was another winning attribute, as he established a link between Claridge's and Belgrade University. Introducing a learning centre at the hotel and leadership programmes for all levels of management, Cowdray's emphasis on people skills caught the judges' attention. He even sent Edwards to the USA's Centre for Creative Leadership to discover the tricks of the trade from overseas. All of this had an effect on the profits, which shot up by 44% between 2001 and 2002, with turnover increasing from £31.16m to £35.75m. His efforts had not previously gone unnoticed, as the awards lining the hotel's corridors demonstrate. In his last year at Claridge's he added to the collection with the RAC Dining Awards Gold Ribbon 2003, a Gold Award in the Large Hotel of the Year category at the Safeway Excellence in England Awards for Tourism 2003, and the 2003 Catey for Group Hotel of the Year. The judges were keen to see an enthusiasm for the industry, and Cowdray's influence goes beyond Claridge's. He was a former chairman of the West One group of hoteliers, and is a Master Innholder and a member of the British Hospitality Association. If you know someone the judges should consider for the 2005 Catey, someone who is energetic, committed, passionate and successful, then fill in the form at the back of this brochure. The closing date for nominations is Friday 4 February, and judging will take place on Monday 25 April at the Bentley hotel in London. Judges' criteria The winning candidate for the Manager of the Year Catey will have: - Demonstrated proven success in managing and developing a team in the workplace. - Established a good financial track record. - Proved their worth, over and above their job description, particularly in the past year. Don't forget All nominations in this category MUST be accompanied by a supporting statement.