James B Clarke steps into Master Innholders chair

James B Clarke, general manager at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, has been appointed the new chair of the Master Innholders for 2024-2026.

The move was confirmed at the Master Innholders annual general meeting on 12 September.

Clarke’s tenure follows a two-year stint from Dan-Rose Bristow, owner of the Torridon in Wester Ross.

Clarke brings over 30 years of experience within the hospitality industry from around the world. Alongside his work in the UK at hotels including Grosvenor House, London Hilton on Park Lane and Hilton London Bankside, Clarke’s career has also taken him to the US, at hotels including the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Boca West Country Club and the Waldorf Astoria hotel.

Clarke has been recognised with two Hotel Cateys while at the Grosvenor House hotel: the UK Conference and Banqueting Department of the Year in 2009 and Food & Beverage Manager of the Year in 2010. He was also part of the team when the Hilton London Bankside won Hotel of the Year – Group at the 2020 Cateys.

He said: “It is both an honour and a privilege to be chosen as the next chair of the Master Innholders and to help continue the incredible work Dan-Rose Bristow and the rest of our Master Innholders have done these past few years.

“I hope to continue that work by not only ensuring the Master Innholders remain as the leading force and voice in the hotel industry, but also ensuring our education initiatives, such as the Aspiring Leaders Diploma and Innholder Scholarships, continue to support young professionals to develop in their career to become leaders in their own right.”

The Master Innholders also appointed Zoe Jenkins, general manager at Coworth Park, as vice-chair.

Jenkins headed up the build and opening team of Coworth Park as director of operations before being promoted to general manager in 2010. Since that time, she has worked to position Coworth Park as a key player in the luxury country house hotel market in the UK.