GM of the Future 2024

The GM of the Future awards are designed to champion the next generation of hotel leaders and celebrate the dynamic young professionals building their careers in the industry.

About
How to Apply
Previous Winners
2023

About

Applications for the GM of the Future are now closed.

The GM of the Future is awarded to an individual who can demonstrate their ability and passion to become a Hotel GM (or equivalent) who champions our industry and inspires others.

Individuals from any hotel in the UK will be recognised for their personal and professional development in the hotel industry, their ability to lead, go above and beyond as well as innovate and support those within the hotel community.

The winner of the GM of the Future Award will be provided with a fully funded scholarship for the prestigious Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University, Buckinghamshire, valued at over £11,000.

New for this year is also a prize for the runner-up, which includes a place on Cranfield’s Impact and Influence programme to support and equip them with the knowledge, confidence and capabilities needed to meet their future ambitions.

Alongside the programme, the runner-up will also receive six 90-minute executive coaching sessions, delivered by one of Cranfield’s expert coaches.

Designed for early career professionals with high managerial potential, the programme provides students with a clear strategic understanding of business management, the ability to develop leadership capabilities, as well as aiding in encouraging and inspiring change across your own business.

Self-nominations for the GM of the Future Award are welcome, all nominations must include an endorsement from a line manager. Questions for this year’s applications will ask those applying to showcase their development in the areas of leadership and innovation, as well as highlight how they give back to their teams and the wider hotel industry. Full criteria and questions can be found in the GM of the Future application form.

All entries will be judged by a panel of Master Innholders and other key industry figures. Shortlisted candidates will be assessed on their personal and professional development in the hotel industry, their 'extra mile' attitude and commitment to becoming a future leader.

A shortlist of applicants will be drawn up by the panel of judges. The shortlist will then be invited to attend the 2025 Hotel Leadership Conference, taking place 20-21 January at the Hilton London Bankside.

Those shortlisted will receive a complimentary ticket valid for both days of the conference, and the black-tie dinner on the first evening. If shortlisted, please note that any additional guests will need to purchase dinner tickets separately.

The winner will be announced during the black-tie dinner during a special presentation.

For queries about applications for next year, please email wvincent@masterinnholders.co.uk.

How to Apply

Applications for the GM of the Future award are now closed.

For queries about applications for next year, please email wvincent@masterinnholders.co.uk.

Previous Winners

Previous winners of the GM of the Future Award include:

2023 - Chris Bancroft, Operations Manager at The Newt in Somerset

2022 - Karen Weisheit, Hotel Manager at Grove of Narberth

2021 - Anna Sirba, General Manager at The Bodmin Jail Hotel

2019 - Samantha Rieu, Hotel Manager at The Beaumont

2023

Chris Bancroft, Operations Manager at The Newt in Somerset, has been named the winner of the GM of the Future 2023 award.

Of the seven individuals shortlisted, two were awarded the ‘Highly Commended’ accolade, including Chiara Sorrentino, Operations Manager at South Lodge and Jordan Hughes, Hotel Manager at Northcote.

The GM of the Future Award 2023 shortlist:

Daisy Turney, Operations Manager, The PIG-on the beach
Jordan Hughes, Hotel Manager, Northcote
Leanne Silavant, Front Office Manager, The Castle Hotel Windsor
Niek de Rijcke, Guest Experience Coordinator, Dorchester Collection
Daniel Greenock, Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, Gleneagles
Chiara Sorrentino, Operations Manager, South Lodge
Chris Bancroft, Operations Manager, The Newt in Somerset

James B. Clarke MI, Chair of the Master Innholders, General Manager at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London

James B. Clarke is general manager at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London - an award-winning hotel located in the heart of London's Cultural Quarter. He brings with him over 30 years of experience within the hospitality industry, offering a wealth of experience he has gained from around the world. Alongside his work in the UK, James’s career has taken him to the US, where he worked at various prestigious hotels including the Grand Hotel Marriot Resort, Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Boca West Country Club and The Waldorf Astoria Hotel. James has also worked for Martineau Bay Resort & Spa, Vieques Island and the El Conquistador Resort & Spa in Puerto Rico, Hilton New York, Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel and London Hilton on Park Lane. Always striving for the best throughout his career, James has been recognised with two Cateys while at the Grosvenor House Hotel; the UK Conference and Banqueting Department of the Year 2009 and Food & Beverage Manager of the Year in 2010 and UK Hotel of the Year 2020 Cateys.

Zoe Jenkins MI – Vice Chair of the Master Innholders, General Manager at Coworth Park

Zoe Jenkins is the general manager of Coworth Park in Ascot, the only country house hotel in Dorchester Collection. Whilst studying for a BA degree in Hotel & Catering Administration she was awarded the opportunity to gain her industrial experience at the Dorchester Hotel in 1981. After graduation, she returned to the Dorchester to commence her career in Events and Banqueting that was her passion from 1983 to 1989. During the period of 2005 to 2006 Zoe oversaw the refurbishment of all Food and Beverage outlets and the introduction of Alain Ducasse and China Tang to the Dorchester. In 2009 she was asked to head up the build and opening team of Coworth Park as Director of Operations. Prior to the hotel opening in 2010 she then was promoted to the position of General Manager and has spent this time nurturing and positioning Coworth Park as a key player in the luxury country house hotel market in the UK.

Chris Bancroft – Hotel Operations Manager at The Newt in Somerset and GM of the Future 2023 Winner

Chris began his career in the hospitality industry as a food and beverage assistant at Northcote, Lancashire. Seeking further professional growth, he enrolled in the tenoutoften management training programme in 2012. Over the course of two years, Chris underwent rigorous training across five different hotels, gaining valuable experience in various departments. Chris joined Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, climbing the ranks from Assistant Manager to Assistant Front Office Manager. In 2017, he achieved a significant milestone by earning the Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma, showcasing his commitment to excellence in the industry. He is currently Hotel Operations Manager at The Newt in Somerset. Beyond his professional achievements, Chris takes pride in being an ambassador for two notable organisations, Hospitality Action and Springboard, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the industry and supporting fellow professionals.

Conor O’Leary MI – Managing Director at The Gleneagles Hotel and Hotelier of the Year 2023 Winner

Conor’s hospitality career began in London’s bustling bar and restaurant scene, which led to senior F&B and leadership roles in some of the UK and the Middle East’s finest five-star hotels. Immediately prior to joining the team, he led the Hyatt group’s largest food and beverage operation in the world at the Grand Hyatt in Dubai. A Master Innholder and a St Julian Scholar, Conor joined Gleneagles as Hotel Manager in 2016 before being promoted to General Manager. He took the reins as Managing Director shortly thereafter, to lead the team through the biggest period of change and investment in the hotel’s almost 100-year history. When he’s not at work, you can normally find him out running or practising his golf swing; fulfilling his mission to discover the world’s best restaurants and bars; or enjoying the great outdoors with his wife and daughter and his Working Cocker Spaniel, Rolo.

Wallace Vincent MBA FIH , Executive Secretary at Master Innholders

Wallace Vincent is the Executive Secretary of the Master Innholders, helping to promote its various educational programmes as well as manage the delivery of its events throughout the year. With a 23-year military career under his belt, Wallace has worked with some of the world’s largest service providers in the defence, healthcare, and education sectors as a divisional director. As a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, Vice President of the Réunion des Gastronomes and a Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Cooks, Vincent is firmly embedded within the hospitality industry. He has also previously worked as a Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma tutor.

GM of the Future 2024