GM of the Future 2026

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

Applications for the GM of the Future are now open. Download an application form here. 

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.

The runner up will also receive a prize, 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. 

Download an application form here.

Completed application forms are to be sent to secretary@masterinnholders.co.uk by the deadline of 31 October. 

For any queries about applications, please email secretary@masterinnholders.co.uk

The Programmes

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.

Join early career, high-potential managers from corporate, mid-market and family firms across a wide range of industries as you prepare to capitalise on the opportunities that the emerging landscape is presenting.

Over 12 months, you will learn new skills, examine your reality, explore concepts and how to apply them.

The Talent Development Programme is designed for professionals who:

  • Aspire to accelerate their career trajectory by becoming more influential within a business function.
  • Want to develop a strategic focus & align their activity to the organisations’ goals so they will have a focused impact.
  • Want to develop a greater understanding of the informal organisational environment; enabling them to work effectively in political environments and manage relationships strategically.
  • Seek to build on critical leadership skills, to effectively lead a business function

The runner-up will also receive a prize, 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.

This two day course gives you the opportunity to bring a specific leadership challenge to the room, and a chance to practice how you communicate your message, receiving honest feedback from your peers on how you come across in what you say and how.

It is designed for middle and senior managers who:

  • Are increasingly involved in cross functional projects and need to be more influential across their organisation and networks
  • Need to be more impactful during client facing scenarios
  • Require more visibility and confidence when contributing to executive discussion
  • Are working under pressure and need to project greater credibility in challenging situations

 

How to Apply

Applications for the GM of the Future are now open.

To apply, please download a GM of the Future application form, which includes several questions to be answered by applicants, exploring areas such as showcasing development and leadership, as well as how you give back to teams and the wider hotel industry. All nominations must also include an endorsement from a line manager.

All entries will be judged by a panel of Master Innholders and other key industry figures. Judges for this year include:

  • James B. Clarke MI, General Manager at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge and Chair of the Master Innholders
  • Zoe Jenkins MI, General Manager at Coworth Park and Vice Chair of the Master Innholders
  • Gareth Banner MI, Group Managing Director at The Ned and Hotelier of the Year 2024
  • Brigitta Kovacs, Assistant Hotel Manager at Lucknam Park Hotel GM of the Future Winner 2025
  • Alistair Sandall, Executive Secretary of the Master Innholders

A shortlist of applicants will be drawn up by the panel of judges. The shortlist will then be invited to attend the 2026 Hotel Leadership Conference, taking place 19-20 January at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

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 at the conference during a special presentation.

Completed application forms are to be sent to secretary@masterinnholders.co.uk by the deadline of 31 October. 

For any queries about applications, please email secretary@masterinnholders.co.uk

Previous Winners

Previous winners of the GM of the Future Award include:

2025 - Brigitta Kovács, Assistant Hotel Manager at Lucknam Park Hotel

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