Brigitta Kovács announced as General Manager of the Future 2025

Brigitta Kovács, Assistant Hotel Manager at Lucknam Park Hotel, has been named the winner of this year’s Master Innholder’s General Manager of the Future Award at the Hotel Leadership Conference 2025.

Alongside being granted the prestigious title, Brigitta has been awarded the opportunity to attend the prestigious Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University, Buckinghamshire, UK – valued at over £11,000.

The course will provide Brigitta with the opportunity to work on developing business expertise and leadership capabilities, as well as help drive self-empowerment and innovation.

Brigitta, who has worked in hospitality for over 10 years, was recognised for her exemplary commitment to the hotel industry during the ceremony at the Hotel Leadership Conference on Monday 20 January for her engagement and passion within the industry.

Speaking on the night about her win, Brigitta said:

“I am immensely honoured and privileged to receive this year’s GM of the Future award. Being recognised for my work is incredibly humbling, especially alongside the incredible work and dedication showcased by the other finalists.

“A huge thank you to the Master Innholders for the incredible opportunity and their support throughout the process.”

Other finalists from the night included Kieran Docherty, Hotel Manager at Dakota Edinburgh, who was awarded the GM of the Future runner-up prize.

Kieran will receive a place on Cranfield’s Impact and Influence programme to support and equip him with the knowledge, confidence and capabilities needed to meet his future ambitions.

Alongside the programme, he will also receive six 90-minute executive coaching sessions, delivered by one of Cranfield’s experts.

Commenting on the awards, James B. Clarke MI, chair of the Master Innholders said:

“The GM of the Future Award has always been about recognising and celebrating the amazing talent within the hotel industry - and what an incredible amount of talent and dedication all of our GM of the Future finalists have shown this year.

Ultimately, it’s about nurturing that talent to help them develop and grow into truly incredible general managers. Huge congratulations to Brigitta on her win and to all of our GM of the Future finalists.”

Nominations for the GM of the Futures Award were judged by a panel of leading hoteliers and experts in the industry, including James B. Clarke MI, chair of the Master Innholders and general manager at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, Zoe Jenkins MI, vice chair of the Master Innholders and general manager at Coworth Park, Chris Bancroft, hotel operations manager at The Newt in Somerset and GM of the Future 2023 winner, Conor O’Leary MI, managing director at The Gleneagles Hotel and Hotelier of the Year 2023 winner, and Wallace Vincent MBA FIH, executive secretary of the Master Innholders.