GM of The Future 2024 shortlist unveiled

The Master Innholders has unveiled the shortlist for the GM of the Future Award 2024.

Designed for early career professionals with high managerial potential, the annual award recognises and rewards those who can demonstrate their ability to champion the hotel industry and inspire others.

The GM of the Future Award 2024 shortlist:
• Jessica Counsell, deputy general manager, Talbooth House & Spa and Talbooth Restaurant
• Kieran Docherty, operations manager, Dakota Hotel Glasgow
• Brigitta Kovács, assistant hotel manager, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
• Ryan Parry-Jones, front of house manager, The Parkgate Hotel
• Carlotta Pascual-Solera, hotel manager, The Bath Priory Hotel & Spa

The five hoteliers will be invited to attend the Hotel Leadership Conference, taking place at Hilton London Bankside, where the winner will be announced at the black tie dinner on Monday 20 January.

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 and six 90 minute executive coaching sessions to support and equip them with the knowledge, confidence and capabilities needed to meet their future ambitions.

Nominations for the GM of the Future 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 and Wallace Vincent MBA FIH, Executive Secretary to the Master Innholders.

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

“A great hotel is made up of many different people in many different roles, but it is ultimately the general manager's role to oversee operations and help ensure everyone is working towards the same common goal.

“While immensely rewarding, it is a very difficult task, which is why we set out with the GM of the Future Award to help hone the amazing young talent we have in our industry to ensure they can become successful general managers in the future.

“Choosing those individuals for the shortlist seems to become trickier each year, yet I am confident all five of our chosen hoteliers have promising futures ahead of them, regardless of who is announced as the winner in January 2025 at the Hotel Leadership Conference.”

For more information on the GM of the Future Award or the Hotel Leadership Conference, please visit www.masterinnholders.co.uk or www.hotelleadershipconference.com