Master Innholders Community Spotlight - Anna Kane
We've recently been speaking with members of the Master Innholders community to find out more about their hospitality careers, what working in hospitality means to them, as well as what they are doing currently to give back to the industry as part of their work.
This week, we spoke to Anna Kane, Hotel Manager at The Mayfair Townhouse and one of our finalists for the GM of the Future 2026 Award. Anna shares what it is like to be shortlisted for the award, what qualities she believes define a great general manager, as well as her aspirations for the future of hospitality.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotels?
I genuinely enjoy working with people and creating meaningful experiences. I am motivated by the opportunity to make both colleagues and guests feel welcome, supported and appreciated.
There’s something very rewarding about contributing to someone’s positive stay, whether it’s solving a problem, anticipating a need, or simply offering a warm interaction that brightens their day.
Leading a team that works together to create memorable moments is what I find most fulfilling. The hospitality environment is unique in that it allows me to combine my passion for service, my interest in learning from others and my desire to make every guest’s experience a special one.
What do you love most about working in hotels?
I love the social element, that genuine human interaction that’s at the heart of everything we do. Every day brings new dynamics, new conversations and new opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. I also find it incredibly rewarding to uplift others, such as supporting colleagues in their growth and development or helping guests have a more comfortable and memorable stay. Being able to contribute to both professional and personal progress and seeing the positive impact it creates is what truly motivates me.
Why did you apply for the GM of the Future Award?
I applied for the GM of the Future award because I see it as a valuable opportunity to professionally enhance my career by earning a credible and widely recognised accolade. It represents a strong commitment to excellence and leadership within the hospitality industry. In addition, the chance to further enrich my knowledge by attending a renowned professional development course is extremely motivating. I’m eager to deepen my skills, broaden my perspective and bring that learning back to my team and workplace.
How does it feel to be on the shortlist for the GM of the Future Award?
It is a great privilege and a moment of significant professional pride. It’s an incredibly rewarding feeling to be recognised not only as a leader, but also as a dedicated professional within an ever-evolving industry. Above all, this nomination serves as a clear validation of my team’s hard work, commitment and potential under my leadership.
What qualities do you think define a great General Manager?
I believe strengths lie in humility, unpretentiousness and a leadership style that blends strategic thinking with servant leadership. I think general managers should strive to be approachable, exercise emotional intelligence in all interactions and above all, bring a genuine passion for the hospitality profession to everything that they do.
Can you share a moment in your career that you're particularly proud of?
Looking retrospectively at my hospitality journey so far, I am particularly proud of my transition from being responsible for a single department to taking responsibility for the entire hotel operation. Being able to effectively and efficiently adapt to new dynamics as well as challenges allowed me to develop my leadership skills, keeping my attention on both guest satisfaction and team wellbeing.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in hotels?
A positive attitude and hard work are fundamental, complemented by resilience and adaptability. Most importantly, a genuine passion for hospitality transforms the journey into an engaging and joyful experience, making every challenge an opportunity to grow.
What are your aspirations for the future of hospitality?
I envision a future of hospitality where every experience is intuitive, seamless and deeply meaningful. My goal is to create spaces that foster genuine human connection between guests, teams and the wider community, while making sustainability a natural standard rather than an afterthought. I am passionate about integrating holistic wellness into every stay, reimagining service delivery as a thoughtful, human-centred journey that leaves a lasting impression and nurtures well-being in every interaction
Share something that gets you through your day. Is it coffee? Is it listening to a podcast on the route to work?
What gets me through the day is starting each morning by connecting with my team, simply checking in, sharing priorities and understanding how everyone is feeling. It sets a positive tone and energises us for the day ahead. Let’s not forget about the morning coffee though – I do love a good oat flat white!
The winner of the GM of the Future Award 2026 will be announced during the evening of the first day at the Hotel Leadership Conference, taking place 19-20 January at London Hilton on Park Lane. Find out more here.