Hospitality Professionals Association announces finalists for 2023 Inspirational Leader Awards

Following careful consideration, HOSPA, The Hospitality Professionals Association, has announced its impressive list of finalists for this year’s Inspirational Leader Awards — collating some of the industry’s top talent.

The selection process, orchestrated by an experienced panel of judges, has narrowed down the nominees to those who have exemplified the qualities of inspirational leadership in the domains of finance, revenue management, marketing, IT and sustainability.

HOSPA is set to announce the winners on the 16th November as part of the Gala dinner that rounds off its highly-anticipated HOSPACE conference. Taking place at the Royal Lancaster London, the event will unite leading minds within the industry for a day of knowledge exchange, networking and ultimately, a celebration of yet another successful year in hospitality.

The complete list of finalists is as follows:

Inspirational Leader – Finance Leader of the Year –  Sponsored by BDO

  • Andrew Robb – RBH Hospitality Management 
  • Declan Gallagher – Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland
  • Paul McCarthy-Smith – Rocco Forte Hotels

Inspirational Leader – Revenue Manager of the Year Sponsored by Edwards & Finn

  • Chris Martin – RBH Hospitality Management 
  • Inna Nekrassova – The Lanesborough, Oetker Collection
  • Jodie Wilson – Crerar Hotels

Inspirational Leader – Marketer of the Year Sponsored by For-Sight

  • Kasia Rudnik – The Set Collection
  • Laura Golder – Marriott International 
  • Precious Sweta – The Wesley Hotels, Euston & Camden

Inspirational Leader – Technology Leader of the Year – Sponsored by BT

  • Jon Davis – The Ivy Collection, Caprice Holdings Ltd, The Birley Clubs, Bill’s Restaurant Ltd
  • Manoj Kumar – Imperial London Family of Hotels
  • Shane Doyle – Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland

Inspirational Leader – Sustainability Leader of the Year Sponsored by Nicholls Boreholes & Ground Source

  • Sally Beck – Royal Lancaster London
  • Susan Bland – RBH Hospitality Management 
  • Warren Campbell – 15 Hatfields

This year, HOSPA has also named two sustainability champions, Azam Bawa, at Lost Property St.Paul’s, a Curio Collection by Hilton, and Stephen Parkinson, from Last Drop Village Hotel. Both individuals display unwavering dedication promoting sustainable practices and are innovative in their approach. 

Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA, commented: “Each year, we take this opportunity to recognise some of the industry’s most exceptional leaders, individuals who not only excel in their own roles but serve as inspirations to their teams. In hospitality, the opportunity for career progression is boundless, and with determination and drive, there is no real ceiling to what can be achieved. Each of these finalists continues to inspire others on their journey and with the hospitality landscape evolving daily, leaders like this help the industry continue to put its best foot forward.” 

HOSPACE 2023 is set to address some of the hottest topics in the contemporary hospitality landscape, including the expanding capabilities of artificial intelligence, evolving guest expectations and the impact of technology on the art of hospitality.

Jane added: “As our annual conference fast approaches, we anticipate another great day filled with profound insights and topical discussions. The gala dinner, however, is always a popular component of the day and incorporating the awards really ramps up the excitement. A massive congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted and we look forward to announcing the winners!”

To register for HOSPACE 2023, please visit: https://www.hospa.org/hospace-registration.

More information on HOSPACE and its programme can be found via https://www.hospace.org/, while www.hospa.org provides more information on HOSPA’s wider offering.