Five rising stars of hospitality management were recognised at the Institute of Hospitality Aspiring Managers Awards last night (29 October). The awards, now in their eleventh year, are organised by the Institute of Hospitality London Branch.
The Aspiring Manager Overall Winner was Rob Burden, HR Business Partner, CH&Co. In second place came Liam Hatcher, Senior Regional Trainer, also with CH&Co. In third place came Zul Rahim, Conference & Events Operations Manager at Hilton Bankside, London. Highly Commended Awards were received by Suzanna Di Domenico, Reception Manager, The Ritz London; and Hannah Robson, Head of Bespoke Events, CH&Co.
The nominees and guests celebrated at a sumptuous reception and awards ceremony at London’s newest luxury hotel, L’Oscar. The special guest of honour was Alastair Storey OBE FIH, President of the Institute of Hospitality, who presented the awards along with London Branch Chairman Paul Evans FIH and Vic Laws FIH MBE, the Honorary President of the London Branch and Organising Committee.
Evans comments: “The event goes from strength to strength, attracting increasingly excellent young industry talent, giving us all confidence in the future. Congratulations to all the worthy winners. It was a great evening with excellent food, cocktails, wine and company in fantastic surroundings! L’oscar Hotel – voted No. 1 hotel in London by The Times. Grateful thanks to our host Michael Voigt FIH, organisers Vic Laws, Antonio Fernandes and the sponsors.”
The winners’ package of rewards includes professional development placements at L’oscar and The Dorchester, mentoring with Liz McGivern FIH of Red Carnation Hotels, and complimentary membership of the Institute of Hospitality for one year.
The 2018 Aspiring Managers Awards were sponsored by L’Oscar, Angel Human Resources Group, Allens, AVL Consultancy, HSQC Public Health, Moët & Chandon, The Grand Folkestone, Dorchester Collection, L’Escargot, Sodexo Prestige, Red Carnation Hotels.