The Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) has announced 15 finalists across five categories for its 2026 Inspirational Leader Awards, recognising leadership and professional achievement across the UK hospitality sector.
The winners will be revealed at the HOSPACE Gala Awards Dinner at the Royal Lancaster London on Thursday, 12 November 2026. The awards cover finance, revenue management, technology, ESG and commercial leadership.
Recognising hospitality talent
The shortlist highlights people whose work supports innovation, business performance and the development of the hospitality industry. For employers, it also offers a snapshot of the range of specialist leadership skills needed across the sector.
“Each individual has demonstrated a commitment to driving positive change, inspiring others and shaping the future of our sector.”
Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA
Pendlebury said the finalists reflect the sector’s talent, passion and expertise, and that HOSPA looks forward to celebrating their achievements at HOSPACE.
The 2026 shortlist
Inspirational Finance Leader of the Year — sponsored by BDO
- Sam Hartley, Group Finance Director, Dakota Hotels
- Joanna Powley, Financial Director, Nirvana Spa Collection
- Suleyman Dogan, Financial Director, Hart Shoreditch
Inspirational Revenue Manager of the Year — sponsored by Right Revenue and Edwards & Finn
- Monica Arriero, Director of Revenue & Commercial Delivery, Axiom Hospitality
- Shaun Wright, Director of Revenue, Dakota Hotels
- Maria Forsberg, Senior Director of Revenue Management, Dominus Hospitality
Inspirational Technology Leader of the Year — sponsored by Exponential-e
- Rebecca Prizeman, Group Head of Digital and Operational Systems, Watergate Bay Hotel & Another Place Group
- Lee Snowdon, Business Systems Manager, Cairn Group
- Liutauras Vaitkevicius, CEO, Apex Alliance Hotel Management
Inspirational ESG Leader of the Year — sponsored by Humelab
- Alex Matulina, ESG Manager, PPHE Hotel Group
- Helen Bishop, Group Head of Sustainability and Engagement, Watergate Bay Hotel & Another Place Group
- Magaly Etter, ESG Manager, Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa
Inspirational Commercial Leader of the Year — sponsored by QX Global
- Andrew Secker, Commercial Director, RBH Hospitality Management
- Tina OHara, Commercial Director, Cairn Group
- Teresa Kingston, Group Commercial Director, Luxury Family Hotels
HOSPACE 2026
HOSPA says its annual conference brings together more than 600 hospitality professionals for talks, industry discussions and networking. The not-for-profit association supports career development through training, events and its professional community.
More information about the awards and conference is available at HOSPACE.
Image: HOSPA awards photograph supplied with the announcement.
