At the helm of the world-renowned, Belfry Hotel & Resort, in the Midlands, Chris Eigelaar, Managing Director, has been named as one of only 10 industry leaders to be awarded prestigious Master Innholder status in 2025.
Recognising individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, influence and dedication in the hospitality industry, the much-coveted accolade is regarded as one of the highest honours in hotel management. Championing this year’s cohort, judges praised the Master Innholders for their strong commitment to upholding best practices, driving forward industry standards, and inspiring both peers and the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Commenting on his appointment, Chris said: “To be recognised as a Master Innholder is a true professional and personal highlight. Hospitality is in my blood, and it’s an industry I’m so passionate about creating a thriving, progressive and exciting future for. To now have the opportunity to do so alongside so many industry peers as we champion excellence, lead on important sector discussions, support long-term hospitality careers, and cultivate progress is thrilling.
“I congratulate everyone who achieved Master Innholder status this year, and I can’t wait to work with them, and all fellow Innholders, to nurture the exceptional experiences our dynamic industry is, rightly, renowned for.”
With over two decades of hospitality experience behind him, Chris has transformed The Belfry in his seven-year tenure. From spearheading an £85million expansion project which has seen The Belfry almost double in size, to securing a contract to host the iconic Betfred British Masters for five years, and being named in the ‘Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality’ twice, Chris is an unrelenting advocate for the hospitality sector and a trailblazing leader.
Under his stewardship, The Belfry has also won over 30 illustrious awards, delivered more than 300 work experience placements, and enjoyed the most profitable year in its history. This is not to mention achieving an historic 50% gender split in the Executive Team, and launching the ‘ESG Champions’, whose efforts have earned The Belfry Earthcheck Benchmark Bronze status.
Named as one of 2024’s ‘Power List: Market Marvels’ for pushing the boundaries of traditional hospitality, Chris was also appointed Chair of The Institute of Hospitality Midlands last year and holds an Executive board position with the Birmingham Hospitality Association. Putting this well-respected acumen into practise recently, Chris led The Belfry to overwhelming success with its first-ever Belfry Classic Golf Day, raising £110,000 for charity, cementing the resort’s reputation as an unparalleled golfing destination, and elevating the profile of the region with celebrities from the worlds of sport, music and entertainment.
The Master Innholders is a leading force within hospitality. Recognised as a standard bearer for the industry and offering career-changing training and support, it aims to influence standards and extend professionalism across the sector.
