The Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) has announced the shortlist for its 2026 Inspirational Leader Awards ahead of the winners being revealed at HOSPACE in November.
The awards recognise hospitality professionals across five categories covering finance, revenue management, technology, ESG and commercial leadership.
The finalists for Inspirational Finance Leader of the Year, sponsored by BDO, are:
- Sam Hartley, Group Finance Director, Dakota Hotels
- Joanna Powley, Financial Director, Nirvana Spa Collection
- Suleyman Dogan, Financial Director, Hart Shoreditch
The finalists for Inspirational Revenue Manager of the Year, sponsored by Right Revenue and Edwards & Finn, are:
- 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
The finalists for Inspirational Technology Leader of the Year, sponsored by Exponential-e, are:
- 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
The finalists for Inspirational ESG Leader of the Year, sponsored by Humelab, are:
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
The finalists for Inspirational Commercial Leader of the Year, sponsored by QX Global, are:
- Andrew Secker, Commercial Director, RBH Hospitality Management
- Tina O’Hara, Commercial Director, Cairn Group
- Teresa Kingston, Group Commercial Director, Luxury Family Hotels
Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA, said: “The calibre of this year’s finalists highlights the incredible talent, passion and expertise across the hospitality industry. Each individual has demonstrated a commitment to driving positive change, inspiring others and shaping the future of our sector.
“We are delighted to celebrate their achievements through the awards and look forward to revealing this year’s winners at HOSPACE.”
The winners will be announced at the HOSPACE Gala Awards Dinner at Royal Lancaster London on 12 November 2026.
The ceremony forms part of the annual HOSPACE conference, which is expected to bring together more than 600 hospitality professionals for a programme of presentations, industry discussions and networking.
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