Howard Field FIH, Chairman of the Savoy Educational Trust, has been named winner of the Institute of Hospitality’s Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2026.
The award was presented at the Institute’s annual Fellows’ Dinner at Kimpton Fitzroy London in Bloomsbury on Monday 19 October.
The evening celebrated leadership and achievement across hospitality and welcomed a new group of professionals into the Institute’s College of Fellows.
The Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Institute of Hospitality and the wider profession.
Nominations were submitted from across the College of Fellows, with seven shortlisted candidates selected by an independent panel before Field was named the 2026 recipient.
A chartered accountant, Field has held senior hospitality roles in the UK and North America, including serving as Financial Director of the Savoy Group.
He founded specialist recruitment business FM Recruitment in 1985 and subsequently advised hotel investors and operators, alongside serving for five years as a Non-Executive Director of Firmdale Hotels.
Field became a trustee of the Savoy Educational Trust in 2013 and has served as Chair of Trustees since 2017.
In that role, he has helped oversee the Trust’s work supporting hospitality education, training and qualifications across the UK.
Field has also held a Visiting Fellowship at Oxford Brookes University, delivering guest lectures for more than 25 years, and has mentored students through the Bacchus Mentoring Programme.
His wider industry involvement has included serving on the board of Springboard UK and helping establish HOSPA, where he is a former board member and Honorary Fellow.
Robert Richardson FIH MI Hon DLitt, Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality, said: “Howard’s career is an outstanding example of the leadership, commitment and generosity that make our profession so special. His contribution spans business, education and mentoring, with a lasting impact on the development of hospitality and the people who will shape its future.
“Through his work with the Savoy Educational Trust and his dedication to supporting emerging talent, Howard has demonstrated the importance of investing in people and strengthening our global hospitality community. We are delighted to recognise his achievements with this year’s Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award, while celebrating the remarkable contributions of all those shortlisted.”
The Fellows’ Dinner also recognised the Institute’s newly appointed Fellows for their professional achievement, leadership and contributions to hospitality.
Fellowship of the Institute of Hospitality recognises significant professional achievement and a commitment to advancing the industry, with the College of Fellows bringing together experienced hospitality leaders from around the world.
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