HOSPA announces shortlist for 2026 Inspirational Leader Awards

The Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA) has announced the shortlist for its highly anticipated Inspirational Leader Awards, which will be presented at its annual HOSPACE event in November. 

The awards celebrate individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the UK hospitality sector, recognising those who have demonstrated innovation, leadership and a commitment to excellence in their respective fields. 

For the 2026 awards, HOSPA has unveiled the finalists across five categories, which recognise leaders in revenue management, technology, finance, ESG and commercial success. The awards recognise those who have shown expertise, vision and dedication, while contributing to the continued growth and evolution of the hospitality industry. 

The shortlisted candidates for the 2026 Inspirational Leader Awards are as follows: 

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 

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

Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA

The winners will be announced at the HOSPACE Gala Awards Dinner, taking place at the Royal Lancaster London on Thursday, 12 November 2026. The ceremony is a highlight of the annual HOSPACE conference, which brings together more than 600 hospitality professionals for a day of thought-provoking talks, industry discussions and valuable networking opportunities. 

For more information about HOSPA, the awards or to book your place at HOSPACE 2026, please visit: www.hospace.org.