Master Innholders appoint next chair

The Master Innholders has announced the appointment of James B Clarke, a current master innholder and general manager at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, as the association’s new chair for 2024 to 2026.  

Clarke will take over from outgoing chair Dan-Rose Bristow, owner of The Torridon, and will be supported by the Master Innholders executive committee. 

The announcement comes after the Master Innholders’ Annual General Meeting yesterday (12 September). 

Clarke brings over 30 years of experience within the hospitality industry to the role, having worked at various prestigious hotels including the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Boca West Country Club and The Waldorf Astoria Hotel. 

In addition, Clarke has been recognised with two Cateys while at the Grosvenor House Hotel; the UK Conference and Banqueting Department of the Year 2009 and Food and Beverage Manager of the Year in 2010 and UK Hotel of the Year 2020 Cateys.

Clarke said: “It is both an honour and a privilege to be chosen as the next chair of the Master Innholders and to help continue the incredible work that Dan-Rose Bristow MI and the rest of our Master Innholders have done these past few years.

“I hope to continue that work by not only ensuring the Master Innholders remain as the leading force and voice in the hotel industry, but also ensuring our education initiatives, such as the Aspiring Leaders Diploma and Innholder Scholarships, continue to support young professionals develop in their career to become leaders in their own right.”

With the appointment of Clarke as chair, the Master Innholders have also announced the appointment of Zoe Jenkins MI, general manager at Coworth Park, as vice chair.

Jenkins headed up the build and opening team of Coworth Park as director of operations before being promoted to general manager in 2010. Since that time, she has worked to nurture and position Coworth Park as a key player in the luxury country house hotel market in the UK.