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Samantha Rieu has been named ‘GM of the Future’ by the Master Innholders at the Independent Hotel Show Awards 2019.
Announced at the award ceremony on Tuesday 15 October, the hotel operations manager at Dukes London has been recognised for her “commitment to championing hospitality careers to the next generation of talent; dedication to her own development, as well as that of her team, and her outstanding leadership approach”.
Since her appointment at the luxury hotel in December 2017, Riu has “continually driven success” at the property through developing strategies to increase revenues, improving TripAdvisor ratings, and implementing the Dukes apprenticeship programme to develop new and current team members.
Riu said: “I’m delighted to be recognised as this year’s GM of the Future and to be shortlisted alongside incredible rising stars in the industry is an honour.
“At Dukes London we work hard to remain connected with our heritage, offer first-class development opportunities for the entire team and provide an enjoyable workplace. This award is a testament to the incredible team working with me at the hotel to achieve our goals.”
Judge and chairman of the Master Innholders Danny Pecorelli said: “The GM of the Future Award was created by the Master Innholders to champion the next generation of hotel leaders and celebrate the dynamic young professionals building their careers in the industry.
“Both Samantha and Tamsyn represent the extraordinary level of talent we have working in our properties, and I’m thrilled that we have been able to shine a light on their drive and dedication to our industry through this award.”
Nominations for the GM of the Future Award were judged by a panel of leading hoteliers and experts in the industry, including Pecorelli, Charlotte O’Connell, captain of The Moxy London Excel, David Taylor, VP for UK operations at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Emily Challis, portfolio event manager and head of optimisation at Fresh Montgomery and Dr Hilary Cooke, Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma course leader and owner of Merlin Consultancy.
