Dakota Newcastle hotel manager Chris Turner named GM of the Future
Chris Turner, hotel manager at Dakota Newcastle, has been named the winner of the General Manager of the Future Award, the Neil Bannister Scholarship, at the Hotel Leadership Conference 2026.
The award was presented during the annual conference at the London Hilton on Park Lane, recognising emerging leaders within the UK hotel sector who demonstrate exceptional commitment, potential and leadership capability.
As part of the award, Chris has been granted a place on the prestigious Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University in Buckinghamshire, a fully funded opportunity valued at more than £11,000. The programme is designed to strengthen business acumen, leadership skills and strategic thinking, while encouraging innovation and self-empowerment among senior hospitality professionals.
Recognition for people-focused leadership
Chris has worked in the hospitality industry for more than ten years and was recognised by the judging panel for his passion for the sector, his commitment to professional development, and his focus on nurturing and growing his team.
Speaking on the night, Chris described the win as a pivotal moment in his career.
He said: “Winning this award is genuinely surreal. It has given me the belief to push even further in 2026 and, most importantly, to bring my team with me. I wouldn’t be here without them, and I can’t wait to share with them all I learn when I undertake the Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University.
“If anyone is thinking of applying next year, I urge you to do so. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
The Neil Bannister Scholarship is widely regarded as one of the most significant development opportunities for rising hotel leaders in the UK, offering recipients the time and space to reflect, learn and build networks that will support their long-term careers.
Strong field of finalists
The standard of candidates was described as exceptionally high, reflecting the depth of talent emerging across the hotel sector.
Charlie Banks, room division manager at The Rubens at the Palace, was named runner-up on the night. As part of the runner-up prize, Charlie will attend Cranfield University’s Impact and Influence programme and receive a series of executive coaching sessions delivered by Cranfield experts.
Other finalists included Anna Kane, hotel manager at The Mayfair Townhouse; Ashleigh McGuire, operations manager at Oulton Hall; and Kasia Kudzia, hotel operations manager at 11 Cadogan Gardens and The Chelsea Townhouse.
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Supporting the next generation of leaders
Commenting on the awards, James B Clarke MI, chair of the Master Innholders, spoke about the importance of structured development opportunities for the future of the industry.
He said: “Seeing professionals embrace development, challenge themselves and invest in their own growth is exactly why this award matters. With the GM of the Future, the Neil Bannister Scholarship, we are able to give emerging leaders the time, space and support to build confidence, broaden their perspective and connect with peers who will become part of their lifelong professional network.
“At a time when our industry needs strong, thoughtful and resilient leaders more than ever, it is incredibly rewarding to play a small part in helping the next generation step forward.”
Nominations for the award were assessed by a panel of senior industry figures, including James, alongside Zoe Jenkins MI, vice chair of the Master Innholders and general manager at Coworth Park; Brigitta Kovacs MIH IG, assistant hotel manager at Lucknam Park Hotel and GM of the Future Award winner 2025; Gareth Banner MI, group managing director of The Ned and Hotelier of the Year 2024; and Alistair Sandall, executive secretary of the Master Innholders.
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