The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts is delighted to announce the three outstanding finalists for the inaugural Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship, a prestigious new award designed to support the continued development of past Annual Awards of Excellence (AAE) achievers between the ages of 26 and 36.
The Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship, managed by The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) and funded by the Savoy Educational Trust, honours the legacy of renowned hotelier, Ramon Pajares. This scholarship aims to recognise and support individuals who demonstrate excellence, a passion for people and a desire for self-improvement that benefits others.
After a rigorous review process, led by an esteemed panel of industry leaders, the finalists for 2025 are:
• Gerald Murati, Restaurant Manager/Dining Room Manager, Disney Cruise Line
• Alexandra Sollis, Guest Relations Manager, The Gleneagles Hotel
• Kristian Elias, Junior Sous Chef, Trinity
These three individuals stood out for their dedication to excellence, ambition and clear vision for their future contributions to the hospitality industry. The finalists will each attend a special lunch on Monday, 2nd June at RBC Brewin Dolphin, in Smithfield Street, London, where they will meet the judges for a final round of questions ahead of the lunch.
Speaking on the Scholarship, Lisa Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts comments:
“It was an absolute pleasure to discuss the entrants for the inaugural year of The Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship with our esteemed judges earlier this month. All the entrants are previous Annual Awards of Excellence achievers, and their applications certainly highlight the development they have all made in their careers.”
Angela Maher, Chief Executive at The Savoy Educational Trust, says:
‘This scholarship is a wonderful way to honour Ramon’s exceptional contribution to hospitality and his long-standing commitment to nurturing future talent. It is a fitting way to continue his legacy, by supporting individuals who show not only professional excellence but also the drive to grow and give back to the industry. Our sincere thanks to the Pajares family for allowing us to dedicate this award in his name, and to the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts for their valued collaboration. Congratulations to the three finalists, and the very best of luck in the final stage”.
The judging panel for this year's scholarship comprises some of the sector’s most respected figures:
Sandeep Bhalla, General Manager, The Connaught; Melissa Fergus, General Manager, Mauro Colagreco, Raffles London at The OWO; Howard Field, Chair, The Savoy Educational Trust; Zoe Jenkins, General Manager, Coworth Park, Ascot; Angela Maher, CEO, The Savoy Educational Trust; Guillaume Marly, General Manager, Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch
Ramon Pajares was a renowned hotelier who dedicated his career to elevating the standards of luxury hospitality. Throughout his career, Pajares championed the development of young talent in the hospitality industry. He served as a trustee and then Chair of the Savoy Educational Trust for 23 years, emphasising the importance of supporting the next generation.
The winner of the Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship will receive a £5,000 cash award and be paired with a mentor from the panel of judges. The winner will be personally notified following the finalists’ lunch and formally invited to the AAE Gala Dinner on 29th July, where they will be presented with their trophy on stage in front of the Academy and its distinguished guests.
