Caren Geering of Admiral Taverns has been named Business Development Manager of the Year with Martha Ingham of Mitchells & Butlers taking the award for Area Manager of the Year. David Bigio of Thwaites has also been named as 2015’s Rising Star.
The winners were announced in front of 1,200 guests from across the sector at the Awards presentation held at the ALMR Christmas Lunch at Old Billingsgate, London.
The judges were impressed by the enthusiasm, professionalism and passion for licensed retail displayed by the three winners, demonstrated during an extensive judging process comprising written paper, in the field assessment with mentor judges and a gruelling interview.
Nick Bish, founder of the ALMR Ops Awards said: "This has been another great competition with impressive finalists right across the spectrum - now from casual dining brands, the late night operators again and of course the market-leading mainstream managed and leased businesses. The energy and professionalism of the Awards finalists is self-evident and hugely reassuring for the future trajectory and reputation of our industry.”
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls added: “This year’s finalists represent businesses that encompass the entire spectrum of licensed hospitality, from managed pub companies to nightclubs and restaurants. Congratulations to this year’s winners who, along with previous Ops Awards winners, exemplify the fantastic career paths and progression the sector provides from bar to boardroom.”
The finalists were observed by the judges in a series of on-site visits before undergoing an intensive three day strategy and leadership MasterClass led by Chris Nichols from Ashridge Consulting, at the Alveston Manor in Stratford-upon-Avon.