On 20 November, Ian Payne MBE received the prestigious accolade at a ceremony held at the brewery in London.
At the same awards, Stonegate Pub Company chief executive Simon Longbottom was awarded with the Industry Leader of the Year honour.
Setting the standard
Payne said: “I am deeply honoured and incredibly proud to have won this award. It is a fantastic surprise.
“I would like to thank all of the people who have helped me in so many ways over the years.”
The CGA Peach Industry Icon is an accolade presented to individuals who have made a lasting and positive contribution to the pub, bar and restaurant sector.
They are seen as outstanding leaders and role models who inspire, innovate and set the standard across the trade.
Payne was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) last year, after working in the hospitality sector for 46 years – he founded Stonegate Pub Company in 2010.
A stellar year
The Industry Leader of the Year Award recognises a personality who has enjoyed a stellar year at the helm of their business, leading it to commercial success in 2019, as well as making an impact on the sector.
Longbottom said: “I am absolutely delighted to be recognised in this way. I must thank my fantastic team at Stonegate, they are brilliant to work with and this award would not have been possible without them.”
Longbottom has also been voted Business Leader of the Year at The Publican Awards 2019 and was chosen by The Sunday Times readers to feature in this year’s Maserati 100 list of the UK’s top entrepreneurs.
He joined Stonegate Pub Company five years ago, following holding various senior positions in the industry.
A huge congratulations
CGA vice-president Peter Martin said: “Huge congratulations to both Ian and Simon.
“For the two leaders of Stonegate to both be rewarded in this way, is a fantastic achievement.
“A special thanks needs to go to both of them for their long-standing support and hard work in the sector.
“It is only fitting that their contribution to be recognised and praised in this way.”
