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Meet the Hotel Rising Star finalists for 2026
The Hotel Rising Star award celebrates the next generation of hospitality talent, recognising individuals who are already making a meaningful contribution to their hotels and the wider industry.
From emerging leaders helping to shape new hotel brands to team members creating memorable guest experiences, this year’s four finalists demonstrate the talent, creativity and commitment driving independent hospitality forward.
Members of the industry can vote for their winner until 18 September, with the result set to be revealed at the Independent Hotel Show Awards on 5 October 2026.
Nicole Johnson, Head of Marketing, The Newman
Nicole Johnson has played a central role in shaping The Newman’s identity, taking the Fitzrovia hotel from its pre-opening phase through to launch. As Head of Marketing, she has helped establish a distinctive brand rooted in its neighbourhood while developing campaigns, partnerships and experiences designed to connect with guests and the local community. Her work combines strategic thinking with commercial creativity, spanning the hotel’s digital presence, cultural collaborations and food, drink and wellness offering. Promoted to The Newman’s Executive team at just 27, Nicole represents a new generation of hospitality marketing leaders who understand how a hotel can become part of the cultural life of its destination as well as a place to stay.
Sandia Scott, Head of People and Culture, The Newman
Sandia Scott has helped build The Newman’s culture, leadership structure and employee experience from the ground up. Drawing on international hospitality experience, she played an important role in recruiting and bringing together the team ahead of the hotel’s launch, while creating a workplace culture centred on inclusion, development and collaboration. As Head of People and Culture, Sandia combines strategic leadership with a strong understanding of hotel operations, ensuring that employee experience remains closely connected to the service delivered to guests. Her work demonstrates the influence that people and culture professionals can have on every area of a hotel, from staff engagement and career progression to the warmth and personality guests experience during their stay.
Isaac Arikawe, Welcome Host, Grantley Hall
As Welcome Host at Grantley Hall, Isaac Arikawe demonstrates the lasting impact that a warm and authentic welcome can have on the guest experience. Handpicked for a position created around his natural talent for hospitality, he has transformed the arrival experience through his personality, attentiveness and ability to establish a genuine connection with guests. Isaac has become closely associated with the character of Grantley Hall’s service, ensuring that visitors feel recognised and at ease from the moment they arrive. His approach is a reminder that luxury hospitality is not defined by surroundings alone, but by thoughtful human interactions and the way a hotel makes its guests feel.
Sophie Morgan, Wedding and Events Coordinator, Morgans Hotel
Sophie Morgan is known for combining meticulous organisation with genuine care in her role as Wedding and Events Coordinator at Morgans Hotel. She works closely with clients to understand their ideas and turn them into highly personal occasions, overseeing the many details required to deliver memorable weddings and events. Alongside supporting clients throughout the planning process, Sophie works collaboratively with colleagues across the hotel to ensure each event runs smoothly. Her calm approach, precision and willingness to support those around her have made her a valued member of the team and an emerging leader within the business. Through her ability to balance operational demands with warmth and personal service, Sophie exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Hotel Rising Star award.
Voting for the Hotel Rising Star award closes on 18 September. Cast your vote and help decide which of the four finalists will be named the 2026 winner.
The winner will be revealed at the Independent Hotel Show Awards from 17:00 on 5 October at Olympia London.
The Independent Hotel Show, in partnership with James Hallam Insurance Brokers, takes place on 5–6 October 2026 at Olympia London. Register for your free trade ticket here.
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