Stuart Johnson named 2012 Hotelier of the Year
Stuart Johnson, general manager of Brown's hotel in London, has been named the 2012 Hotelier of the Year.
In a presentation at Cameron House on Loch Lomond, Johnson was presented with the award by Caterer and Hotelkeeper editor, Mark Lewis, and managing director of sponsor Casna, Nick Appell.
A judging panel of past winners selected Johnson for his commitment in creating a modern classic hotel in Brown's, combined with the unstinting support he gives to industry bodies such as Master Innholders and Springboard. In particular, he was praised for the work he has done in driving forward management development and mentoring students.
Johnson told the audience of more than 50 leading hoteliers including past winners Terry Holmes, Harry Murray and John Stauss, that he was very proud to be recognised as the 30th winner of the coveted accolade.
"I am humbled to be given this award by my peers within hospitality and to be able to stand amongst those whom I hold in such high regard and respect," he said.
The presentation lunch, hosted by Stephen Carter, manager director of Cameron House and last year's Hotelier of the Year, was a celebration of Johnson's career which began in the kitchens of London's Savoy hotel as an apprentice chef. He has since gone on to work at Claridge's, the Connaught, and Cliveden - as well as spend a stint in publishing for Conde Nast Johansen's before taking over as general manager of the five-AA-red-star, 117-bedroom Brown's, owned by Rocco Forte Hotels, in 2005.
Michael Gray, general manager, Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, and 2007 Hotelier of the Year, said: "Stuart has displayed so much empathy to the needs of our industry - far outside of his day-job, which already is demanding enough in running Brown's as a well established competitor to us all!"
Stuart Johnson elected chairman of Master Innholders >>
