Cateys 2025: Manager of the Year Award: Chris Eigelaar, the Belfry Hotel & Resort

Chris Eigelaar, managing director at the Belfry Hotel & Resort, was praised by industry colleagues as being a creative and innovative manager who has helped put the Sutton Coldfield hotel “back on the map”.

Eigelaar joined the Belfry as general manager in 2018 and has risen through the ranks, becoming resort director in 2021 and managing director earlier this year. Under his leadership, the hotel has seen growth in all major metrics, including in revenue, occupancy and revenue per available room, staff turnover has been cut by nearly 50%, and a major £85m expansion project has been launched, to construct a new event space for up to 920 people.

Eigelaar has been described as a trailblazer in talent management, whose efforts to prioritise his team has helped transform the Belfry. Post-pandemic, the hotel struggled with a high staff turnover of 70%, but Eigelaar’s focus on rewarding and developing his team has helped cut this to 38% in 2024 and 22% earlier this year.

Changes have included the introduction of a four-day week, an increase in part-time positions and longer lead-time rotas to encourage work-life balance. Eigelaar also oversaw a pay increase for staff to mitigate the cost of living crisis and trained 80 managers in menopause awareness, with staff offered subsidised medical treatment.

Eigelaar is passionate about helping his existing team to grow in their roles, and under his leadership 69% of management positions have been filled through internal promotions. This has seen a director of F&B promoted to general manager and a sales director stepping into the role of commercial director, showing that the hotel’s investment in people has paid off.

Eigelaar has also supported the Belfry’s Lead programme, which offers training to 70 team members with a mix of online and hands-on learning. The initiative has also seen the creation of an internal mentoring programme as well as supporting more than 30 apprentices at the hotel.

His work has extended to supporting the wider hospitality industry, working to shape tourism strategy on the executive board of the Birmingham Hospitality Association, and running industry events as chair of the Institute of Hospitality Midlands.

He has also helped the Belfry create meaningful partnerships with institutions including the Springboard charity, University College Birmingham and job centres, and the hotel hosted 200 work experience placements in 2024.

Eigelaar exemplifies what it means to be a good manager, supporting his team, encouraging more people into hospitality and delivering strong results with a social conscience.

What the judges said

“Chris is a worthy winner. He is creative, commercial and innovative. He values his team and the wider community and champions the industry broadly and deeply.” Sally Beck

“Chris has been instrumental in putting the Belfry back on the map. He has juggled huge investment while still delivering exceptional team, guest and financial performance.” Joanne Taylor-Stagg

“The Belfry is best-in-class in its field and it’s clear to see what Chris has added to the business financially and culturally.” Zoe Jenkins

The shortlist

• Damien Martin, the Parkgate hotel, Cardiff
• Mark Whelan, Eurest
• Michael Voigt, the Goring, London

The judges

• Sally Beck, Royal Lancaster London
• David Connell, Exclusive Collection
• Zoe Jenkins, Coworth Park
• Helle Jensen, Covent Garden hotel
• Francisco Macedo, Iconic Luxury Hotels
• Justin Pinchbeck, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
• Joanne Taylor-Stagg, the Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

If you would like to enter the 2026 Cateys, or you know someone who you would like to nominate, register your interest for updates