Now in its 28th year and acknowledged to be the equivalent of the 'Oscars' for the hospitality industry, the Hotelier of the Year award is presented by Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine and sponsored by the Casna Group.
Andrew is the youngest recipient of this prestigious award and it is particularly notable that four holders of this title have been instrumental in establishing Chewton Glen as one of the leading hotels in the World namely Martin Skan, former owner and founder of Chewton Glen from 1966 to 2006; and two former Managing Directors, Peter Crome now at Skibo Castle in Scotland and Robin Hudson who left Chewton Glen to set up Hotel de Vin, are all previous holders of the accolade of the 'Hotelier of the Year'.
The judging panel comprised Gordon Campbell Gray, Chairman, Campbell Gray Hotels; Andrew McKenzie, Managing Director, The Vineyard at Stockcross, Harry Murray, Chairman, Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa; Simon Numphud, Hotel Services Manager, AA Hotel Services; Jonathan Raggett, Managing Director, Red Carnation Hotels; John Stauss, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel London and Dominic Walsh, Business Reporter (Drinks & Leisure), The Times.
Receiving the award, Andrew Stembridge said: "This is the proudest moment of my career and I would like to pay tribute to Jonathan Raggett, who held this title in 2009, for his unfaltering commitment throughout the year, and for raising the bar in terms of the positive contribution that an Hotelier of the Year can make. I intend to continue Jonathan's excellent work in encouraging more young people to make hospitality their chosen career."
Speaking for the judges, Harry Murray, Chairman of Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa and the 1986 Hotelier of the Year, described Andrew Stembridge as 'an inspirational leader who has created a highly motivated and skilled team that consistently exceeds guests' expectations."
In October 2003 Andrew Stembridge became Managing Director of Chewton Glen. Formerly Operations Manager between 1997 and 2001 he rejoined the hotel after spending two and a half years as General Manager of the Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh. With a BA Hons. Degree in Hotel Management and Tourism, awarded by the Scottish Hotel School at Strathclyde University, Andrew has also participated in the General Manager's Programme at Cornell University, USA and is currently taking part in the 'Business Leader's Progamme at Cranfield University. He has extensive management experience at properties both in the United Kingdom and USA, including fellow Relais & Châteaux property, Blantyre in Massachusetts, and One Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow and the Malmaison hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Chewton Glen is a member of the prestigious 'Relais and Châteaux' organisation and Andrew Stembridge is on the International Executive Board of Relais and Châteaux, he also sits on the Steering Committee of the UK & Ireland Delegation, which is responsible for driving the association forward in the UK. In 2005 Andrew became a Master Innholder and is an active member of their Executive Committee; Conference Chair for the General Managers Conference and the current Treasurer.
Andrew Stembridge is also heavily involved in the wider industry and is committed to inspiring new talent and expertise in the hospitality sector by supporting educational and industry initiatives both locally and nationally. Born in Edinburgh, Andrew is married to Alison and they have two young children.