The Appointment
Zoe Jenkins, general manager of Coworth Park, became chair of the Master Innholders for 2026-2028. The organisation announced the appointment at its annual general meeting on 10 September 2026, and the Institute of Hospitality republished the announcement on 14 September.
Jenkins takes over from James B. Clarke, general manager of the London Hilton on Park Lane, and works with the Master Innholders Executive Committee. Francisco Macedo, chief operating officer at Wilderness Reserve, is vice chair.
Jenkins joined The Dorchester in 1981 for her industrial experience while studying for a BA in Hotel and Catering Administration, returned after graduating into events and banqueting, and has been general manager at Coworth Park since 2010.
The Membership the Role Carries
The Master Innholders counts more than 160 members. Membership goes to practising hoteliers from the independent and group sectors by application each year, on evidence of leadership and management plus examples of innovation and change. Applications for 2026 have closed.
The organisation's stated aims are to influence standards and extend professionalism, and to promote consideration, study, discussion and research in areas affecting hotel management. Management development, training, education and recruitment sit inside that list.
It also holds the Master Innholder representatives of The Caterer's Hotelier of the Year award, which the organisation dates to 1983. Franck Arnold of The Savoy holds the 2025 title, Gareth Banner of Ned in the City the 2024 title, and Sally Beck of the Royal Lancaster London the 2019 and 2020 titles.
The Education Budget the Chair Oversees
Jenkins names education as central to her term and cites the Innholder Graduates Programme, the Innholder Scholarships, the GM of the Future and the Neil Bannister Scholarship.
The Innholder Scholarships award places on two courses: the Talent Development Programme at Cranfield University in Buckinghamshire and the General Managers Programme at Cornell University in New York.
The GM of the Future, the Neil Bannister Scholarship, launched in 2019 as the GM of the Future Award and was renamed in 2025 for the late Neil Bannister. The winner receives a fully funded place on the Cranfield Talent Development Programme, valued at 15,000 pounds. The runner-up receives a place on Cranfield's Impact and Influence programme and six 90-minute executive coaching sessions. Applications close on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Innholder Scholarship applications are closed for this cycle.
The Dates the Role Carries
The organisation's diary lists the Innholder Scholars Conference and Annual Dinner at The Cumberland Hotel in London on 6 November, with dinner at Innholder's Hall.
The Hotel Leadership Conference 2027 runs 11-12 January 2027 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel. The Innholder Graduates and Scholars Spring Conference takes place at The Grand in York on 15 March 2027.
The Master Innholders is based at Innholders' Hall, 30 College Street, London EC4R 2RH.
Her Own Words
Jenkins said she was honoured and humbled to accept the role and cited the legacy of the hoteliers who held it before her. She described Clarke's work as outstanding and said that creating pathways for talented people to develop, lead and succeed would be central to her time as chair.
What the Announcement Leaves Unpublished
Neither version publishes remuneration for the office, a nomination process or a vote count. The Institute of Hospitality does not byline its item.