Congratulations to the Young Leader Winner of 2024
The Young Leader Award was presented on Wednesday 17 April 2024 by IHIF EMEA and International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) to Briana Swift, Regional Vice President of Development - Northern Europe, Hyatt. This award recognises and celebrates the excellence of young emerging leaders in the hospitality industry.
Swift, with a decade of hospitality experience, drives Hyatt's brand growth in Northern Europe. She spearheads deal sourcing, negotiations, and development strategy, previously supporting expansion in wider Europe and Southwest Asia while at Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
In picture: Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Travel and Hospitality, Questex; Felicity Black-Roberts, Vice President Development & Acquisitions for Hyatt; Briana Swift, Regional Vice President of Development - Northern Europe, Hyatt; Andrea Belfanti, CEO, ISHC.
Recognising and celebrating young leaders in hospitality since 2009
The Young Leader Award was established by The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) and IHIF in 2009 to recognise, and to celebrate the excellence of young emerging leaders in the hospitality industry.
About ISHC - The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) is the go-to hub for global hospitality expertise, with 200+ top professionals spanning six continents. Their members excel in 50+ areas across the industry, ensuring top-notch consulting standards. They vet their members rigorously for integrity and expertise, guaranteeing sound judgment on industry matters. Explore more about ISHC and their qualified members on the ISHC website.
About Questex Hospitality - Questex Hospitality connects you to top-tier buyers and decision-makers in hospitality, from investors to innovators. We open doors for industry professionals, fostering connections with investors and advisors to elevate market value in the experience economy. Gain access to an exclusive buyer market and conduct business effortlessly, with speed and effectiveness. Find out more about Questex Hospitality.
Every year, the Judging Committee will evaluate candidates based on the information you provide on the nomination form, so please be thorough in detail. Some things to consider in your submission:
- The judges are interested in a holistic view of each nominee.
- While financial impact is important, in addition what are some of the non-financial activities/impact the nominee has had on the hospitality industry?
- How has the nominee demonstrated entrepreneurship and innovation in their career thus far?
- What social impact has the nominee had on the hospitality industry?
- What environmental impact has the nominee had on the hospitality industry?
Application process
A Judging Committee will evaluate candidates based on the information you provide on the nomination form, so please be thorough in detail. Candidates must meet the following criteria to apply:
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Is 30 years of age or younger, born on or after 2 April 1994
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Currently works for or directly within the hospitality sector (no vendors/industry suppliers at this time)
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Is recognised by peers and industry members as an emerging leader for the hospitality industry
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Whose contributions are already making an impact on the hospitality industry
Nomination for 2025 opening in Q4 2024.
Please note that all candidates need to be nominated by a sponsor from within their organisation or by someone with direct work experience with the nominee.
In picture: Andrea Belfanti, CEO, ISHC; Florian Montag, Vice President of Business Development at Apaleo; Alexi Khajavi, Group President, Travel and Hospitality, Questex.
