The annual celebration welcomed 37 new Fellows into the IoH College of Fellows and brought together leaders from across the global hospitality profession to recognise exceptional achievement, leadership and contribution to the industry.

Robert Richardson FIH MI, chief executive of the Institute of Hospitality, said: “Caitriona represents the very best of our profession. Her leadership, compassion and commitment to empowering others have transformed lives and strengthened the hospitality community across Northern Ireland and beyond.

“Through her work she has shown how our industry can be both a driver of opportunity and a force for good. The Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award recognises her exceptional achievements and the lasting positive impact she continues to make on our profession.”

Established in 2022, the award celebrates an Institute of Hospitality Fellow who has made a ‘significant and lasting’ impact on both the Institute and the wider hospitality sector.

Her work for The Springboard Charity Northern Ireland has empowered individuals facing barriers such as unemployment and mental health challenges to access meaningful careers in hospitality.

Through initiatives such as Destination Hospitality – Steps to Employment for Ballymena and Hospitality Connects, Lennox  has created sustainable pathways into work, strengthened the talent pipeline and positioned hospitality as an inclusive and aspirational career destination.

Lennox FIH commented: “I am truly delighted and very, very honoured to have been nominated. I am deeply touched by this recognition. Serving our industry is my absolute pleasure every day, and I am proud to celebrate an amazing profession and an amazing charity that supports and helps so many people.”

The other finalists for the Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2025 were:

• Danny Pecorelli FIH - managing director, Exclusive Collection
• Christopher Cowdray FIH - company president, Dorchester Collection
• Jonathan Foot FIH - director skills & early careers, Compass Group UK & Ireland
• Professor Ioannis S. Pantelidis FIH - head of department of hospitality tourism and events management, Ulster University
• Raymond Blanc OBE FIH – chef patron, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons
• Chris Eigelaar FIH MI - managing director, The Belfry Hotel & Resort
• Harry Murray MBE FIH MI - hospitality coach & mentor/ president of HOSPA
• Robin Sheppard FIH – president, Bespoke Hotels
• Kan Koo MBE FIH – director & partner, Cosmo Restaurant Group

The evening also celebrated the achievements of the Institute’s 37 new Fellows, recognising their professional dedication, leadership and contribution to the advancement of the hospitality profession.