Meet the HSMAI Awards Europe 2024 Winners!
One of HSMAI Europes strategic priorities is to inspire the next generation of leaders in the hospitality industry and many of our categories reflect that. The annual HSMAI Awards Europe recognize both individual and corporate achievements within the hospitality industry. From the most inspiring sales, marketing, and revenue management professionals to the leading employers, brands and sustainability initiatives, these awards recognize the people, teams, and organisations driving industry change.
The awards were handed out at the HSMAI Awards Europe dinner on the evening of January 16th 2025, in conjunction with the HSMAI Europe Commercial Strategy Conference at the Savoy Hotel in London.
The winners of all of the Individual Achievement Awards, next to recognition, wins free attendance including hotel and travel to the HSMAI Europe Commercial Camp 2025.
These are the winners of the HSMAI Awards Europe 2024:
Marketing Talent of the Year Award


Becky Lean
Senior Marketing Executive, Cycas Hospitality
The winner of the Marketing Professional of the Year Award has displayed remarkable creativity, strategic acumen, and a passion for driving results. She has consistently delivered innovative campaigns that enhance visibility, engagement, and revenue, tackling challenges with forward-thinking solutions and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Her ability to lead across diverse markets and champion impactful initiatives has set her apart, driving not only commercial success but also advancements in sustainability and collaboration.
We are proud to honor someone who has launched a standout hotel in a competitive market, driven success across multiple countries, and inspired her team to achieve new heights. The winner is Becky Lean!
Shortlisted:
- Rebecca Knaeuper, Sn Manager Loyalty Marketing Europe, Marriott International
- Sarah Wong, Senior Marketing Executive, Aimbridge Hospitality
- Tanita Gill, Marketing Manager, Aloft & Eastside Rooms
- Tina Bricknell, Director of Sales & Marketing, The View Hotel Eastbourne
- Lauma Turnele, Digital Marketer, Thon Hotels
Sales Talent of the Year Award


Elinor Dunn
Director of Sales & Marketing, Hotel Indigo Manchester Victoria Station, Aimbridge Hospitality
The Sales Talent of the Year Award celebrates individuals who bring creativity, leadership, and innovation to the forefront of their work. This year’s winner exemplifies these qualities, having delivered outstanding results in a highly competitive market while inspiring their team and driving measurable success across multiple areas.
Through strategic initiatives, they have transformed underperforming spaces into thriving destinations and cultivated partnerships that enhance both guest experiences and revenue streams. Their leadership has strengthened team performance, nurturing talent and building a culture of collaboration and excellence. With a focus on innovation and results, they’ve driven growth in key metrics, solidifying their hotel’s position in the market.
It is with great pride that we announce that the winner is Elinor Dunn!
Shortlisted:
- Emma Volpei, Sales Manager at Marriott
Revenue Management Talent of the year


Dimitar Avramov
Associate Director of Revenue Management, The Club by Radisson Hotel Group
The Revenue Management Talent of the Year recognizes an exceptional professional whose contributions have redefined revenue management through innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
From starting as a Revenue Management trainee to becoming Associate Director of Revenue Management with The Club of Revenue at Radisson Hotel Group, this individual has demonstrated remarkable creativity and strategic vision. Consistently delivering outstanding results, they have driven profitability, fostered collaboration, and mentored colleagues, elevating the discipline of revenue management.
Their dedication to growth, genuine character, and ability to inspire have earned them admiration from peers and General Managers alike.
It is with great pleasure that we announce the winner is Dimitar Avramov!
Best use of Employer Brand


Thon Hotels
The Best Use of Employer Brand Award celebrates an organisation that has gone above and beyond to attract talent while enhancing its overall brand identity. This year’s winner has set a remarkable example of creativity and precision in meeting a challenging recruitment objective.
Faced with the task of finding a unique candidate for a remote and awe-inspiring location, they crafted a campaign that not only highlighted the opportunity but also showcased their values as an employer. Through powerful storytelling, engaging visuals, and thoughtful targeting, they captured the imagination of potential candidates while significantly exceeding benchmarks for engagement and reach.
This innovative approach delivered outstanding results, including finding the perfect candidate for the role. We are thrilled to announce that the winner of the Best Use of Employer Brand Award is Thon Hotels!
Best use of Brand


Le Méridien Marriott Bonvoy
The Best Use of Brand Award celebrates an organisation that has reimagined its identity to strengthen its connection with guests and stand out in a competitive landscape. This year’s winner has set a new standard for how a brand can evolve and innovate, crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences across the globe.
Through thoughtfully designed programmes, creative campaigns, and a clear vision, they have enhanced their brand’s presence while delivering meaningful and memorable guest experiences. By aligning their messaging, guest offerings, and marketing strategy, they have achieved remarkable results that showcase the power of a unified brand approach.
It is with great anticipation that we announce the winner of the Best Use of Brand Award is Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts!
Shortlisted:
- The River Inn
- The Autograph Collection, Marriott Bonvoy
- TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia
Best Social Media Presence


Red Carnation Hotels
Social media has become a vital platform for connecting with guests and communities, and this year’s winner of the Best Social Media Presence Award exemplifies innovation and engagement in every post. The winning team has demonstrated a creative and impactful approach to storytelling, amplifying the voices of both staff and guests. By embracing user-generated content and fostering meaningful collaborations, their strategy celebrates the human side of hospitality.
Their ability to capture moments from everyday life at their properties—whether through local initiatives, influencer partnerships, or guest interactions—has strengthened their global reach and brand presence. The results speak for themselves: increased engagement, follower growth, and a vibrant online community built on authenticity and connection.
It is with admiration we announce the winner of this award: Red Carnation Hotels.
Shortlisted:
- Thon Hotels – Authenticity in Social Media
Best Digital Marketing Campaign


Joy of the Journey, Preferred Hotels & Resorts
The Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award recognises campaigns that push boundaries, captivating audiences with creativity, impactful storytelling, and measurable success. This year’s winner harnessed the power of digital platforms to engage a global community, create meaningful connections, and deliver impressive results.
By integrating diverse elements such as visual storytelling, interactive experiences, and collaborative partnerships, the campaign redefined audience engagement, inspiring participation across platforms. Its innovative use of targeted content and strategic activations effectively united stakeholders, amplifying the brand’s reach and resonance.
With millions of impressions, exceptional engagement, and measurable growth, this campaign sets a benchmark for creativity and impact in digital marketing. The winner of the Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award is Preferred Hotels & Resorts for their outstanding campaign!
Shortlisted:
- Room to Play Your way, Moxy Hotels
- London’s Blooming, 55 by Le Mirage – Cycas Hospitality
- The Belsfield Hotel campaign, Aimbridge
- Colourful Friday, Thon Hotels
HSMAI Europe Sustainability Award


room2 Hometels, Lamington Group
The HSMAI Europe Sustainability Award recognises an organisation that integrates innovation, environmental responsibility, and community well-being into its operations. This year’s winner demonstrates how sustainability and comfort can thrive together, setting new benchmarks for the industry.
Their initiatives include energy-saving technologies like air source heat pumps, onsite solar energy, and advanced insulation, drastically cutting emissions while maintaining guest comfort. Circular economy practices shine through recycled fishing nets used in carpets and reclaimed materials in furniture. With certifications like B Corp and WELL Standard Platinum, and an ambitious Net Zero Roadmap targeting a 46% carbon reduction by 2030, their impact is undeniable.
Through transparent ESG reporting, sustainability events, and community partnerships, they continue to inspire others across the sector. We are delighted to reveal that the winner of the of the HSMAI Europe Sustainability Award is room2 Hometels, Lamington Group!
Shortlisted:
- Red Carnation Hotels
- Inhabit Queen’s Gardens Hotel, Montcalm Collection
- Sofitel London St James
- Staybridge Suites Brighton
Sales Professional of the Year


Johan Wretenheim Skog
Key Account Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts
The winner of the Sales Professional of the Year Award has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and a client-centric approach that has driven outstanding results. This individual has mastered the art of aligning stakeholder and client interests, cultivating strong relationships, and delivering innovative solutions that consistently exceed expectations.
Their strategic initiatives have secured remarkable revenue growth, including a 250% increase in project business. They have enhanced collaboration across teams, developed educational resources, and streamlined processes, ensuring seamless client partnerships. As a Corporate Responsibility Ambassador, they have also integrated sustainability into client strategies, showcasing a commitment to aligning business goals with meaningful initiatives.
It is with great pleasure that we announce the winner is Johan Wretenheim Skog!
Shortlisted:
- Arif Panjwani, Account Director – Business Development, IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Sheena Evans, Senior Key Account Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Isabelle Salau, Multi-Property Director of Sales & Marketing, Frankfurt Airport Marriott & Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center
- Yannick van Huissteden, Director of Sales & Distribution, Marriott Munich City West
- Nadege Hauduc, Director of Sales, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
- David Khan, Director of Sales Nordics, Nordic Hotels & Resorts
- Beatrice Puma, Area Director of Sales, Cycas Hospitality
- Leanne Bladen, Director of Sales & Marketing, Aloft & Eastside Rooms
- Paul Hollywood, Country Director of Sales UK & Ireland, The Club by Radisson Hotel Group
- Luke Balcombe, Sales & Marketing Director, Crowne Plaza Newcastle
- Aziza Yessi, Director of Sales, Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
- Madeleine Hawley, Director of Sales & Marketing, Holiday Inn & Ibis Budget Manchester Airport
- Silvia Abreu, Senior Cluster Director of Sales, Cycas Hospitality
- Elisabeth Espana, Account Director, IHG Global Sales – Groups & Events, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Revenue Optimization Professional of the Year


Mark Braune
Director Revenue & Distribution, Ruby Hotels
The winner of the Revenue Optimization Professional of the Year Award has shown exceptional strategic insight, innovative thinking, and a relentless focus on delivering results. Through a combination of creativity and technical expertise, this individual has consistently driven impressive revenue growth and operational excellence in the face of industry challenges.
By leveraging data-driven strategies and fostering collaboration across teams, they have implemented impactful solutions that streamline processes and elevate commercial performance. Their leadership has made a tangible difference, not only in optimizing revenue but also in advancing the tools and strategies that support long-term success.
We are proud to announce that the winner is Mark Braune!
Shortlisted:
- Dany Katra, Revenue Success Lead, Accor Revenue Strategy, Accor
- Stephanie Hughes, Cluster Revenue Manager, Holiday Inn Manchester Airport & Ibis Budget Manchester Airport
- Patricia Cucalon, Associate Director of Revenue Management, The Club by Radisson Hotel Group
- Giri Balbhadra, Senior Portfolio Manager, IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Anthony Hidalgo,Revenue Performance Manager, IHG Revenue Services
- Tracy Nichols, Revenue Services Performance Director, UK&I, IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Corina Martin, Revenue Performance Manager, Northern Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts
- Spyros Ioannidis, General manager, TRYP by Wyndham Corfu Dassia Greece
Revenue Management Team of the Year


The Accor Revenue Strategy Team, Accor
The Revenue Management Team of the Year Award celebrates a group whose exceptional innovation, collaboration, and leadership have redefined industry standards. This year’s winner has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to overcome challenges, integrate new talent, and build systems that empower their entire organization.
By focusing on culture, standards, and tools, this team has transformed how revenue management is approached. In 2024, they launched two global Revenue Excellence Centers, providing seamless, 21-hour support, while doubling RMS coverage and uniting colleagues from across the globe under a shared vision of success. Their efforts have not only driven results but also strengthened the foundations of revenue management for the future.
It is with great pride that we reveal the Accor Revenue Strategy Team as the Revenue Management Team of the Year!
Shortlisted:
- Cheval Collection Revenue Team
- Ruby’s Revenue Team, Ruby Hotels
- IHG Revenue Services Europe
HSMAI Europe Jury

Please contact us at postbox@hsmai.eu for photos from the Awards dinner.
About HSMAI Europe
HSMAI – Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International – is a global organization founded in the US in 1927. HSMAI Region Europe is the European arm of the organisation. HSMAI Europe aims to be a key influencer, pioneer and the go-to industry resource for professional development, commercial strategies and sustainability in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry. www.hsmai.eu




















