👔 Part of Hospitality Awards

World GM Awards

Recognising the general managers and hospitality leaders driving performance, culture and guest experience worldwide — merit-based, jury-led, never by public vote.

60+Countries
35+Industry Awards
5,000+Leaders
8Industry Sectors
0Public Voting
1Dubai Gala Night
About the Programme

Honouring the Leaders Behind Hospitality Excellence

The World GM Awards recognises the general managers and hospitality leaders whose vision and execution drive performance, culture and guest experience. Organised by Golden Tree Events LLC, it forms one of the four flagship programmes under the Hospitality Awards umbrella.

Selection is entirely merit-based and jury-led — independent evaluation, never public voting. Winners are honoured at an annual black-tie gala in Dubai alongside the industry's most respected leaders.

A World GM Awards winner honoured on stage
Who Can Participate

Who Can Enter

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Hotel GMs

General managers leading hotels and resorts of every scale.

🍽️

Restaurant Leaders

Operations directors and restaurant group executives.

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Spa Directors

Wellness and spa leadership across hotels and resorts.

📍

Tourism Executives

Leaders across tourism boards and destination management.

✈️

Aviation Leaders

Executives across airlines and travel operations.

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Hospitality Groups

Regional and corporate leaders across multi-property groups.

Full Category List

Award Categories

In Their Words

Hear From a Winner

Haitham Galal — Dubai, UAE · World GM Awards Winner

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Nomination is free, always. There is no fee of any kind to submit an entry or be evaluated by the independent jury — nothing you pay ever influences the outcome, because there is nothing to pay.

Nomination & Winner Statistics

World GM Awards in Numbers

Official figures for the World GM Awards, award years 2021–2026. A nomination record is one entry; a unique nominee is one organisation or person, however many times it entered. A winner is a record with an official winning category. Records last updated 20 September 2026.

1,486Nomination records
1,271Unique nominees
386Winner records
350Unique winners
124Countries
2021–2026Award years
Recent Winners

20 Recent World GM Awards Winners

Winners recognised by the World GM Awards, most recent award year first, each with a verified profile description and official website. Different organisations from the nominations above.

World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

YOGENDRAN DEVARAJAN

GENERAL MANAGER, ELALA SDN BHD

Winning category: Highly Experienced General Manager

  • Year2026
  • CountryMalaysia
  • IndustryRetail

ELALA SDN BHD is a retail company based in Malaysia, specializing in innovative travel solutions. The organization provides a range of stylish rideable luggage and scooters and is recognized as the winner in the Highly Experienced General Manager category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Paul Kavanagh

General Manager, The Wheatbaker Hotel

Winning category: Best Hospitality Leader in Nigeria

  • Year2026
  • CountryNigeria
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

The Wheatbaker Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel located in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, specializing in premium accommodations and exceptional hospitality services. The hotel is recognized as the winner in the Best Hospitality Leader in Nigeria category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Zayana Anis

General Manager, The Residence Douz By

Winning category: Best General Manager in Tunisia

  • Year2026
  • CountryTunisia
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

The Residence Douz is a hotel and resort located in Tunisia, part of the Cenizaro Hotels & Resorts collection. The organization provides enriching guest experiences and heartfelt hospitality and is recognized as the winner in the Best General Manager category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Mark Broodeyk

General manager, Lion Sands

Winning category: Best Emerging General Manager in South Africa

  • Year2026
  • CountrySouth Africa
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Lion Sands is a luxury hotel and resort located in South Africa, specializing in safari experiences within the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park. The organization is recognized as the winner in the Best Emerging General Manager category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Charl Schoeman

GENERAL MANAGER, ASARA WINE ESTATE AND HOTEL

Winning category: Best Emerging General Manager

  • Year2026
  • CountrySouth Africa
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Asara Wine Estate and Hotel is a luxury hotel and wine estate located in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The estate offers premium wines and exceptional hospitality, recognized in the World GM Awards for Best Emerging General Manager.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Gafar Perk

General Manager, Arkoz Gazbeton A.Ş

Winning category: Best Emerging General Manager

  • Year2026
  • CountryTurkey
  • IndustryManufacturing / Industries

Arkoz Gazbeton A.Ş is a manufacturing company based in Turkey, specializing in the production of high-quality gas concrete products. The organization is recognized as the winner in the Best Emerging General Manager category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Dr. Mahdi Haddadi

CMO & Head of BD, xChief

Winning category: Best Business Excellence General Manager

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryFinance

xChief is a brokerage based in the United Arab Emirates, specializing in online trading of financial derivatives. The organization provides access to a wide range of trading instruments and is recognized as the winner in the Best Business Excellence General Manager category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Borislava Stefanova Lipiyska

Chief Executive officer, Ethno village Dolene

Winning category: Best Innovative General Manager - Travel & Toursim

  • Year2026
  • CountryBulgaria
  • IndustryTravel & Tourism

Ethno Village Dolene is a unique travel destination in Bulgaria, offering immersive cultural experiences and traditional Bulgarian cuisine. The village has been recognized as the winner in the Best Innovative General Manager - Travel & Tourism category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Janelle Corrigan

Office Administrator, Cheval Maison Expo City

Winning category: Best Emerging General Manager - Hospitality

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Cheval Maison Expo City is a luxury hospitality establishment located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The organization offers premium serviced apartments and is recognized in the World GM Awards for Best Emerging General Manager - Hospitality.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Omar Bouchaar

General Manager & Hospitality Executive Consultant, Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Hotel NYC & Fushimi Group Restaurants

Winning category: Best Service Excellence General Manager in United States

  • Year2026
  • CountryUnited States
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Hotel NYC is an eco-friendly hotel located in Brooklyn, United States, specializing in comfortable accommodations and convenient access to New York City attractions. The hotel is recognized as the winner in the Best Service Excellence General Manager category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Tamar Maziashvili

General Manager, hotel- Best Western Premier Batumi

Winning category: Best Emerging General Manager in Georgia

  • Year2026
  • CountryGeorgia
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Best Western Premier Batumi is a hotel located in Batumi, Georgia, operating in the hospitality industry. The hotel offers modern accommodations, a restaurant, and a spa, and is recognized in the World GM Awards for Best Emerging General Manager in Georgia.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Ines Bonito Ladislau

General Manager, Convent Square Hotel

Winning category: Best Young General Manager

  • Year2026
  • CountryPortugal
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Convent Square Hotel is a luxury hotel located in Lisbon, Portugal, operating in the hospitality industry. The hotel offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities and is recognized in the World GM Awards for Best Young General Manager.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Manuela Pais

General Manager, Boricas Hotel Art & Spa

Winning category: Best Emerging General Manager in Portugal

  • Year2026
  • CountryPortugal
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Boricas Hotel Art & Spa is a luxury hotel located in Portugal, specializing in hospitality and wellness services. The establishment is recognized as the winner in the Best Emerging General Manager in Portugal category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2026

Cesare

Hotel Manager, Mansi

Winning category: Most Promising General Manager

  • Year2026
  • CountryItaly
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Mansi is a General Manager based in Italy, specializing in the hospitality industry. The organization operates a collection of creative hotels and restaurants across Europe and is recognized as the winner in the Most Promising General Manager category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2025

Mohamad Negro

Cluster Marketing Manager, Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah & Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira

Winning category: Highly Successful General Manager - Hospitality

  • Year2025
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Crowne Plaza Dubai Jumeirah & Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira are hotels located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, specializing in hospitality services. The organization is recognized as the winner in the Highly Successful General Manager - Hospitality category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2025

Florian Niessing

Resort Manager, Naama Beach Villas & Spa

Winning category: Best Emerging General Manager - Hospitality

  • Year2025
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Naama Beach Villas & Spa is a luxury resort located in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The resort features 44 private villas, each with its own pool, and is recognized in the World GM Awards for Best Emerging General Manager - Hospitality.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2025

Mohammed Iqbal

General Manager, Khalidia Palace Hotel Dubai L.L.C

Winning category: Highly Experienced General Manager - Hospitality

  • Year2025
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Khalidia Palace Hotel Dubai L.L.C is a five-star hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, operating in the hospitality industry. The hotel provides luxurious accommodations, dining experiences, and event spaces, and is recognized as the winner in the Highly Experienced General Manager - Hospitality category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2025

Mario Paglia

Cluster General Manager, Aethos Hotels

Winning category: Best Emerging General Manager - Hospitality

  • Year2025
  • CountryItaly
  • IndustryHotels & Resorts

Aethos Hotels is a collection of luxury hotels and members' clubs based in Italy, specializing in wellness and community experiences. The organization is recognized as the winner in the Best Emerging General Manager - Hospitality category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2025

Sailesh Malhotra

General Manager, Geidea Payments

Winning category: Most Promising General Manager - Finance

  • Year2025
  • CountryUnited Arab Emirates
  • IndustryFinance

Geidea Payments is a payment solutions provider based in the United Arab Emirates, specializing in integrated payment and business management solutions. The organization is recognized as the winner in the Most Promising General Manager - Finance category at the World GM Awards.

Official website ↗
World GM AwardsWinner · 2025

Ryan Duffy

General Manager, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High

Winning category: Best Young General Manager - Food & Beverages

  • Year2025
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • IndustryRestaurant / F & B

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in London, UK, known for its exquisite fine dining experience. The establishment is recognized in the World GM Awards for Best Young General Manager - Food & Beverages.

Official website ↗
Testimonial Videos

What World GM Awards Winners Say

Winners of the World GM Awards, in their own words, filmed at the awards ceremony.

Haitham Galal — Dubai (UAE) · World GM Awards

Nidal Saloum — Abudhabi(UAE) · World GM Awards

Ramy Waheed — African Tourism Board · World GM Awards

Samir Messaoudi — Oman · World GM Awards

Haitham Galal — Dubai (UAE) · World GM Awards

Mrad El Khoury · World GM Awards

FAQ

World GM Awards: Frequently Asked Questions

Twenty answers to the questions most often searched about the World GM Awards — eligibility, categories, deadlines, judging and what winners receive.

An international recognition programme for general managers and hospitality leaders, judged as individuals by an independent jury: 1,486 nomination records and 386 winners from 124 countries, 2021–2026.
Categories include Best General Manager – Hospitality, Best Young General Manager, Best Emerging General Manager, Most Valuable General Manager, Highly Experienced General Manager and Best Hospitality Leader.
Complete the online nomination form, select the World GM Awards, choose the category and describe the manager's role, achievements and leadership record. A property can nominate its own general manager, and self-nominations are accepted.
No. Submitting a nomination is free of charge. Winner package costs apply only to winners who choose to take a package.
An independent jury assesses leadership results — guest satisfaction, team culture, commercial performance and the property's reputation — against the published criteria. There is no public voting.
Nominations close on 15 October 2026. Jury review runs from 20 September to 20 October 2026; winners are confirmed and notified privately between 3 to 30 October 2026.
General managers, hotel managers, cluster and regional general managers and other property leaders in hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas and wider hospitality businesses.
Yes. Best Young General Manager and Best Emerging General Manager recognise leaders early in their career or newly appointed to their first general-manager role.
General managers from 124 countries have entered, and the programme is open to leaders in 200+ countries and territories.
An official winner notification, a listing in the public winner directory with category, organisation and year, and — through the optional winner package — trophy, certificate, digital winner seal and media materials.
The winner directory lists every recorded winner by year and programme; twenty recent winners are shown on this page and each country page lists its own.
The gala ceremony takes place on 14 November 2026 at the Westin Marina Hotel, Dubai, UAE, presenting winners from all five hospitality programmes.
No. Winners are decided by the jury before the gala and notified privately; those who cannot attend receive their trophy and materials afterwards.
Concrete results: occupancy, revenue or rating improvements, openings or turnarounds, team development, guest feedback and industry standing, with evidence the jury can assess.
Yes. The general manager enters the World GM Awards as an individual while the property enters the International Travel Awards; each is judged separately.
Yes. Leaders of restaurants, spas, travel businesses and other hospitality organisations can enter the leadership categories.
Yes. It is the leadership programme among the five united on Hospitality Awards, recognising the people who run hospitality businesses.
Recognition by an independent jury is a credential a leader can cite in their profile, their property's communications and industry networks. It is earned on merit and is not a guarantee of any outcome.
Yes, where they hold day-to-day leadership responsibility for the property or business, in the category that best fits the role.
The award categories page lists every general-manager and hospitality-leadership category, and the nomination form shows the categories open for the current season.
Nominations Open Now — 100% Free to Enter

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