The awards, now in their 35th year, were created in recognition of Olive Barnett, a pioneer of high standards in the hotel industry.
Organised by the hospitality careers charity Springboard, the awards aim to reward young employees with customer-facing roles in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industries.
Olive Barnett Award 2011 Winner
Riccio, who is Guest Services Manager at Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons for her passion for her career in hospitality, as well as her understanding of the sector and the changing needs of hospitality businesses.
Following the awards ceremony held last night at the Savoy, Assia Riccio said: “It is a professional and personal achievement to win this Award. It has been very intense but the knowledge which I have gained from this experience is immense. This experience has really helped me mature as a person and network with great industry professionals.”
As part of her award, Assia will receive a career development grant of £1,750 per year for two years, donated by the Savoy Educational Trust. She will also spend one week on the Lausanne Executive Education Summer Programme, provided by the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland.
Olive Barnett Award 2011 Runners up
Shankhanhil Roy, Assistant Food and Beverage Manager at The London Marriott Hotel, Regents Park, received the first runner up award, which includes a development grant of £1,250 per year for two years.
Second runner up was Adam Beck, Assistant Restaurant Manager at The Grove Hotel, who will receive a development grant of £750 for the same period.