Ben Jeffery, sales and marketing manager of Ironmonger’s Hall for Company of Cooks, was declared the overall winner in front of over 200 hospitality guests. In second place was Anthony Dye from Sodexo with both Lilian Lubowitz from Eve and Keiran McLoughlin from The Genuine Dining Co. highly commended.
The award was created in memory of Robyn Jones OBE who passed away in September 2015. Robyn was known for her tireless work in the mentoring, training and development of young talent.
Sarah Prentice, chair of ACE, commented: “This is my favourite event of the year, and it was brilliant to see such amazing hospitality talent coming together. All of the entries were amazing but the shortlisted ten really did go above and beyond their day job. They are our future leaders and an inspiration to our industry.”
As part of his prize Ben will receive an overnight stay at Art’otel in Battersea and drinks in the Joia Rooftop Bar. He will also receive the Robyns Trophy and lifetime membership of ACE. Ben will be invited to sit on the Board for the next year to ensure ACE considers the needs of the younger generation as it evolves.
Tim Jones, joint founder of CH&CO with his late wife Robyn, was one of the judges and said: “As with last year we had some tremendous entries, making our job of drawing up a shortlist very difficult as many were particularly inspiring, demonstrating the drive and initiative that Robyn was well-known for.
“I would like to congratulate all of the entrants. I know that Robyn would have been very pleased with the winner and with the success of the awards. She would be very humbled that these awards continue in her name.”