Manager of the Year Award Sponsored by Sona
THE SHORTLIST Helle Jensen
Covent Garden hotel
Tabitha Kirby BaxterStorey
Jennifer McCabe art’otel London Battersea Power Station
Darren Sweetland Mollie’s
THE JUDGES David Connell
Exclusive Collection
Francisco Macedo Cliveden House
Chantelle Nicholson Apricity
Justin Pinchbeck Sheraton Grand
London Park Lane Jane Sunley
Hendrick & Hyde
Joanne Taylor-Stagg The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
WINNER 2024 Helle Jensen, Covent Garden hotel
Helle Jensen, general manager of Covent Gar- den hotel in London, has been hailed by indus- try colleagues as an “unsung hero” who has quietly and firmly paved the way for future leaders of hospitality. She has held the same role for the past
26 years, having cleverly steered the property through numerous challenges. Most recently, this involved a major refurbishment of the kitchen, events and back of house areas. Even with the temporary closures, the hotel experi- enced a significant boost in revenue, as well as consistent positive feedback from both new and regular guests alike. Prior to joining Covent Garden hotel, Jen-
sen was with Firmdale for more than 35 years, starting as a receptionist at the Dorset Square hotel. Her loyalty and dedication is reflected in the attitudes of the team members she has worked with. All staff have an average length of service of four years, with this figure rising to over seven years for senior staff. Some of her longest-standing staff include Nicky, who has been head concierge for 24 years; Fatou, who has been a public area cleaner for 23 years; Wilson, who has been night room service waiter for 17 years; and Joanne, who has man- aged reservations for 14 years. Those who have worked under her lead-
ership praise her passion for the guests and her care and commitment for the wider team, who receive training with Insights Discov- ery and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. People who have learned English as a sec- ond language are also offered extra classes to further enhance their skills. These opportunities are complemented
with wellness initiatives, such as Friday after- noon teas, staff screenings, bingo, raffles and monthly bake sales. Jensen has, in essence, created a community of people who are genu- inely proud to work for Covent Garden hotel.
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“Helle is the all-round star who humbly and quietly
achieves incredible results” Joanne Taylor-Stagg
This community feeling also extends itself
into the wider hospitality sector. Jensen has mentored and inspired countless industry lead- ers, including Jennifer McCabe, general man- ager at art’otel Battersea (another shortlisted nominee); Nicola James, general manager at the Sherlock Holmes hotel; Lisa Brooklyn, director of operations at the Sutton Collec- tion; and Simon Maguire, the former manag- ing director of Luxury Family Hotels. Industry peers have described Jensen as
a “true unsung hero”, who has consistently showcased what it means to be a manager with modesty and elegance. She is someone who embodies how rewarding a career in hos- pitality can be, always seeking to deliver excep- tional service for her guests and her team.
WHAT THE JUDGES SAID “A true unsung hero of our industry. Helle is the all-round star who humbly and quietly achieves incredible results.” Joanne Taylor-Stagg
“This year’s winner is one that deserves this recognition for her continuous commitment to make our profession ever more rewarding.” Francisco Macedo
“Helle is a bit of an unsung hero who has quietly gone about her business and taken her team with her. Many of those that have worked with her have since gone on to have amazing careers, testament to Helle’s mentorship skills.” David Connell
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