Mayor welcomes Ballymena’s Caitriona Lennox after acclaimed IoH Fellows’ Award win

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford pictured with Ballymena woman Caitriona Lennox FIH, Head of Springboard Northern Ireland

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, has officially welcomed Ballymena woman Caitriona Lennox FIH, Head of Springboard Northern Ireland, to his parlour at The Braid to celebrate her receiving the Institute of Hospitality’s prestigious Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2025.

The meeting marked a proud moment for Ballymena, as this is the first time the esteemed recognition has ever been bestowed on anyone from the town.

Ms Lennox received the national honour during the Institute of Hospitality’s annual Fellows’ Dinner on 27 October at The Waldorf Hilton in London.

The award recognises an IoH Fellow who has gone above and beyond in service to both the Institute and the wider hospitality profession.

Why Caitriona Lennox Stood Out

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford pictured with Ballymena woman Caitriona Lennox FIH, Head of Springboard Northern Ireland

The judging panel said that while all nominations this year were exceptional, the choice to honour Catriona was unanimous. Her work through The Springboard Charity Northern Ireland has empowered individuals facing barriers such as unemployment, mental health challenges, and a lack of access to training — helping them secure meaningful careers in hospitality.

Through initiatives including Destination Hospitality – Steps to Employment for Ballymena and Hospitality Connects, Caitriona has strengthened the region’s talent pipeline, championed employability, and positioned hospitality as an inclusive and aspirational career destination.

The Springboard mission, which focuses on “changing lives through hospitality”, continues to play a vital role in unlocking potential and supporting people from all backgrounds to build confidence and skills.

Prestigious UK Shortlist

Ms Lennox was shortlisted alongside some of the most influential names in the UK hospitality sector:

• Raymond Blanc OBE FIH, Belmond Le Manoir

• Christopher Cowdray FIH, Dorchester Collection

• Chris Eigelaar FIH, The Belfry Hotel & Resort

• Jonathan Foot FIH, Compass Group UK & Ireland

• Kan Koo MBE FIH, Cosmo Restaurant Group

• Caitriona Lennox FIH, Springboard UK Ltd

• Harry Murray MBE FIH, HOSPA

• Prof. Ioannis S. Pantelidis FIH, Ulster University

• Danny Pecorelli FIH, Exclusive Collection

• Robin Sheppard FIH, Bespoke Hotels

The high-profile shortlist underlined the significance of Caitriona’s achievement.

Praise from Hospitality Leaders

Congratulating her at the awards ceremony, Robert Richardson FIH MI, Chief Executive of the Institute of Hospitality, said:

“Caitriona represents the very best of our profession. Her leadership, compassion and commitment to empowering others have transformed lives and strengthened the hospitality community across Northern Ireland and beyond.

“Through her work, she has shown how our industry can be both a driver of opportunity and a force for good. The Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award recognises her exceptional achievements and the lasting positive impact she continues to make on our profession.”

On receiving the award, Caitriona Lennox FIH said:

“I am truly delighted and very, very honoured to have been nominated. I am deeply touched by this recognition. Serving our industry is my absolute pleasure every day, and I am proud to celebrate an amazing profession and an amazing charity that supports and helps so many people.”

37 New Fellows Welcomed

The evening also celebrated the induction of 37 new Fellows into the IoH College of Fellows, acknowledging their leadership, expertise and contributions to advancing the hospitality industry.

A rousing address by The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso FIH MI, President of the Institute of Hospitality, brought the event to a close, followed by final reflections from Robert Richardson, who emphasised the responsibility of Fellows to mentor, inspire and embody excellence in global hospitality.