Springboard NI Head, Ballymena’s Caitriona Lennox recognised for transforming lives through hospitality

Ballymena woman Caitriona Lennox FIH, Head of Springboard Northern Ireland with her award

Ballymena woman Caitriona Lennox FIH, Head of Springboard Northern Ireland, has been named winner of the Institute of Hospitality’s prestigious Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2025 — the first time this esteemed recognition has been bestowed on anyone from Ballymena.

The award, presented at the annual Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Fellows’ Dinner held on 27 October at The Waldorf Hilton, London, celebrates exceptional achievement, leadership and service within the hospitality profession.

Springboard, the organisation led by Ms Lennox in Northern Ireland, works to “change lives through hospitality” by helping people from all backgrounds to build skills, confidence and sustainable careers in the sector.

Through her leadership, Caitriona has been instrumental in creating inclusive employment pathways that empower individuals and strengthen the hospitality industry’s workforce.

Prestigious Shortlist Showcases UK Hospitality Excellence

The Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award recognises an IoH Fellow who has gone above and beyond in giving back to both the Institute and the wider hospitality industry.

The 2025 shortlist reflected the very highest calibre of UK hospitality leadership, featuring some of the most respected figures in the sector, including:

• 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 Shortlist

The inclusion of such renowned leaders from across the hospitality spectrum underscored the exceptional level of recognition represented by this award and highlighted the significance of Caitriona Lennox’s achievement among such distinguished peers.

Congratulating her on the accolade, 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.”

The judging panel said that while all nominations this year were of an exceptional standard, the decision to honour Caitriona was unanimous.

Her work through The Springboard Charity Northern Ireland has supported individuals facing barriers such as unemployment and mental health challenges, helping them to access meaningful careers in hospitality.

Among her flagship initiatives are Destination Hospitality – Steps to Employment for Ballymena and Hospitality Connects, both of which have created sustainable employment routes, strengthened the local talent pipeline, and positioned hospitality as an inclusive and aspirational career choice.

Caitriona speaking after accepting her award

Speaking after receiving her 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.”

The ceremony also welcomed 37 new Fellows into the IoH College of Fellows, marking their leadership and contribution to advancing the hospitality profession. Among those recognised were senior figures from across the UK and international hospitality sectors, including executives from major hotel groups, universities and hospitality businesses.

A highlight of the evening was a rousing after-dinner address by The Rt Hon. the Viscount Thurso FIH MI, President of the Institute of Hospitality.

The event closed with remarks from Robert Richardson FIH MI, who reflected that membership of the IoH College of Fellows represents a promise “to lead with purpose, to mentor and inspire others, and to strengthen the global hospitality community through a shared commitment to excellence.”