Alexandra Sollis, guest relations manager at The Gleneagles Hotel, has been announced as the inaugural recipient of the Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship.
Launched with the Savoy Educational Trust in honour of the late Ramon Pajares OBE, who was described as ‘an esteemed hospitality leader and cherished member of both organisations’, the new Scholarship aims to support rising stars in the hospitality industry with a tailored programme of mentorship, development opportunities, and financial assistance.
Sollis reportedly stood out among an exceptionally strong field of candidates, being recognised for her ‘potential, drive, and commitment to personal and professional growth’.
Chief executive officer at The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, Lisa Jenkins, said: “Alex is inspiring, because whilst she is already extremely accomplished, she also knows she is not the finished article and understands the value of mentorship.
“She is hungry to learn, determined and proactive, and her positivity is infectious.”
Chief Executive at The Savoy Educational Trust, Angela Maher, added: “Alexandra was amazing on the day of judging, and it was an absolute pleasure to hear about her journey so far, as well as learning about her future aspirations.
“It is wonderful to witness such passion for the industry, and this really shone through. Alexandra is a deserving beneficiary of the Ramon Pajares Excellence Scholarship, and we very much look forward to having played some small part in her journey going forward.”
Alexandra will receive a £5000 cash award from the Savoy Educational Trust and be paired with a mentor from the panel of industry judges, which included Sandeep Bhalla, general manager at The Connaught; Melissa Fergus, general manager, Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London; Howard Field, chair at The Savoy Educational Trust; Zoe Jenkins, general manager at Coworth Park, Ascot; Angela Maher, CEO of The Savoy Educational Trust; and Guillaume Marly, general manager at the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch.
