Gareth Banner, Group Director of The Ned in the City of London, has been awarded the prestigious Hotelier of the Year 2024.
The judges praised him for his exceptional leadership and ability to manage one of the UK’s most complex hotel and members club operations.
The Ned opened in 2017 following a £200m refurbishment of the former City bank, making it one of the most anticipated openings of the year.
Following Ned’s high-profile launch, Gareth Banner has turned the venue into a successful, diversified business with a forecast gross revenue of £100m this year and occupancy rates in excess of 80%.
In his role, Gareth Banner oversees a 900-strong team that supports Ned’s various operations, including its 10 restaurants, 17 bars, 250 bedrooms, swimming pool, spa, late-night lounge and barbershop.
The success of the London opening has led to the international expansion of the brand. Ned NoMad in New York and Ned Doha both launched in 2022. A fourth location will open in Washington DC, with new locations planned for the Cotswolds and other locations in Europe and North America.
Banner received the Hotelier of the Year 2024 award yesterday (October 30) at a gala lunch at Gleneagles in Perthshire.
A panel of industry experts and former Hoteliers of the Year praised Gareth Banner as a “modern hotelier” who is adept at managing multiple roles.
Gordon Campbell Grey, Hotelier of the Year 2002, said: “There are so many wonderful and excellent hoteliers, but few can claim to oversee such an astonishing array of complex operations as Ned.
“Gareth has done it with grit and dedication, which has contributed enormously to its current success on so many levels.”
Hotelier of the Year 2019 Sally Beck said: “His energy is contagious and he works hard to lift people up and find solutions for the greater good. He’s an inspiration and a really good guy!”
Around 20 former Hoteliers of the Year, including Jonathan Raggett (2009), Patrick Elsmie (2004), Peter Lederer (1997) and Harry Murray (1986), were present at the celebratory lunch hosted by 2023 winner Conor O’Leary. CEO of Gleneagles Hotel.
