Magdalena Zuchowicz from the Sheraton Belgravia will represent the UK in the international Receptionist of the Year competition having won this year’s national competition.
The competition, organised by the AICR (the international association of front of house managers of luxury hotels), has been running for 25 years and Zuchowicz will travel to Madrid for the finals where she will compete against 14 entrants from around the world.
Entries were received from across the UK, with 17 selected to go through to the semi-final interview stage hosted at the London Marriott Hotel Park Lane. Six finalists were then selected and asked to attend a further interview and perform role play for a panel of judges from across the hotel industry.
Zuchowicz came out on top, beating Zoeb Manji from the Crowne Plaza Docklands into second place. Her prize includes a summer course of her choice at the Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne.
The judges were:
Julia Sibley – CEO Savoy Education Trust
Graham Bamford – General Manager Royal Garden Hotel
Helen Morris – Business Manager Portfolio
Susan Craig – Portico Corporate Reception
Smita Appadoo – Receptionist of the Year 2008
The six finalists were:
Emmanuele Tixi – Connaught hotel
Magdalena Zuchowicz – Sheraton Belgravia
Valeria Borrini – Dorchester hotel
Concetta Allotta – Jumeirah Carlton Tower
Zoeb Manji – Crowne Plaza Docklands
Karen Steenken – Dorchester hotel
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By James Stagg
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