Harry Murray MBE, President of HOSPA, has stepped down as Chairman of the award-winning Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa after 25 years of service - with 31st December 2021 being his last day in the role.
Murray was appointed Managing Director in 1997 with a vision of making the hotel the best country house hotel in the UK. As MD, Harry helped to develop the hotel from AA Four Black Stars to AA Five Red Stars with a Michelin Star Restaurant and an award-winning, world-class spa.
He became Chairman in 2010, the year the hotel won ‘Independent Hotel of the Year Catey ‘and the ‘AA Independent Hotel of the Year’. The Hotel is a member of Relais & Chateaux and Pride of Britain. In addition to 42 bedrooms and suites, the hotel now has six deluxe cottages — with two more opening in the New Year.
Murray has managed luxury international hotels across five decades and has been recognised with numerous awards for his tireless efforts to raise standards of excellence and to inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders.
His awards include an MBE for services to the hospitality industry, Catey Hotelier of the Year, Catey Lifetime Achievement Award, AA Lifetime Achievement Award, Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award, an Honorary MBA at The University of West London, and an Honorary Degree of Doctor at the University of Essex.
Murray said, “My time at Lucknam Park has been an enjoyable and memorable journey and any success I have achieved both personally and at the hotel is due to the full support of the owners, directors, and a highly motivated and skilled team. I depart with a feeling of great pride as the hotel was recently named UK’s Best Hotel in Conde Nast 2021 Readers Choice Award. I wish the owners, directors and the team continued success.”
Murray, who celebrates 40 years as a Master Innholder in 2022, will focus on mentoring and helping to coach and inspire the next generation of hospitality leaders. He will continue as President of HOSPA, as an Ambassador & Patron at Hospitality Action, Springboard, Be Inclusive Hospitality, Institute of Hospitality, and the Hoteliers Guild. He will also continue supporting UK Hospitality and remain in his position as a Governor of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.