Company boss behind two luxurious Aberdeenshire hotels earns ancient award - Aberdeen Live

The chief executive of a company which owns two luxurious Aberdeenshire hotels is set to receive an ancient award.

Chris Wayne-Wills of Crerar Hotels Group has earned the prestigious title of Master Innholder. He is the only Scottish hotelier nominated by the Worshipful Company of Innholders.

The group, which owns the four-star Thainstone House in Inverurie and the five-star Balmoral Arms in Ballater, joins businesses like Four Seasons, The Goring and Hand Picked in winning the accolade.

The award celebrates those who have made names for themselves as industry leaders and set the standard for the next generation of hospitality talent.

As well as looking after seven Scottish hotels in his role as chief executive, Mr Wayne-Wills is also the Scottish chair of UK Hospitality. He was also recently named the 'Most Influential Hotels Group CEO of the Year' for 2023 by CEO Monthly Magazine.

He is also a trustee of HIT Scotland, a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and sits on the Institute of Hospitality Scotland committee.

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This June, Mr Wayne-Wills will attend a prestigious black-tie dinner at the Innholders Hall in London in which he will receive the award, medal and the Master Innholder certificate.

Later this year, he will be granted the freedom of the City of London in a ceremony at Guildhall as a benefit of being a Master Innholder.

Mr Wayne-Wills said: “It is a true honour to be the only Scottish-based hotelier to be accepted as a Master Innholder this year.

"The title is nationally recognised as a prestigious force for good and a standard bearer across the industry. It’s also a proud moment as this has been a career long ambition for me.

“In the very early stages of my career, I was awarded a Savoy Educational Trust scholarship in association with the Worshipful Company of Innholders and I attended the Developing General Management programme at Cranfield University School of Management in 2000.

"This was pivotal at this time in my career so to now be a Master Innholder and be able to give back and support the opportunities for development for others is an honour.

“The work I do with Crerar Hotels Group, UK Hospitality and beyond, shines a light on the ambition and willing of hoteliers across the country to help and support each other and their local economies and it is a true privilege to be recognised with this title.

“There are many great inspirational hotel leaders who I’ve had the pleasure to learn from throughout my career such as Peter Lederer, Stephen Carter and Peter Taylor who are all Master Innholders, it is fantastic that I can follow in their footsteps.

"Taking on this title will allow me to continue to my work in supporting and influencing the hospitality stars of tomorrow which is something I am incredibly passionate about.”

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