Chris Wayne-Wills

With more than 25 years’ senior experience within the hospitality sector, Mr Wayne-Wills has worked with some of the UK’s leading hoteliers including Marriott International, Macdonald Hotels and QHotels.

He began his career as a sales manager before progressing to general manager, regional managing director and then most recently taking on the senior position at Crerar Hotels, which owns seven four- and five-star properties across Scotland.

He has been recognised by CEO Monthly magazine for his influential position at the Scottish hotel group since April 2020, leading the company at a time of uncertainty during the height of the pandemic.

He has successfully led the group’s recovery and overseeing the multi-million-pound transformation and repositioning of several Crerar Hotels properties, including the award-winning Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, and the newly-rebranded Balmoral Arms.

The Most Influential CEO Awards was created by internationally renowned CEO Monthly, part of the AI Global Media group, and recognises the very best leadership figures not only in hospitality, but across all business sectors throughout the UK.

Commenting on the award, Mr Wayne-Wills said: “I am thrilled to have been presented with this honour and to be recognised amongst the leadership figures that shape each industry.

“I joined Crerar Hotels at a very difficult and uncertain time for the hospitality sector and it is the strength and tenacity of the entire team and the strong belief in what we have to offer our guests that has driven us through, that I why I am dedicating this award to my team.

“We have made significant investments in our iconic hotels over the last few years and have driven forward when others held back investment plans. I have huge faith in our hotels, the guest experience we offer and in the locations in which we operate, but it is our wonderful people that make it all come to life. Being recognised with this award is testament to each and every one of them believing in the vision we have for Crerar Hotels.”

His award win comes less than a year after he was appointed the role of chairman of UKHospitality Scotland, the country’s largest hospitality trade body. He is also a trustee of HIT Scotland, a fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and sits on the Institute of Hospitality Scotland committee, making him a leading figure in the industry.