Pericles Yiannakis, who graduated in 2007, took out the Concierge category for his work as Chief Concierge at the Sofitel Brisbane Central. Pericles is also a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or.

Several other individual alumni were also acknowledged as finalists in several other categories.

Steve Anstey, who graduated in 1998 and is now the Group General Manager for Ahuru Resorts in Fiji, was nominated in the General Manager category.

Two BMIHMS alumni were nominated for Australian General Manager: Kelye Woodgate, General Manager at The York by Swiss -Belhotel, and Scott Boyes, Vice President Operations NSW & ACT for Accor Hospitality.

In addition to the individual nominations, a number of properties run by BMIHMS alumni were also nominated.

1998 graduate Nathan Frost is the General Manager at the Novotel Canberra, which was nominated for Business Hotel; James Cavanagh, who graduated in 1996, is the General Manager at Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown NZ, which was nominated for New Zealand Hotel; and The York by Swiss-Belhotel, run by General Manager nominee Kelye Woogate, was also nominated for Serviced Apartment Property.

Laureate Australia General Manager Hospitality, Jerome Casteigt, said Pericles’ win and the additional nominations were a reflection of the high calibre individuals who study at BMIHMS.

“This is a really fantastic achievement for everyone who has been recognised, particularly to Pericles for his win. All of these alumni are incredibly hard working and it’s wonderful to see their efforts being acknowledged by the industry in this way.”

“We pride ourselves on making sure our students are work ready as soon as they graduate, and it’s no coincidence that 96% of our graduates are in full time employment within 3 months of completing there studies. BMIHMS is known for having some of the most diligent and talented students in the industry, and we’re always so proud to share in their career successes,” he said.

The winners were revealed at the HM Awards Gala Presentation Dinner at Sydney Town Hall on Friday, September 2, 2016. In the last 14 years, almost 8000 people have attended the HM Awards and more than 550 awards have been awarded to hotels across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.