Ewa Gillan, a 23-year-old Sales & Marketing Executive at South Belfast’s newly transformed Malone Hotel, has been named one of the UK hospitality industry’s brightest young stars.
Ewa has been officially announced as one of the prestigious Boutique Hotelier Power List 2026, earning a coveted spot in the ‘Young Trailblazers’ category. The national list celebrates just 60 of the most innovative and impactful hoteliers across the entire UK sector. Ewa is one of only two hoteliers from Northern Ireland to make the definitive 2026 lineup, sharing the regional spotlight with industry veteran James McGinn of Hastings Hotels, representing a powerful cross-generational win for local tourism.
Ewa, from East Belfast, joined the team in October 2025 ahead of the property’s massive, multi-million-pound rebrand and 18-month refurbishment, which saw the former Malone Lodge Hotel completely reimagined into The Malone – a sleek, luxury 103-bedroom four-star boutique destination in the heart of the Queen’s Quarter. The hotel was recently named by The Times as one of the ‘Best New Hotels in the UK.’
Ewa is one of only two hoteliers from Northern Ireland to make the definitive 2026 lineup, sharing the regional spotlight with industry veteran James McGinn of Hastings Hotels, representing a powerful cross-generational win for local tourism.
Gareth Macklin, director of The Malone, commended Ewa on this national achievement:
“We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to see Ewa recognised on a national stage. This accolade is a testament to her strong work ethic, creativity, and commercial drive. Ewa came on board during a pivotal 18-month transformation for The Malone, and her vision has been central to putting our new luxury boutique experience on the map To see a young person from Belfast standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the top hospitality talent in the UK, and alongside established industry leaders in Northern Ireland like James McGinn, is just fantastic.”
Speaking of her inclusion in the Power List, Ewa Gillan said: “Being named a Young Trailblazer on a UK-wide power list is completely surreal. Helping to shape the new era of The Malone during our recent refurbishment has been an incredible journey, and to be recognised among the top talent in the UK hospitality industry, is just amazing.”
The recognition comes at a milestone year for The Malone. Having recently celebrated its official grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Macklin family and Olympic gold medalist Lady Mary Peters, the hotel’s extensive redesign boasts a refreshed Gallery restaurant, and the Greyhound Bar.
With local talent like Ewa driving its vision forward, The Malone is firmly cementing its position as one of Northern Ireland’s leading luxury boutique destinations.
