Paula Rogers,founder and CEO of City-based Admiral Recruitment, presented the winner of the inaugural Corporate Receptionist of the Year Awards held on 8^th May at the leading investment bank, Nomura, in London.

The winner, Kitija Lace, receptionist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, was chosen from ten overall finalists. Highly commended went to Dorota Wisniowska, a receptionist at Channel 4.

Paula Rogers said: “At Admiral Recruitment we care passionately about recognising outstanding talent and creating opportunities for candidates and staff to shine so we were delighted to sponsor this award.

“The highlight for me of being a judge was having the opportunity to spend the day at our HQ with the ten wonderful finalists. It was obvious how much effort, research and training had gone into their preparation which really shows what this award means to each one of them.

 “Although all of the finalists were outstanding, when it came to the overall winner, it was about rewarding someone who stood out on all fronts – from how they presented themselves and how they engage with people – to their absolute professionalism and obvious love of their role.”

Admiral Recruitment works in partnership with a select portfolio of high profile clients to provide tailored front of house talent, from senior reception management through to reception, concierge and back office roles.

For over 24 years, this owner-managed, specialist company has built its entire reputation on the relationships it holds with clients and candidates, with placements ranging from senior management to junior in permanent, interim and short-term roles.

“We know first-hand the difference a good receptionist can make to a company’s reputation. There is no doubt whatsoever that the role of a receptionist is a crucial role in any business. They say that the first three seconds of walking into a building determines how one feels about a company. A warm welcome and a smile say it all. In fact, whether you are face-to-face or at the end of a phone, that smiles always counts,” said Paula.

“It was an absolute pleasure to present Kitija with this well-deserved award.”

This new awards programme is the brain child of Greg Mace, managing director of Rapport, to showcase brilliant receptionists in the corporate world.