Katariina Reissaar MIH, IoH Youth Council Chair, and Front of House Manager at Leonardo Royal Hotels and Kelly-Marie Staunton MIH, IoH Diversity and Inclusion Future Forum Chair and Director of Spa and Leisure at Macdonald Hotels, are among the winners of the 2023 Acorn Awards, announced today (5 June 2023), at the Harbour Hotel, Southampton, England.
Alongside other IoH members who also received an award, The Acorns, organised by The Caterer magazine, recognise the top 30 most inspirational leaders in hospitality under the age of 30.
The Top 30 under 30, as it is also known, are in their 37th year and aim to represent the great diversity of the sector and acknowledge the brightest, and most passionate prospects in the hospitality industry.
Attending the awards, Robert Richardson FIH MI said: “It is incredible what these people have already achieved and their journey has only just begun. I am particularly delighted for Katariina and Kelly-Marie who currently chair two vital groups within the IoH. Their commitment and enthusiasm have been incredible. And to all our members who won huge congratulations. The passion, commitment and excellence of all the winners this year are inspiring and we can’t wait to see what happens next.”
Each winner of the annual event was nominated by their senior team and peers for outstanding achievements and successes in their field.
The awards were presented by The Caterer editor James Stagg and headline sponsor CH&Co chief operating officer Allister Richards.
All the winners receive 12 months’ IoH membership to help support them with their professional development.
The 2023 Acorn Award winners
- Adam Willcocks, Operations Manager, Calcot and Spa
- Benjamin Jeffery, Sales and Marketing Manager, CH&Co
- Carol O’Connell, Front of House Manager, The Ned
- Charlie Banks, Operations Manager, Red Carnation Hotels
- Charlie Search AIH, Account Manager, Fuel Experiences, Baxter Storey
- Craig O’Neil, Cluster Finance Business Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts
- Elisia Guglielmucci MIH, Director of Sales, The Waldorf Hilton London
- Eljesa Saciri, General Manager, Zetter Townhouse Marylebone
- Felicity Hayes, Deli Manager, Rick Stein
- Felix Craft, Head Chef and Owner, Stage
- George Boarer, Head Chef, etch. by Steven Edwards
- George Devonshire, Group Head of Marketing, Harbour Hotels Group
- George Hiley-Jones AIH, Deputy Head of Rooms Division, The Lanesborough Hotel, Oetker Collection
- Guilaume Larher, Food and Beverage Projects Manager, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair
- Hannah Cochrane, Business Development Manager, Dakota Hotels
- Hayleigh Mullen, Restaurant Manager, Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel
- James Toth, Head Chef, Cornerstone by Tom Brown
- Jennifer Burton, Bar Manager, The Belfry Hotel and Resort
- Jessica Thompson, General Manager and co-owner, Mingary Castle Restaurant
- Joel Breakwell, Executive Chef, Casa and Paco Tapas
- Katariina Reisaar MIH, Front Office Manager, Leonardo Hotels UK & IoH Youth Council Chair
- Kelly-Marie Staunton MIH, Director of Spa and Leisure, Macdonald Hotels and Resorts & IoH Diversity and Inclusion Future Forum Chair
- Lily Gaspar, Front of House Manager, The Royal Cresent Hotel and Spa
- Lizzie Hennig, Nutritionist, BaxterStorey
- Lucy Ager, Operations Manager, BaxterStorey
- Marie-Charlotte Gauter, Director of Rooms, Hotel Café Royal
- Oliver Harris, Operations Manager, Whatley Manor Hotel
- Samantha Calandrelli, Learning and Development Manager, Dishoom
- Thomas Bartlett, Director of Food and Beverage, Hilton Birmingham Metropole
- Yann Bouvignies, Head of Mixology, Rosewood London
Congratulations to all the 2023 winners and those who were nominated.
