Acorn Awards 2024: Anna Davies, 26, head of marketing and communications, Thomas Franks

Age 26

Position Head of marketing and communications, Thomas Franks

Nominator Victoria Freeman, director of people and training, Thomas Franks

Anna Davies is the youngest head of department at Thomas Franks to date. She joined the caterer as a marketing executive in 2019 and skipped up the ranks, earning promotion to marketing and communications manager in 2021. Just seven months later, she moved into her current role, overseeing external and internal communications for the company, which has 237 contracts in the UK and Europe and 2,300 staff.

Davies joined as the pandemic struck and was instrumental in getting national news coverage of the company’s Feeding Communities initiative to provide meals for people in need. This has had an ongoing impact on the business, raising its reputation as an ethical company and driving up annual turnover from £30m during the pandemic to a projected £120m for 2024, with business retention at 98%.

As an ambassador for the sector, Davies promotes hospitality as an exciting career path for young people, complemented by her external communications campaigns, which have led to national recognition for Thomas Franks through the Best Employer Award Catey in 2022.

Davies also makes sure her colleagues get full recognition for their achievements, with her values-led internal communications strategy boosting employee engagement, resulting in staff turnover at 5.7% below the national average of 30%.

She has even been known to jump out of a plane to support industry causes and took part in a fundraising skydive in aid of the Burnt Chef Project, a social enterprise to support mental health.

Who has been your biggest champion in the industry?

"Thomas Franks managing director Blain Shepherd is a consistent supporter and guide. Within a company where mutual championing is the norm, Blain’s mentorship, constructive feedback and belief in my potential have been instrumental at every stage of my professional growth."

How do you get the best out of your team?

"Clear communication, setting achievable goals and providing support that is tailored to the individual’s strengths."

What excites you most about hospitality?

"I am energised through the ongoing journey of learning, especially in the dynamic field of marketing. There are endless opportunities for innovation and creativity, [and the excitement of] seeing where Thomas Franks will go in the next few years."