Acorn Winner 2006: Surinder Sangha

Surinder Sangha
Age: 28
Position: Assistant director of HR, Four Seasons hotel, London

Career to date… Sangha read business studies at the University of North London, taking a year's industrial placement at the Savoy hotel as an HR trainee. After graduating, she joined the Hyatt Carlton Tower in July 2000 as HR administrator, and was promoted to co-ordinator after a year. In August 2003, she joined the Four Seasons as assistant HR manager and was promoted to assistant director of HR two years later.

Why is she a winner? Sangha continually puts herself into challenging situations and has earned the enormous respect of the hotel's senior management. Her ability to connect with people on every level is one of her greatest strengths, both personally and professionally. Employees warm to her caring nature, trust her with problems and know they can count on her for a helping hand in times of need.

She has used her talents to reduce employee turnover to just 3% in three years, introduced effective new recruitment methods and reinvigorated the social committee. She has also introduced a buddy system for new recruits, has transformed the banqueting team, and works with Springboard to introduce children to the hospitality industry.