Acorn winners 2011 – David Macdonald

Age 29
Position General manager, Hotel du Vin York
Nominator Lizzy Kelk
Proudest moment The opening of Hotel du Vin Newcastle after six months of moulding an amazing senior team who are now all working as deputy general managers around the group.
Greatest inspiration When I was younger I used to train with Ipswich Harriers Athletics Club. I have always drawn on the focus and determination that I experienced at the club and applied that to all aspects of my life.
Ambition To always move forward in my career, be open to new opportunities and ensure that I return the time and investment given to me over the past 10 years to raise a family.

After finishing university David Macdonald joined Malmaison Hotels, and was selected to be part of the first Malmaison graduate training programme. He became deputy general manager at the Hotel du Vin Newcastle in 2008, and then assumed the same role at the Malmaison Newcastle.

Macdonald's focus on staff development saw him promoted to general manager of Hotel du Vin, York, where he co-ordinates an annual budget of £3m.