Acorns 2018: Stephen Moran, director of marketing, InterContinental London Park Lane

Ambition "To lead a luxury hospitality brand."

Stephen Moran has spent the past six years managing the marketing strategy at some of London's most successful hotels. As marketing analyst at Four Seasons' three UK hotels, for instance, he delivered the highest return from digital media ad spend and grew restaurant website bookings by 300%. As marketing executive at the Ritz, he implemented the new website and customer relationship management system and garnered £500,000 of extra restaurant business through promotions.

At InterContinental London Park Lane, which he joined in 2015, he was promoted to director of marketing with additional responsibility for communications. Here he restructured the hotel's digital marketing strategy and launched a new independent website for the property, growing revenue by 240%. He saw particular success in managing the launch of the hotel's new multimillion-pound Ella Canta restaurant, which attracted huge press coverage, driving an 83% boost in covers and 200% lift in revenue compared with the previous restaurant.

Having gained a first in marketing practice from the National University of Ireland, following his studies in hotel management at Shannon College of Hotel Management, Moran is a strong promoter of hospitality career options among young people. For instance, as well as developing a marketing internship programme for the hotel, he gives visiting schools an insight into hotel marketing and communications.

Far from resting on his laurels, Moran has undertaken an eCornell course in data-driven marketing and has cross-trained with the IHG director of revenue outside working hours.