Acorn Awards 2025: Benoit Raffi, Kimpton Fitzroy London

Age 29

Position Director of revenue, Kimpton Fitzroy London

Nominator Garreth Walsh, general manager, Kimpton Fitzroy London

Benoit Raffi has made a significant impact on the commercial success of the Kimpton Fitzroy London, delivering record-breaking figures and championing innovation in revenue management.

Now director of revenue at the 334-room luxury lifestyle hotel, Raffi stepped into the role in 2024 following a dramatic rise through the ranks at IHG, having joined a decade ago as receptionist. In the past 12 months, he has driven an 11% uplift in the average daily rate (ADR) and increased revenue per available room by 25%. The hotel also achieved its highest ever room revenue in a single month. 

Raffi is behind several strategic initiatives, including creating a new group booking tool – now shared across IHG Europe – and the successful implementation of the hotel’s new revenue management system. He has also revamped revenue meetings to be more strategic, developed a tailored reporting suite and reduced corporate inventory to support ADR growth.

Beyond the numbers, Raffi plays a broader leadership role. He mentors aspiring revenue professionals and recently supported a mentee through IHG’s Journey to Brilliance programme. He has also been mentoring a reservations agent on his team who aspires to work in revenue management and over the past year has developed significant time to improving her skills.

Known for his practical mindset and collaborative approach, Raffi actively engages with both the wider hotel team to improve guest experience – from delivering town hall sessions to joining service hours on the floor. His blend of analytical strength, operational understanding and people-focused leadership continues to push hotel performance and set a high bar across the business.