Acorn Awards 2025: Luis Sanchez, Vacherin

Age 29

Position General manager, Vacherin

Nominator Patrick Erni, operations manager, Vacherin

Luis Sanchez is delivering serious results at one of Vacherin’s most high-profile sites – doubling revenue, building a stable team, and helping shape the company’s future-facing food offering.

When he was appointed general manager at an international law firm in 2022, Sanchez inherited a challenging site where nearly the entire workforce was made up of agency staff. Within two years, he built a permanent team of 17, introduced a suite of new concepts – including a premium bistro – upgraded its grab-and-go offer and app-based ordering, and nearly doubled annual turnover. During the Christmas period, he even turned the site into a spectacular festive marketplace, complete with suppliers showcasing cheese, cured meats and wine. These clever interventions meant that in the past year alone, the site exceeded budget and secured a two-year contract extension.

Sanchez takes a hands-on approach to team development. Four members of his current team have earned promotions under his mentorship, and he’s well known for supporting new talent – particularly through structured onboarding, tailored training, and thoughtful delegation.

His efforts extend beyond day-to-day operations. He has led successful fundraising events for Luminary Bakery, which supports vulnerable and disadvantaged women into jobs in hospitality, and city farm and food education charity Surrey Docks Farm, and actively integrates social enterprise products into the business. He’s also supported colleague events, site mobilisations, and new client initiatives, often volunteering his time to ensure their success.

Driven by a strong commercial mindset and a clear sense of purpose, Sanchez combines operational excellence with commitment to people, values and long-term impact. It’s an approach that continues to deliver – for his team, his clients and the wider business.