voco Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow is proud to announce that its Guest Service Manager, Kenan Gastasab, has been named as one of hospitality’s youngest rising stars at this year’s Acorn Awards.
The prestigious awards ceremony, which is run by leading hospitality multimedia brand The Caterer, celebrates 30 of the UK hospitality industry’s brightest talents under the age of 30, recognising individuals who are making a significant impact through innovation, leadership and dedication to the sector.
Aged 26, Kenan has already made an indelible mark on the Glasgow hotel’s team since joining in 2024. Following a career that began in food and beverage roles while studying at university, over the past two years, he has earned two promotions, progressing into his current role as Guest Service Manager.
Amongst his achievements, last year Kenan developed and launched the Quiet Arrival Experience – a thoughtful initiative designed to support neurodiverse guests, as well as those who prefer a check-in process with reduced sensory stimulation. First introduced at voco Grand Central, Kenan hopes to see this rolled out more widely, helping to create a more comfortable and inclusive experience for guests across the UK and Ireland.
Reflecting on his win, Kenan said: “Winning the Acorn award is a real honour and something I’m incredibly proud of. Both personally and professionally it’s a true reflection that hard work and dedication can be very rewarding.
“Hospitality is such a people-focused industry, and I love the fact that no two days are ever the same. The ability to create memorable moments for guests, work within passionate teams and constantly learn and evolve is what drew me in and continues to inspire me every day.”
Working in one of Glasgow’s busiest city-centre hotels has helped shape Kenan’s leadership style and skillset, strengthening his adaptability, communication and problem-solving abilities while fostering a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Marcello Ventisei, General Manager at voco Grand Central, commented: “Kenan embodies everything that makes hospitality such a rewarding industry – passion, dedication, innovation and genuine care for others.
“What makes this recognition particularly special is that it reflects Kenan’s commitment to ensuring hospitality is welcoming and accessible for everyone.
“The Quiet Arrival Experience is a fantastic example of how he identifies opportunities to improve the guest journey and then turns those ideas into meaningful action. This achievement is thoroughly deserved.”
The Acorn Awards – known as The Caterer’s “30 under 30,” - have been running since 1986 and are a benchmark of success for young talent across the industry. Winners are selected not just for professional achievement but for their potential to shape the future of hospitality in the UK. Previous winners include Gordon Ramsay and Jason Atherton.
To learn more about voco Grand Central Glasgow Hotel, visit https://grandcentral.vocohotels.com.
ABOUT VOCO GRAND CENTRAL GLASGOW
The recently refurbished voco™ Grand Central Hotel opened in 2021 following a multi-million rebrand to become one of Scotland’s first voco™ hotels, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts.
The expansive refurbishment updated 233 bedrooms, meeting rooms and reception areas enhancing the historic charm and existing grandeur of the Grand Central Hotel with bold branding and a distinctive new identity. A contemporary fresh palette of blues and voco™ signature yellow compliments the original Victorian architecture throughout the 19th century great British railway hotel, preserving memories of the hotel’s golden age, the stories of which are much loved by visitors to the hotel and Glaswegians alike.
Perhaps the best-known stories from the hotel’s past are those of the many famous faces that have come to pass through its doors over the years. From John F. Kennedy to The Beatles, the Grand Central Hotel has a hall of fame to rival even the most august establishments.
However, ask the staff about the history of this marvel on Gordon Street and they'll give you much more than a list of celebrity guests. You’ll hear folk tales of Victorian ghosts roaming the halls, angry chefs dunking their assistants into stock pots, and even an art installation on a derelict hotel floor. But ask guests past and present and you’ll hear a very different story – one of opulence, grandeur, and the very best customer service the dear green place has to offer.
The hotel bar and restaurant, Champagne Central, overlooks Central Station and evokes the golden age of travel. Serving champagne, cocktails, afternoon tea and an exciting menu of delicious food, the bar celebrates the very best of Scottish produce.
ABOUT VOCO™ HOTELS
voco™ Hotels combines the reassurance of a big brand with the informality and charm of an individual hotel, providing guests with a dependably upscale experience. The name, voco™, means ‘to invite’ and ‘call together’ originating from Latin, representing the brand’s thoughtful, unstuffy, and charming nature. voco™ Hotels combine memorable moments and high-quality touches, from indulgent amenities to big, comfy beds. Guests will always get a warm welcome during a swift check in, a comfy room perfect for unwinding and relaxing, and vibrant bar and restaurant spaces that provide plenty of opportunity to connect and socialise. For more information and to book, visit www.vocohotels.com, and stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For media enquiries please contact Tigerbond:
Sarah Ballantyne
07305399299
sarah.ballantyne@tigerbond.com
Lisa Boyle
07740771109
lisa.boyle@tigerbond.com
Riagain Callan
07713310707
riagain.callan@tigerbond.com
