LONDON—The winner of the first Automobile Association Housekeeper of the Year Award is Diane Stronach, executive housekeeper at Four Seasons Hotel London.

“Housekeeping is my passion. It’s in my blood as a Northerner,” Stronach says. “It’s the only thing I have ever wanted to do and still is.”

UK Housekeeper of the Year Diane Stronach, with Four Seasons Hotel London GM John Stauss (c.), Mike Plaut of Northmace (l.) and Simon Numphud of Automobile Association (r.).

The award was presented in association with Northmace & Hendon, world leaders in hotel supplies for the hospitality industry. The aim was to reward an outstanding individual who has, on many occasions, gone above and beyond the call of duty and whose conduct has been exemplary. While many endeavors of housekeepers often go unnoticed by guests, it is these very efforts that turn an average hotel into a truly commendable establishment.

John Stauss, general manager of the Four Seasons London, says: “Diane is today our star role model among our executive housekeepers…who best exemplifies the core human resources competencies necessary to be a true people leader.”

Stronach’s first position was as housemaid at Buckingham Palace. She was soon promoted to senior housemaid to the queen. Today, Stronach runs an 80-person team at the Four Seasons.

The award was presented by Simon Numphud, AA hotel services manager, and Michael Plaut, managing director of Northmace & Hendon. Numphud praised Stronach for her commitment: “We are proud to reward such an individual whose commitment to the hotel and its workforce has produced such commendable results.”