David Michels

David Michels
Born1946 (age 78–79)
London, England
EducationClarke’s College
Hendon Technical College
London Hotel School
OccupationBusiness executive
TitleSir

Sir David Michels (born 1946) is a British business executive. A former Deputy Chairman of Marks & Spencer, he is the co-owner and Chairman of Michels & Taylor, "an asset manager for 81 hotels."[1]

Early life

Michels was born in 1946 in Willesden, London, England.[1] His father, a German Jew, escaped to England shortly before World War II.[2][3] Settling in North London, he ran a restaurant.[3]

He was educated at Clarke’s College and Hendon Technical College.[1] He also graduated from the London Hotel School.[4]

Career

Michels started his career in the hotel business by working for Grand Metropolitan for seventeen years.[5][6] He then served as Managing Director of Hilton UK and later Executive President Worldwide Marketing for Hilton.[5] He served as the Chief Executive of Stakis Hotels from 1990 to 1999.[5] In 2000, he became chief executive for Hilton Group after Peter George stepped down. He remained in the role until 2007.[5]

He served as the Deputy Chairman of Marks & Spencer from 2006 to February 2012. He was also the Deputy Chairman of easyJet.[5]

He is the former President of the British Hospitality Association.[5] He served on the board of directors of the Jumeirah Group (now part of Dubai Holding), the Savoy Hotel (now part of FRHI Hotels & Resorts), British Land, RAB Capital, the Arcadia Group and Paramount Restaurants.[5]

He serves as the co-owner and Chairman of Michels & Taylor.[1] He is also the Chairman of London & Capital.[5]

He serves on the Boards of Directors of Strategic Hotels & Resorts.[5] He is also a partner of Burlywood Capital.[6] Additionally, he is the President of the Tourism Alliance,[7] and the Institute of Hospitality.[8][9]

A "workaholic", he works "80-hour week[s]."[1] He was knighted in 2006 for his work in the hospitality industry.[5][10]

Philanthropy

Michels attended a fundraiser for the Anne Frank Trust UK in 2010.[11] In May 2012, he spoke at a fundraiser taking place at the Royal Automobile Club which raised £50,000 for Langdon, a Jewish non-profit organisation which provides housing for the disabled.[12] He stressed the need for the disabled to be able to work.[12]

Personal life

He plays poker in London and Las Vegas as well as online.[1][2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Alistair Osborne, Sir David Michels: 'No question executive pay has got too large. But what's enough?', The Daily Telegraph, 9 February 2012
  2. ^ a b Damian Reece, The Interview: Poker face still smiling after 40 years surviving a busy life of leisure, The Independent, 27 August 2005
  3. ^ a b Jamie Doward, Joker with a good hand, The Guardian, 1 September 2002
  4. ^ Strategic Hotels & Resorts: Board of Directors[permanent dead link‍]
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Michels & Taylor: Team
  6. ^ a b "Burlywood Capital: Sir David Michels". Archived from the original on 2015-04-22. Retrieved 2015-05-01.
  7. ^ Tourism Alliance: What is the Tourism Alliance
  8. ^ "Institute of Hospitality: Executive Council - President". Archived from the original on 2015-04-21. Retrieved 2015-05-01.
  9. ^ Institute of Hospitality: An Evening with Sir David Michels FIH[permanent dead link‍]
  10. ^ "London and Capital: Sir David Michels". Archived from the original on 2015-05-03. Retrieved 2015-05-01.
  11. ^ London diners raise £200K for the Anne Frank Trust, The Jewish Chronicle, February 18, 2010
  12. ^ a b Langdon residents are good for business, The Jewish Chronicle, May 31, 2012