David Michels
Sir David Michels 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."
Early life
Michels was born in 1946 in Willesden, London, England. His father, a German Jew, escaped to England shortly before World War II. Settling in North London, he ran a restaurant.He was educated at Clarke’s College and Hendon Technical College. He also graduated from the London Hotel School.
Career
Michels started his career in the hotel business by working for Grand Metropolitan for seventeen years. He then served as Managing Director of Hilton UK and later Executive President Worldwide Marketing for Hilton. He served as the Chief Executive of Stakis Hotels from 1990 to 1999. In 2000, he became chief executive for Hilton Group after Peter George stepped down. He remained in the role until 2007.He served as the Deputy Chairman of Marks & Spencer from 2006 to February 2012. He was also the Deputy Chairman of easyJet.
He is the former President of the British Hospitality Association. He served on the board of directors of the Jumeirah Group, the Savoy Hotel, British Land, RAB Capital, the Arcadia Group and Paramount Restaurants.
He serves as the co-owner and Chairman of Michels & Taylor. He is also the Chairman of London & Capital.
He serves on the Boards of Directors of Strategic Hotels & Resorts. He is also a partner of Burlywood Capital. Additionally, he is the President of the Tourism Alliance, and the Institute of Hospitality.
A "workaholic", he works "80-hour week." He was knighted in 2006 for his work in the hospitality industry.