The appointment further strengthens the collection’s senior leadership team following the appointment of its COO and Director of People and Culture earlier this year
Iconic Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Michelle Walder as Group Director of Operations, further strengthening the collection’s senior leadership team as it continues to invest in its people, operating platform and long-term growth strategy.
Reporting to Shan Kanagasingham, Michelle joins Iconic Hotels & Resorts with more than 28 years of experience across leading luxury and lifestyle hospitality brands. Michelle’s international career spans Europe and North America, with senior leadership roles at Hyatt, Standard Hotels, Sydell Group and André Balazs Properties. She has played a pivotal role in the opening and operation of landmark hospitality brands including The Standard, The NoMad and The Ned. Most recently, as Hyatt’s Head of Operations, Lifestyle Group EAME, she oversaw operational performance and supported the European expansion of Standard Hotels, Thompson and Andaz.
Michelle’s appointment marks the latest step in the evolution of Iconic Hotels & Resorts, which over the past two years has invested significantly in strengthening its senior leadership structure and centralising key commercial, revenue, marketing, finance and support functions to create a more integrated and scalable operating platform. The business has also made several strategic leadership appointments across operations, commercial performance and people functions as it prepares for the next phase of growth, earlier this year appointing a new Chief Operating Officer and Director of People & Culture.
In her new role, Michelle will oversee operational performance across the Iconic portfolio, working closely with hotel leadership teams to enhance guest experiences, drive performance and support the continued development of the group’s culture and service standards. She will oversee operations across properties including The Mayfair Townhouse, 11 Cadogan Gardens, The Chelsea Townhouse, Nobu Hotel London Portman Square, The Lensbury, The Mole Resort and Strand Palace.
Shan Kanagasingham, COO at Iconic Hotels & Resorts, commented:
“Michelle is one of the most respected lifestyle hospitality operators in the industry and brings exceptional experience leading complex, high-profile hotels and portfolios across international markets. Her track record of building high-performing teams, strengthening operational excellence and creating outstanding guest experiences makes her a fantastic addition to our leadership team.”
Michelle Walder, Group Director of Operations at Iconic Hotels & Resorts, said:
“Iconic Hotels & Resorts has built an exceptional collection of distinctive hotels and resorts. Joining the business at such an exciting moment in its evolution was a hugely compelling opportunity. With significant investment in people, infrastructure and growth, and a clear ambition for the future, the Group is entering a transformative new chapter. I am delighted to be joining the team and look forward to working alongside colleagues across the portfolio to help shape the next phase of Iconic Hotels & Resorts’ expansion and success.”
For more information, contact Natalie Bigbie-Berry, Communications Manager, Iconic Hotels & Resorts nbigbie-berry@iconichotelsresorts.com.