Sir David M C Michels, Chairman of EasyJet Plc, deputy Chairman of Marks and Spencer Plc, board member of Strategic Hotels and Resorts and Jumeirah Hotels, President of the British Hospitality Association

Having spent over 40 years in the hotel and gaming business, David Michels retired last year having sold Hilton International, where he was Group Chief Executive to HHC for £4 billion and launched Ladbrokes as a stand alone public company.

Prior to Hilton he was Chief Executive of Stakis PLC, which he joined in 1990 and sold some 9 years later to Ladbrokes PLC for £1.2 billion.

David’s previous experience included Executive President Worldwide for marketing for Hilton, Managing Director of Hilton UK and prior to that some 17 years in various hotel positions around the world with Grand Metropolitan Plc.

In 2006 he was knighted for services to the hotel and catering industry.