Michael Gray retires from Hyatt after 34 years with the company

Michael Gray, general manager of the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill and vice-president of Hyatt UK, is retiring after 48 years in the hospitality industry.

Named Hotelier of the Year by The Caterer in 2007, Gray will step down from his role on 31 March. He has spent the past 34 years working for Hyatt.

Gray began his hotel career in 1968 at Claridge's, London. During his time with the hotel he spent a stint working at Le Meurice hotel in Paris. In 1974 he joined the Carlton Tower and gradually worked his way up the management ladder. He was promoted to resident manager when Hyatt International took over the management of the property in 1982.

Three years later Gray transferred to Singapore as manager of Hyatt Regency Singapore, before going on to Australia in 1987 to open the 249 bedroom Hyatt Hotel Canberra as general manager. He was later appointed general manager of the 550 bedroom Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

On returning to London in 1990, he was responsible for the multi-million pound refurbishment of the Hyatt Carlton Tower. When Hyatt International's management agreement of the Cartlon Tower ended in 2001, he remained in London to explore further hotel development opportunities for the company.

In 2004, Hyatt International took over the management of the 434 bedroom Churchill hotel and Gray was appointed general manager. He added the title of vice-president of UK and Ireland for Hyatt International to his job title in 2010, which has involved overseeing the Andaz London Liverpool Street, Hyatt Regency Birmingham and the soon to open, Hyatt Place London Heathrow/Hayes.

Alongside winning the coveted Hotelier of the Year award, Gray was made honorary professor at Thames Valley University in 2010. He has also held the post of chairman of the Master Innholders.

Gray, who is married with six children and enjoys cooking, gardening and sketching, is looking forward to spending more time on his leisure interests and travelling during his retirement.

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