Sue Williams to step down as general manager of Whatley Manor
Sue Williams is to step down as general manager at Whatley Manor in Malmesbury after seven years in the role.
One of the most respected hoteliers in the UK, Williams joined the five-red-AA-star property from Cliveden House in 2016 and was behind a major sustainability drive at the hotel, which included removing single-use plastic from guest rooms and working to reduce carbon emissions.
Williams' dedication saw her win the 2017 Hotelier of the Year award while Whatley Manor won the 2021 Sustainable Business Catey for its environmental policies, which continued during the pandemic.
She will step down in November after a handover period and continue at Whatley Manor in a consultancy role, guiding the property on its eco initiatives, while pursuing several other independent industry collaborations.
Williams said: I have had a wonderful seven years at Whatley and the time has flown, and without doubt it is hard to let go of a property and a team that are so special in every way. Most will know that I have been taking Whatley on its sustainability journey, with some degree of success. I have learnt a great deal, through application and some studies, about the new ways of embedding sustainable practices into business.
"So I am stepping away from operations now, as I would now like to open a new chapter, whereby I can perhaps help other operators get underway with their own climate positive journey. As we know the climate crisis is deepening rapidly and this subject is imperative for all businesses to act upon."
Whatley Manor owner Christian Landolt said that he was announcing Williams' departure "with mixed emotions".
He added: "Sue has steered Whatley Manor masterly during the testing economic and Covid times.
"Considering her passion for sustainability issues, I fully understand and support her desire to step down from operational management to focus on that subject. Her engagement towards sustainability, and her determination to make Whatley a leader in that department, has been second to none, and I am very grateful that she will remain our sustainability adviser."
Michele Mella (pictured with Williams) is to take over as general manager at Whatley Manor in November, following Williams' departure.
He joins the hotel from Celebrated Experiences, where he was chief partnership officer and director for the past year. His previous roles include general manager at Barnsley House and the Village Pub near Cirencester from 2009-2022, and a variety of positions including deputy general manager at Calcot Manor in Tetbury from 1998-2009. He is also a Master Innholder.
Mella said: "Sue Williams is handing over a great team who are passionate about the vision of the Landolt family, and I can't wait to be part of its future successes."
Whatley Manor's Dining Room restaurant has held a Michelin star under chef Ricki Weston since 2022 and a Michelin green star for sustainable practices since 2021.
Landolt added: "It has been an honour to have had Sue as our general manager, and we will deeply miss her. Sue has been a major player in selecting her successor, and I am pleased that Michele Mella will take the helm in November after a handover period.
"An exciting new chapter opens for Whatley, and I am confident that our guests will enjoy it, as will the whole team."
