Michelle Walder named managing director of the Twenty Two

Michelle Walder has been appointed managing director of the Twenty Two in London's Mayfair, which opened in April 2022.

She will oversee the strategic direction of the luxury lifestyle hotel, particularly in areas concerning guest experience, operations and partnerships, from 3 July.

She will also manage the brand's expansion into New York in 2024, which will see the launch of a 77-bedroom hotel, restaurant and private members' club.

Walder began her career in hospitality as a room service and coat check aged 13. She later spent six years with Andre Balazs Properties, where she contributed to the Mercer, Sunset Beach and Standard hotels.

In 2011, she joined the Sydell Group, where she led the pre-opening and development team at Nomad New York and the Ned and NoMad in London.

She said: "I have always been drawn to inspirational leaders and companies who are catalysts for change and not afraid of challenging the norm. The team at The Twenty Two have set the tone for something really special in Mayfair, and I am excited to be a part of the next chapter."