New general manager for the Ickworth Hotel

Luxury Family Hotels has appointed veteran hotelier Michael Knox-Johnston as general manager of its magnificent Suffolk property, the Ickworth. 

With over 40 years’ experience of the hospitality industry, Michael’s former roles have included general manager at the de Vere Grand Hotel in Brighton and chief executive of Carnegie Clubs International. He also operated his own hotel company Kayjay Hotels and Resorts Limited in Ireland and opened the Lodge and Spa at Inchydoney Island.

He also has a wealth of international hotel experience, having held positions ranging from general manager and group general manager for companies including Southern Sun Hotels in South Africa, Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean and Oberoi Hotels in India.

Commenting, Nigel Chapman, Luxury Family Hotels, said: “We are delighted to welcome Michael into the Luxury Family fold. Since re-establishing the group a year or so ago, we have undertaken extensive improvements across all hotels, creating a revitalised group of properties for a new generation of families. We are renowned for providing a warm, genuinely family-friendly welcome for guests, with a relaxed, home-from-home style. The role and personality of our general managers is key to this. Michael’s exceptional experience made him the ideal choice for the Ickworth, with his charismatic personality making him the perfect figurehead for what is probably our grandest property.”

Michael added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Luxury Family Hotels. I’ve admired its style and approach to hotels for many years and it’s a pleasure to be on board. The Ickworth has huge potential to be one of the most stylish family friendly hotels in the country and I’m relishing the chance to be at the helm!”