Register to get 3 free articles
Register to unlock the article and receive our free newsletter. Join 26,000 other hotel leaders and stay in the know.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Matthew Johnson, the director of Historic House Hotels, has died suddenly aged 49 after he collapsed on a golf course.
Johnson was based at Hartwell House where he started his career with Historic House Hotels over 27 years ago.
Having worked at Hartwell House as assistant manager in Buckinghamshire initially for two years, he then moved to companion hotel Bodysgallen Hall near Llandudno in North Wales where he remained for 20 years as director and general manager.
He later returned to Hartwell House for another five years, following the retirement of former director Jonathan Thompson, where he held the role of director of hotel operations for the whole company.
Throughout his career with Historic House Hotels, Johnson worked with the National Trust, Relais and Chateaux and Pride of Britain.
During his time at Bodysgallen Hall, the hotel was recognised with various industry awards including AA Hotel of the Year for Wales 2012.
In 2008, Historic House Hotels Ltd and all its interests became the property of the National Trust, by donation.
Johnson passed away on Monday 2 August 2021.
Richard Broyd, chairman of Historic House Hotels said: “Matthew was respected and well liked by everyone he met and worked with and was everyone’s friend.
“He was sympathetic with an outstanding ability and he encouraged kindness on a daily basis. In my half century career, my working relationship with Matthew was one of the most fruitful I have enjoyed. I also remember his tremendous sense of humour.”
He added: “It is a truly sad day and everyone at Historic House Hotels is filled with sadness. He will be much missed”.
