A keen snowboarder, Michelle spent many years working in France both in the Alps and the wine-making region of Bordeaux, running tour operator based hotels.

Michelle returned home to the North East in 2008 and took up a role with IHG’s Holiday Inn Express Newcastle Metro Centre, moving swiftly from Operations Manager to take on the General Manager position.

We thought it would be a great idea to ask Michelle some quick-fire questions, so you could get to know her a little bit better:

Favourite place to eat in the North East?

"The Artisan Experience, a cute little café in Whitley Bay".

Favourite spot in the North East?

"St Mary’s Lighthouse".

Football team and favourite player?

"An out and out Toon Army Fan - It must be Newcastle United. Favourite player – Aleksander Mitrovic because of his raw passion and love for the club".

Best career moment to date?

"Being shortlisted for IHG Hotel of the Year, winning Housekeeping hotel of the Year 2016, and moving the hotel from the bottom 20% to the top 15% of all properties in UK&I".

What is your management mantra?

"Success is down to the awesomeness of the whole team. Support each other, believe the impossible and strive for excellence