Get to know: Michelle Thomas
How did you get started in your career?
After leaving a previous career path on a spur of the moment decision, I went to look for work with a job agency and they placed me as a temp at a hotel in Heathrow planning all of the Christmas parties – I loved the job and everything about working in a hotel, every day was different! I worked there for 9 months after securing a role as an Events Planner in the same hotel and then moved onto a boutique hotel in Richmond Upon Thames as an Events Manager. I have worked in hospitality ever since.
What is your previous job experience?
Prior to my role here at Møller – I worked as a Wedding Events Manager in Oxfordshire and prior to this I worked as a Regional Sales Manager for a UK based hotel chain looking after 3 hotels and covering a large portfolio of clients throughout the UK. My first job straight out of University was as a Marketing Manager for a Dental Supply Company selling all items that made dental implants, dentures, crowns etc. but before all of this, I had various different jobs while studying which varied from being a PA to being a nightclub rave promoter for Bagleys Warehouse that was based in Kings Cross.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
The thing that surprises people most about me is that my family are from India – my parents are both from Chennai (formerly Madras) and relocated to England in 1979 with my elder brother – I was born a year later and then my younger sister arrived 4 years later to complete our family.
What are your favourite things to do outside of work?
It sounds really boring but I love to spend time with my husband and dog, go for nice long walks, pop into a pub for a drink and then come home and cook some good food.
What would you say your proudest accomplishment is, both in your professional and personal life?
I would say my proudest accomplishment is being able to have the life that I have – I have a lovely husband, live in a nice area, have amazing friends & family and have a job that I love.
Are there any upcoming projects / events you are excited about?
2025 has some big events coming up that I am excited to work on such as the MRI conference which welcomes 200 delegates, the Hewlett/Gerstle Conference which is being held for the first time in Cambridge and the Citrin Foundation which is a research-driven, not-for-profit organization hosting a three day residential event with us – all of these are international conferences where we will be welcoming delegates from around the world.
Any advice for others in your field or newcomers to the industry?
I would say that working in the hospitality industry offers you a life long career, the skills you learn can be used in hospitality venues all over the world (if you want to work in other countries) and there are lots of options available to try out different roles within the industry before deciding on your specialisation. I made the best decision accepting that temporary role as a Christmas Party Planner as it is now 20 years later and I am still working within the industry.
What made you want to work at the Møller Institute?
Initially I applied for a number of jobs but as soon as I walked into the reception area at Møller and met some of the team – I felt that this was the place for me. After a lengthy interview and look around the facilities, I left really wanting the job – so I was really happy when Katharine called and offered me the role. 8 years later, I am still here.