Michael Hirst is consultant to CBRE Hotels, the world’s leading hotel experts, where he provides advice and business development support.

He is Chairman of the Business Visits & Events Partnership, representing Britain’s Events’ Industry and Deputy Chairman of the UK Government’s Events Industry Board. He is a director of The Tourism Alliance, bringing together all the major tourism organisations in the United Kingdom.

He is a director of CP Holdings Ltd, a diversified industrial and services group, including serviced offices and co-working spaces, hotels and the largest group of thermal spas in Europe. He is also a director of Safestay plc, an AIM listed operator of contemporary chic hostels located in key destinations throughout Europe.

Michael Hirst was appointed an OBE for services to tourism in Britain and awarded the Joint Meetings Industry Council Unity Award, for making a significant contribution to the advancement of the international Meetings Industry. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his distinguished career in hospitality, leisure and tourism by the International Hotel Investment Forum.

He is a former board member of the Ladbroke Group Plc. He was Chairman and CEO of Hilton International. He was voted “Corporate Hotelier of the World” by the readers of HOTELS Magazine.