The FINANCIAL -- Sir David Michels has assumed the presidency of the Institute of Hospitality during the Annual Fellows' Dinner held at the Corinthia hotel in London this week.

According to Caterer and Hotelkeeper, during the dinner, Sir David told the story of how, as a student, he was sacked from Simpson's-in-the-Strand for mistakenly pouring Brown Windsor soup into coffee cups and serving it to American tourists.

He was subsequently more successful and his career culminated in the £4b merger of Hilton International and Hilton Hotels Corporation in 2006. In the same year he was knighted for services to the hotel and catering industry.

As the new president of the Institute of Hospitality, Sir David will participate in the Institute's executive council meetings and give his input into the strategic decision-making process, as well as taking part in key events such Passion 4 Hospitality, the institute's student debating competition, and its regional management briefings.

Sir David takes over the presidency from Peter Lederer, chairman of Gleneagles Hotels.

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