Chris Smith named general manager at Whatley Manor

Chris Smith has been appointed as the new general manager at Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa in Wiltshire.

He joins from the Vineyard, a five-AA-red-star hotel in Berkshire, where he worked for ten years and was promoted to general manager in 2022.

Prior to this, he was director of food and beverage at Foxhills Country Club & Resort, and food and beverage manager at Stoke Park Country Club, Spa & Hotel.

Smith, who will start his new role on 22 October, said it was an “absolute privilege” to join the hotel.

His appointment comes after the departure of Michele Mella, who announced he was stepping down as general manager earlier this month just under a year after taking over from Sue Williams.

Whatley Manor’s owners Alix Landolt and Christian Landolt said: “Chris has impressed us with his professionalism and ambition. He also has a great passion for fine dining and sustainability which is perfect for our property. 

“We are confident that Chris’s vision will build on our already strong standards and reputation, as well as bring a fresh perspective in our ever-changing world. 

“We are very excited to see what the future has in store and hope when you meet him you will be as equally enthusiastic as we are about him joining our already exceptional team."