Cameron Chritchley named manager at Manchester Airport's Dakota Hotel

Cameron Chritchley has been appointed hotel manager of Dakota Hotel at Manchester Airport ahead of its summer opening.

Chritchley has spent the past decade at the luxury lifestyle group founded by the late Ken McCulloch, starting out as a management intern aged 19 before progressing into his first hotel manager role at Dakota Edinburgh in February 2024, having also supported the opening of Dakota Newcastle last spring.

He joined the industry aged just 16, working as a porter at the Ritz in London’s Mayfair during the school holidays before gaining work experience at the Berkeley, Brown’s and the Stafford.

The young, London-based hotelier moved to Manchester aged 22, where he held roles including guest relations manager, duty manager and assistant operations manager within the Dakota group.

Several members of his family have also held senior roles across some of London’s most prestigious hotels. His father, notably, is a member of Les Clefs d’Or (Golden Keys) society.

Chritchley said: “Dakota has played a huge role in shaping my career. From my first day in the business, I’ve felt supported and encouraged to grow. Being trusted to take on the Manchester Airport hotel is incredibly exciting – I loved being part of building Dakota Newcastle from the ground up, and I’m looking forward to bringing that same energy and care to this opening.”

Matt Townley, group operations director at Dakota Hotels, said: “Cameron’s story with Dakota is one we’re incredibly proud of. He’s grown up with the brand, understands what makes it special and genuinely cares about the people and the guest experience. Watching him develop from a management intern into a hotel manager has been a real pleasure. His energy and attention to detail make him the perfect fit to lead our new hotel.”

News of Dakota Manchester Airport was first announced in mid-2024. The £55m project will lead to the launch of 154 bedrooms, a premium bar and grill, private dining and event spaces, a cigar terrace and humidor, as well as valet parking and a luxury airport transfer service.

Dakota Hotels currently operates six hotels across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle.

Dakota Hotel at Manchester Airport is scheduled to open on 1 July.