Michael R. Payne

Michael R. Payne has a diverse work experience spanning over several decades in the hospitality industry. Michael R. started their career as a Corporate Management Trainee and Banquet Manager at Hyatt Regency Cancun in 1987. Michael R. then held various positions within Hyatt Hotels Corporation, including Assistant Director of Food and Beverage in several locations such as Hong Kong and Seoul, Director of Food and Beverage at Hyatt La Manga Club Resort and Hyatt Regency Saujana, and Executive Assistant Manager at Grand Hyatt Jakarta and Grand & Park Hyatt Melbourne.

In 2002, Payne joined One&Only Resorts as a Resident Manager at Royal Mirage, followed by roles such as General Manager at Reethi Rah in the Maldives, General Manager at The Palm in Dubai, and General Manager at Wolgan Valley in Australia. Michael R. played a key role in the transition and rebranding of the Emirates Wolgan Valley into the One&Only portfolio.

From 2016 to 2022, Payne worked as the General Manager at Kempinski Hotels, where they established a luxury operating philosophy and collaborated with the management board on the rebranding and repositioning of Aspen Chalets.

In 2022, Payne joined Nara Desert Escape as the Chief Operating Officer, and they are currently serving as the Managing Director of KEF Hospitality and tulåh Clinical Wellness at KEF Holdings since 2023.

Throughout their career, Payne has demonstrated expertise in managing and launching luxury resorts, overseeing construction, and implementing rebranding initiatives. Michael R. has also shown a strong focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving business growth.

From 1984 to 1987, Michael R. Payne attended EHL, during which they did not pursue a specific degree or field of study.