"Conversations with Alumni" - Michael Doyle ‘79

Michael Doyle ‘79

Managing Director and Executive Vice President

CHMWarnick

Interviewed by Zach Atlas ‘27

What different roles have you undertaken in your career and what is one common theme you have noticed throughout?

Throughout his career, Michael has worked in various hospitality roles, from on-property hotel operations, to golf management, to asset management. Michael stresses the competitive advantage that an operational background has given him in his ability to deliver value to his clients in the asset management industry. Once you understand the fundamentals of how a hotel or resort operates day in and day out, you are better equipped to manage such assets at a higher level.

What takeaways do you have from your time at The Hotel School?

Michael values the incredible network that The Hotel School has provided him with, along with the valuable operational and financial coursework that helped to prepare him for his career. Michael stresses the importance of establishing and nurturing strong connections with your peers in The Hotel School that will remain with you throughout your career.

What do you do in your current role at CHMWarnick?

Michael serves as Managing Director and Executive Vice President at CHMWarnick where he has lead a team that managed dozens of hotel assets across the country. CHMWarnick’s hotel portfolio spanning a variety of brands, chain-scales, and room counts. The owners that CHMWarnick works with span from sovereign wealth funds to real estate investment trusts, high net worth individuals, family trusts as well as publicly held assets. Michael worked to ensure that CHMWarnick’s properties are managed with a degree of quality by providing valuable insights to owners and operators, ultimately maximizing returns for the asset owners.

What advice do you have for current Hotelies?

Michael stresses the importance of hard work with the goal of establishing a footing in organizations and developing a reputation. Do not be afraid of taking on tasks where you lack experience, work with others and ask for help when you need it. Making mistakes and adjusting your approach is part of your growth. Be open to feedback and listen when it is offered or requested. Establishing these practices early helps to build your longer-term value, so cultivating a network during your college years can help in setting you apart.

What sorts of properties have you been involved with over your career?

Michael has worked on projects at a wide array of properties across the country over his multi-decade career in hotel operations, golf operations, and asset management. Earlier in his career, Michael worked in on-property operations at iconic and boutique hotels in Toronto, New York and Boston, working his way up to General Manager at The Milennium Hotel in New York City, followed by The Seaport Hotel and Charles Hotel in Boston. Michael gained exposure into the golf management through his role as President of Willowbend Golf Management before transitioning to his current firm and role in asset management. In his time at CHMWarnick, Michael has led projects at properties throughout the USA including – The Waldorf Astoria in NYC, The Mayflower in Washington DC, The Palace in San Francisco as well as the Royal Hawaiian in Honolulu with extensive experience at Convention Hotels in Baltimore, Chicago and Denver.