Co-founder and partner of 2Dutch Hospitality Collective, a business that advises and supports clients on both the art and science of commercial performance within hotel- and
hospitality industry, across the globe. Founded by Niels de Wilde and Michael Kooitje in 2023.

Michael is a passionate Hospitality Expert, with over 30 years of experience, who has held various commercial and sales leadership roles, on-property, as well off-property with
Holiday Inn Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group and The Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel) in Europe.

From 2011 to 2018 Michael established and managed Sales Effectiveness for Europe with InterContinental Hotels Group, owning and delivering all commercial projects, sales events and platforms in Europe across both the managed and franchised hotel estate. In addition he also created IHG’s Expo in London and Paris, allowing global hotels the opportunity to showcase their properties directly to clients and rolled out the highly successful and innovative 'Sales for Hire' concept, now adopted globally.

Michael recently held a General Management position for 2 Marriott brands (Moxy & Residence Inn) in Amsterdam and has in addition extensive hotel operations experience.

A known leader for dynamizing and inspiring both commercial and operational teams, fostering organizational cultures and driving optimal returns; from successful team building events, hotel-openings across Europe and on-boarding trainings, maximizing commercial performance through strategic and tactical leadership.

Michael has extensive experience in working with, and in, agile teams supporting owned, managed and franchised hotels to leverage bespoke SaaS distribution technology and API connectivity to increase business delivery on both national as well international level.

A highly collaborative, energized, and award winning commercial specialist with an extensive network, Michael is a straight (2Dutch) talker, personable, an engaging partner and a well-respected hospitality professional. Passionate about excellent customer service and optimal performance with strong focus on bottom line results, with a deep understanding of managing a broad geographic territory.