Skift Take
Morgans has always walked the fine line between being cutting edge and cool for the sake of being cool. As it prepares for growth, it will need to focus on being reliable, too.
Kim Walker was the sixth employee at Morgans Hotel Group.
Straight out of Boston University, with a degree in finance and a minor in hotel management, she was hired nearly 22 years ago by none other than Ian Schrager. The famed American real-estate developer -- credited with creating the "boutique hotel" segment and known for his days as owner of legendary New York club Studio 54 -- gave her a job as a front-desk agent.
For Ms. Walker, joining Morgan's was an intentional choice. She eschewed bigger hotel chains like Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott in favor of a more hands-on experience. And, boy, did she get it. She worked in virtually every department, including stints as a concierge, room-service manager, housekeeping staff and in sales. But there was a common thread in the things she enjoyed most, whether it was sending mailings for events to Mr. Schrager's "movers and shakers" list or helping design uniforms. It all came back to the brand.
Today Ms. Walker is senior VP-marketing and creative director for the chain, which owns boutique brands like the Hudson, Delano and Royalton. She's responsible for over
