Meet our Senior team

With over 100 combined years of experience in the hotel industry, our team brings a unique depth of hotel, business development and commercial skills to Great National Hotels & Resorts.

David Byrne

A Graduate of Technical University Dublin in Hotel Management, David boasts over 30 years of experience in the Hotel sector across the UK and Ireland. David, as both asset owner, manger and director, has overseen and continues to oversee many significant Hotel properties. He has actively delivered on the acquisitions, developments, repositioning programs and successful disposals, of major Hotel assets and Groups. David combines financial acumen and expertise with hands on management and deep know how to lead one of the most experienced team of Hospitality professionals in the region.

David Byrne

Chief Executive Officer
James Sullivan

James has studied at University College Cork, Harvard University and INSEAD Paris. He is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland, with 25 years of hospitality experience in 13 different countries, working with National Tourism Authorities, hotels and resorts as director, controller, consultant and auditor.

James Sullivan

Chief Financial Officer
Rachel Howes

Rachel, former Managing Director of Booking.com Limited, has over 25 years’ experience in accelerating hotels room revenue and is one of the leading international figures in channel management. She has a proven record as a technology entrepreneur and investor and is also co-founder of HomeRez.com, one of Europe’s emerging brand leaders in holiday letting.

Rachel Howes

Distribution Director
Leo Dempsey

Leo is a travel expert with over 14 years experience, inc. 9 years as Area Manager with Booking.com. During his time there, employees grew from 250 employees to over 10,000. In his last year Leo was responsible for over €1bn in Transaction Value.

Leo Dempsey

Director
Nichola Deere

Nichola Deere has been appointed as Chief People's Officer with The Great National Group. Nichola brings 21 years of diverse operational and strategic HR experience from manufacturing, healthcare and retail industries both in Ireland and the UK, most recently with Musgrave Operating Partners of Ireland division.

Nichola Deere

Chief People's Officer
Dermot Kelly

Dermot is a graduate of GMIT and a hugely respected Hotel Operator with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Executive General Manager at the South Court Hotel and Co-Owner of the Shannon Springs Hotel. He is also Branch Chairman at the Irish Hotels Federation.

Dermot Kelly

Group Commercial Director
Margaret Chandler

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Margaret is the General Manager at The Great National Group.

Margaret Chandler

General Manager
Christopher Kenny

Christopher is a Masters graduate of TU Dublin with over 20 years hospitality experience. His experience includes working in a range of sales and marketing roles.

    Christopher Kenny

    Chief E-Commerce Officer
    Robert Hannon

    A Shannon College graduate, Robert brings extensive hospitality experience from top Galway hotels, including The G Hotel & Spa and The Claregalway Hotel. With a deep passion for the industry, he is committed to helping our partners exceed budgets and optimize rates in line with market trends.

      Robert Hannon

      Head of Revenue Management
      Carmel Clarke

      Carmel Clarke has been appointed as Systems and Support Manager with The Great National Group.

        Carmel Clarke

        Systems and Support Manager
        Aisling McKee

        Aisling McKee has been appointed as Call Center Operations Manager with The Great National Group.

        Aisling McKee

        Call Center Operations Manager
        Declan Burke

        Declan Burke has been appointed as Group Financial Controller with The Great National Group.

          Declan Burke

          Group Financial Controller

          Contact

          Great National Hotels and Resorts
          15, Clare Technology Park, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95Y P48, Ireland.

          Ireland Office: +353 65 6862001

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