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.

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 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, 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
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
Group Commercial Director
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
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 has been appointed as Systems and Support Manager with The Great National Group.
Carmel Clarke
Systems and Support Manager
Declan Burke has been appointed as Group Financial Controller with The Great National Group.
Declan Burke
Group Financial ControllerContact
Great National Hotels and Resorts
15, Clare Technology Park, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95Y P48, Ireland.
Ireland Office: +353 65 6862001