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 Dublin Institute of Technology, David has over 22 years of experience in the hotel industry. He has secured and managed Ireland’s largest hotel business contracts and received many awards for hotels under his direction. David brings a financial-based, rounded, and hands-on approach to Great National Asset Management.

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
    Izabela Cierechowicz

    Izabela is a hugely experienced and talented Revenue Manager boasting a wealth of success in the hospitality sector. She has gained fantastic experience and knowledge from her previous roles as Revenue Manager for Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate and Assistant Revenue Manager at the g Hotel & Spa.

    Izabela Cierechowicz

    Head of Revenue Management
    Michelle O’Brien

    Michelle O’Brien has been appointed as Systems and Support Manager with The Great National Group.

      Michelle O’Brien

      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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