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 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 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 Sulivan
Chief Financial Officer
One of Ireland's leading hotel operators and consultants, David has over 20 years’ experience in the industry. A graduate of GMIT in Galway, he has managed some of the largest and most prominent properties in Ireland. He is a former director of Tourism Solutions and has successfully managed his own hospitality consultancy, O’Connor and Associates.
David O'Connor
Chief Operating Officer - Assets
A graduate of Dublin College of Catering, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork, David has over 20 years’ experience in strategic hospitality brand positioning, results-driven marketing and business delivery. He was instrumental in building some of the largest brands in the UK and Ireland, including the Carlton, Lynch and Stakis Hotels groups.
David Collins
Director of Communications
Nicola has over 15 years’ experience working with independent hotels, small groups and venues; providing them with the marketing, sales and technology solutions necessary to compete effectively in a fast-moving marketplace.
Nicola Rhone
Chief Commercial 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
Hugh, a graduate of the University of Limerick and the Marketing Institute of Ireland. Hugh is an independent advisor to GNH and provides practical advice in the development of management and operational structures. With over 27 years as an independent consultant to a variety of business sectors, he brings a wealth of experience and business knowledge to the company.
Hugh O'Donnell
Strategic Advisor
Margaret Chandler
General Manager
Arlene O'Halloran
Operations Manager
Sandra Madden
Head of Revenue
Barry O’Flaherty
Head of F&B Development
Kathryn Shannon
Human Resources
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