Patrick Kickham-Lennon, Deputy General Manager of Gorey’s Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort has been elected Chair of the South East Branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).
The south-east branch of the IHF represents hotels and guesthouses across counties Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, and South Tipperary.
A native of Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, Mr Kickham-Lennon has a hotel career spanning over two decades.
Prior to joining Seafield Hotel & Spa Resort in 2017, he was Director of Food and Beverage at Druids Glen Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort in Co Wicklow. Previously, he held the positions of Resort Operations Manager Mount Wolseley Hotel & Golf Resort in Co Carlow and Deputy General Manager of Monart Destination Spa in C. Wexford.
Mr Kickham-Leonnon said: “I am honoured and humbled to have been elected Chair of the south-east branch of the Irish Hotels Federation by my branch peers.”
“Throughout the south-east, hotels and guesthouses play an integral role in the social landscape, local tourism and wider economy.
“I look forward to representing IHF members and working closely with my branch colleagues as we engage with Government and Industry partners to address and remedy the challenges we face. A particular concern is the very high cost of doing business within our industry. This requires swift action from the Government.
“On behalf of my branch colleagues and fellow hoteliers throughout the South East, I wish to acknowledge and thank Colm Neville for his contribution and for the commitment he has demonstrated throughout his tenure as Branch Chair over the last five years. I wish him every success in his current role as National Vice President of the IHF.”
IHF President Michael Magner said: “I want to congratulate Patrick on his election. His commitment to our sector and extensive experience are a tremendous asset to the IHF as we continue to advocate for members at the highest levels of Government.”
“The tourism and hospitality sector is Ireland’s largest indigenous employer, supporting over 270,000 livelihoods including some 29,000 jobs throughout the South East. It is therefore critical that the right conditions are in place to deliver a sustained recovery for our sector so that the wider tourism industry lives up to its full potential. I look forward to working with Patrick during his term to deliver our key priorities in relation to economic growth, leadership in sustainability and supporting people development within our sector.”
