The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has named Paul Gallagher its new Chief Executive.
With over four decades in the tourism and hospitality industry, Mr Gallagher brings a wealth of knowledge and senior leadership expertise to the role, positioning the IHF for continued success as the national representative body for over 900 hotels and guesthouses.
As Chief Executive, Mr Gallagher will oversee the strategic direction and operation of the IHF, working closely with industry partners, Government and State agencies on behalf of the hotels sector to ensure the right conditions are in place to support the growth and development of Irish tourism and hospitality – Ireland’s leading indigenous employer. The industry currently supports over 270,000 livelihoods the length and breadth of the country, including some 66,000 people directly employed within the hotel and guesthouse sector.
A past President of the IHF and former Chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), he is highly respected throughout the industry.
He takes up the helm at the Federation following 27 years as General Manager of Buswells Hotel, Dublin. He is a Government appointee to Tourism Ireland as a Non-Executive Director and has previously served on numerous Government Taskforces, including the Tourism Recovery Oversight Group, the Brexit Taskforce, the Advisory Group on Small Business, the Tourism Recovery Taskforce and Grow Dublin Taskforce.
Mr Gallagher is a fellow of the Irish Hospitality Institute and holds a Master’s Degree in Business and Hospitality as a graduate of the University of Galway and Shannon College of Hotel Management.
IHF President Michael Magner stated: “I am delighted to welcome Paul as our new Chief Executive. Throughout his career, Paul has demonstrated exceptional leadership with an exemplary track record advocating on behalf of our hotel and tourism sector at the highest levels. His deep understanding of our sector, extensive experience and outstanding contribution to the strategic development of our industry means the Federation is in very capable hands. I wish him every success in his new role, delivering a strong voice for members and our hotels sector.”
Commenting on his appointment, Paul Gallagher stated: “It is an honour to be asked to lead the Federation into its next chapter at this important time for our industry. While there are certainly significant challenges ahead for tourism and hospitality, I firmly believe we have a very bright future as a major engine for growth and economic prosperity, provided we remain at the heart of the Government’s economic policy.
“I look forward to working with IHF President Michael Magner and our National Council to deliver key policy priorities in support of the long-term sustainable development of our sector and wider industry. This is of critical importance given the integral role our industry plays supporting indigenous employment, rural and regional prosperity, foreign direct investment and thousands of communities throughout the country.”
Paying tribute to outgoing Chief Executive Tim Fenn, Mr Magner stated: “On behalf of the IHF, our National Council and members, I would like to thank Tim for his immense dedication and strategic leadership over the past 14 years. He has been a fantastic advocate on behalf of our sector during his tenure, tackling the many issues that have impacted members and helping to steer our sector through some very difficult times. He leaves the Federation in a very strong position, ensuring we are well placed to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
