Well-known hospitality industry figure Paul Gallagher is set to take over as chief executive of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).
Mr Gallagher has more than four decades’ experience in the business, including 27 years as general manager of Buswell’s Hotel, just across from Leinster House, on Kildare Street, in Dublin.
Along with his industry experience, he has worked on government tourism bodies and with hospitality lobby organisations.
Mr Gallagher is a government appointee to the board of State agency Tourism Ireland and previously served on various State bodies, including the Tourism Recovery Oversight Group, Brexit Taskforce and the Advisory Group on Small Business.
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He is a past-president of the IHF and also chaired the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation.
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.
One of the bigger and better known tourism lobby groups, the federation represents more than 900 guest houses and hotels in the Republic. It supports more than 270,000 jobs around the State, including about 66,000 people employed directly by hotels and guest houses.
Welcoming his appointment, Mr Gallagher cautioned that the industry faced significant challenges. However, he added that it had a bright future “provided we remain at the heart of the government’s economic policy”.
Michael Magner, IHF president, said Mr Gallagher had an exemplary record advocating for the business at government level.
“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,” Mr Magner predicted.
The federation’s president also paid tribute to outgoing chief executive, Tim Fenn, thanking him for his work 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,” said Mr Magner.
“He leaves the federation in a very strong position, ensuring we are well placed to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
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