Our
TEAM

Our Team

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Paul Fitzgerald

CEO, Cliste Hospitality
Paul started his career with PWC where he qualified as a chartered accountant and benefited from extensive secondment experience in UK and Ireland. He then went on to hold a variety of industry-based senior executive roles across Finance, Trading & Operations. Paul's particular competencies lie in commercial insight, analysis, strategy formulation, and transaction project management.
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Sean O’driscoll

CEO, The iNUA Collection
Sean’s management career started with Intercontinental & Great Southern Hotel Groups. He held the position of General Manager at the Brehon Hotel and Muckross Park Hotel and was on the management board of the Gleneagle Hotel Group for 7 years. Sean joined Cliste Hospitality in 2016 as COO, and was appointed CEO in February 2020. Sean is also National VP of The Irish Hotels Federation, former National President of The IHF and former National President of SKAL International (World Tourism Org.)
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Mairea Doyle Balfe

Executive Director Corporate Development

Mairea has recently joined Cliste Hospitality as Executive Director of Corporate Development bringing over 25 years of experience in the hospitality sector. Mairea first worked in industry with Hilton and Aramark and then moved into consulting with PKF in the US where she worked on hotel and conference centre projects across the East Coast. Most recently Mairea has worked with Crowe Ireland, where she was the leading advisor to the sector, which included asset management, capital investment budgeting and financial analysis. Mairea was a key consultant to Fáilte Ireland helping to develop strategic supports to the industry during COVID-19. Mairea has a B.Sc. from DIT Cathal Brugha Street and an MBA from TUD.

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Chris Austin

Group Operations Director
Chris joined Cliste Hospitality in 2019 from Tifco Hotel Group, where as Regional Operations Manager for 7 years he managed a diverse portfolio of Hotels & Resorts. Prior to this, Chris was Operations Director at The Shelbourne Hotel and the Marriott Druids Glen Resort. Chris' international experience includes the Jumeriah Hotel Group in Dubai, senior roles at the Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados, the Hilton Hotel Group, and Ashford Castle, as well as managing several restaurants and bars across the UK.
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Michael Ryan

Chief Financial Officer
Prior to joining Cliste Hospitality, Michael Ryan was Director of Finance with Woodie’s DIY, Home & Garden retailer for over 20 years. During his time with Woodie’s, the company grew from 10 stores to 35 stores. During his time with the company, Michael oversaw functions such as IT, logistics & supply chain, and human resources. In his new role with Cliste Hospitality, Michael will be responsible for financial planning, group strategy, risk management and stakeholder.  
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Andrew Drysdale

Chief Commercial Officer
Andrew Drysdale has had a long and successful career as General Manager in the hospitality industry. Andrew spent three years as General Manager at Farnham Estate Golf & Spa Resort in Cavan, before becoming General Manager at the Radisson Blu Hotel Galway for three years. Andrew went on to manage the five-star G Hotel in Galway, before becoming General Manager at Glasson Lakehouse Resort in Athlone. In his new role with Cliste Hospitality, Andrew will be responsible for product development across food & beverage, conference & events, and spas & leisure centres. He will also be responsible for overseeing the group corporate and international sales strategies and the group procurement strategy.
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Brenda Murphy

Director of Revenue, Marketing & PR
Brenda joined Cliste in 2018 from the 5-star Castlemartyr Resort, where she was Director of Sales & Marketing for 4 years. Prior to that Brenda ran her own 70-seater restaurant for 6 years. In 2001, Brenda opened the Galway Radisson building it up to be one of the most successful hotels of its time with a turnover of €16M by 2006. Brenda commenced her career with Radisson Edwardian Hotels in London in 1991, before moving to Burlington Hotel Dublin, and opening the 5-Star Radisson St Helens Dublin in 1998.
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Michael Cullen

Group Financial Controller
Michael joined Cliste Hospitality in 2019 from Entertainment Enterprises. Michael was previously Finance Director of Sprout & Co, and Financial Controller at Bewley’s UK, where over his four year tenure his streamlining of business processes with a resulting saving of circa £100k p.a. With two years as Head of Finance in Metropolis Studios, Michael rejoined Bewley’s UK as Head of Finance in 2015, returning to Ireland in 2016 as Project Lead for Bewley’s Ireland, followed by a year at Bewley’s Cafés Ireland as Financial Controller.
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Deirdre Buckley

Director of People & Culture
Deirdre joined Cliste Hospitality in 2018 from the Barry Group, where she was HR Business Partner for over 3 years. Prior to that Deirdre was Regional HR Director for Dalata Hotel Group. Deirdre successfully led many programmes such as Great Place to Work, the Failte Ireland Optimus, Excellence Through People along with many communication, engagement & consultation and reward & recognition initiatives delivering significant operational efficiencies and value to both employers and employees.
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David Jordan

Director of Innovation & Research
David joined Cliste Hospitality in January 2022, from the academic sector having completed his doctorate in place management, lecturing, and setting up his strategic consultancy business. Prior to that, in 2011, David co-founded the Aunty Nellie Sweet Shops, opening 16 stores throughout Ireland. The company was acquired by Hobart Enterprises Group, where David then served as Managing Director, overseeing their manufacturing setup, and assisting with further acquisitions and new product development.
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Liam Minihan

Group Revenue Systems & Data Analytics Manager
Liam joined Cliste Hospitality in May 2019 from Carr Golf where he was Group Revenue Manager with responsibility for all revenue streams across their portfolio. Prior to that, Liam spent 16 years in the hospitality industry specialising in Revenue Management. Liam initially trained with the Radisson Hotel Group, going on to hold various management roles within the group, overseeing a turnover of €28.5M and managing revenue functions, pricing, and distribution for their hotels.
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Emer Hallahan

Group Head of Marketing & E-Commerce
Emer joined Cliste Hospitality in June 2019 from the global e-commerce group, Yoox Net-A-Porter,  where as Group Digital Manager she led web, digital, and social media strategies, and managed teams across London and Milan. Prior to that, Emer spent over 6 years as Communications Project Manager at Kering, whose portfolio of global brands includes Gucci, YSL, Stella McCartney, and PUMA.  Emer previously commenced her marketing career as an intern at Vivienne Westwood.
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Grace Finn

Group PR Manager
Grace joined us in June 2023, with a strong background in content & digital communications, having worked with many brands for the last 7 years. Her proven track record in executing successful campaigns and building meaningful relationships with key stakeholders her an asset to the marketing team. As Group PR Manager, Grace is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive public relation strategies to promote our brand, drive engagement and increase our media presence.
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Eugene Harrington

Head of Internal Audit
Eugene joined Cliste Hospitality in February 2018 as Group Financial Controller, and was subsequently promoted to Head of Internal Audit, reporting directly into the board of management. Previously, Eugene was Financial Controller for the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork for 8 years and is currently sitting on the board of the Irish Hospitality Institute.
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Stefan Matz

Group Executive Chef
Stefan joined Cliste Hospitality in August 2019, leading the group's food & beverage strategies, and developing new dining concepts, as well as nuturing both existing and prospective talent through the creation of an in-house Chef Academy. Stefan was previously owner & Head Chef of the Michelin-starred Erriseack House Hotel, Galway.  His award-winning career also includes 12 years as Executive Head Chef at Ashford Castle, Head Chef at The G Hotel and Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links.
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Frank Askin

Group Head Chef​
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Seamus Preston

Regional Operations Manager - North
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Brian Bowler

Regional Operations Manager - South
Brian joined Cliste Hospitality in 2022 from The Montenotte Hotel where, as General Manager for 5 years, his creation of innovative guest experiences led the hotel to become No. 1 on TripAdvisor in Cork City. Prior to this, Brian was General Manager at The Brehon Hotel in Killarney for 3 years and Hotel Manager at Carton House Resort. Brian also spent 4 years as Deputy General Manager with The Clarion Hotel Group in Cork & Limerick. Brian is the current National President of the Irish Hospitality Institute.
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Geraldine Mccarthy

Director of Leisure Sales
Geraldine was appointed as Director of Leisure Sales for Cliste Hospitality in June 2019, following an internal promotion. Geraldine had previously held the role of Director of Sales & Marketing for the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Limerick for over 14 years. Geraldine holds a wealth of experience in sales strategies, as well as the contracting and management of both international and domestic group business.
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Jane Jordan

Group Revenue Manager
Managing the Revenue for the group, Jane joined Cliste Hospitality in October 2022 having previously worked for 8 years with Staycity Group where she most recently led Revenue Distribution and New opening for the European Aparthotel operator. During her time Jane worked in many revenues roles and was responsible for the revenue pre-opening of a dynamic portfolio of hotels across a variety of cities. Prior to this, Jane held roles in Revenue the Fitzgerald Group. Jane holds a BA in Hotel Management from Galway -Mayo Institute of Technology and an MBA from Dublin Business School.
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Christian Schmelter

Group Director of Sales
Christian joined Cliste in October 2020, after 6 years as Group Director of Sales at TIFCO Hotel. Christian's primary role is in diversifying the corporate, meeting, and events business, leading a team of 8 sales directors and 2 business development managers in actively prospecting and qualifying new business throughout the group. Christian also leads The iNUA Collection cross-selling programme, and the group’s sales strategy covering corporate and MICE.
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Mark Moynihan

Group Business Development Manager
Mark Moynihan was appointed Group Business Development Manager in 2019, following an internal promotion with Cliste Hospitality. Mark previously held multiple roles within the group, including Sales Manager at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Cork.
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Siobhan Hamilton

Head of Procurement
Siobhan joined Cliste in 2022 to lead the group’s procurement strategy implementation. Siobhan is a seasoned commercial negotiator and brings with her 22 years’ experience within the FMCG Industry. Starting her career in The Barry Group, she spent 10 years within the Trading Department managing export and Irish wholesale customers, before specialising in Alternative Sourcing Strategies within the Buying Department, and, most recently, leading a network of nationwide account managers as Head of Wholesale Sales.
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Gillian Deedigan

Group Spa Manager
Gillian Deedigan was promoted to Group Spa Manager at Cliste Hospitality in 2022. Gillian brings a wealth of experience from the spa and fitness industry to this newly created role. Most recently, Gillian was Spa & Leisure Manager at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Limerick for the past 8 years. Gillian is also a member of the Cliste Hospitality Innovation Team.
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Ruth Savage

Head of Reporting
Ruth Savage was appointed Group Head of Financial Reporting in 2022, following a series of promotions within Cliste Hospitality. Ruth initially joined our group as Financial Controller for the Hillgrove Hotel & Spa, and most recently held the role of Regional Financial Controller for the North-West of Ireland, with responsibility for properties including the Hillgrove Hotel in addition to the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Sligo and the Tullamore Court Hotel.
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Veronica Timlin

Project Manager
Veronica is responsible for the planning and opening of new acquisitions & management contracts for Cliste, including establishing the hotel’s operations during the initial stages. Veronica has extensive experience in hospitality as previous owner of The Mayfly Hotel in Mayo, General Manager of The Arlington Hotel, Hotel Manager of The Gresham Dublin, and Area Manager for the Wright Group where she led project management strategies.
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Tracy O'Driscoll

Executive Assistant
Tracy joined Cliste Hospitality in March 2022 after spending 11 years in Personal Financial Services with Invesco ltd. She has over 20 years experience in the finance industry. Tracy held previous roles with Bank of Ireland Life and Aviva. She holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Qualified Financial Adviser from the LIA.
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Trevor McCarthy

Group Learning & Development Manager
As Group Learning & Development Manager, Trevor creates, designs, and implements effective L&D programmes across our portfolio to ensure capability in our businesses through the means of our Learn, Evolve, Thrive ethos. Trevor has a wealth of experience in both the academic and hospitality sectors having joined Cliste in 2022 from the O’ Donoghue Ring Collection, and was previously Programme Leader and Lecturer at both Shannon College of Hotel Management and Limerick Institute of Technology.
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Oran Carolan

Head of Talent, Acquisition & Engagement
Oran joined Cliste Hospitality in 2023, as Group Head of Talent Acquisition & Engagement, Oran has a proven track record in developing strategies that drive employer brand and achieve talent objectives, Oran has honed his skills in full-cycle recruiting, strategic sourcing, data analytics, and project management. He has worked with both private start-ups and public Fortune 100 companies, implementing cost-effective recruitment strategies, and utilizing multi-platform digital marketing techniques to attract the best talent. Oran leads the Talent Acquisition team where he will help individuals find the right roles and assisting Cliste Hospitality in finding the perfect talent to fit their culture.
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André Claro

International Talent Acquisition Manager
With two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, André Claro joined Cliste Hospitality as International Talent Acquisition Manager in February 2022. He is devoted to showcasing career prospects within the organisation and cultivating a sense of unity among team members. Prior to his tenure at Cliste, André held significant roles at renowned companies such as Assistant HR Manager at The Marker Hotel in Dublin and HR Manager at The Montenotte in Cork.
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Roberta Meloni

International Talent Acquisition Specialist ​
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Rosemary Lane

Group People & Culture Business Partner
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Grace Moore

Group People & Culture Business Partner
Grace’s role will guide the People & Culture strategy alongside the hotel leadership teams in the key areas of talent attraction, development, and retention in our properties located in the Midlands, Dublin & northeast region.
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Valerie Forde​

Procurement Assistant
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Philip Kelly

Group Marketing Account Manager
Philip joined Cliste in 2023 as Group Marketing Account Manager, with an extensive wealth of marketing and commercial experience from his ten year tenure at Secret Escapes Group (Pigsback). Philip is no stranger to Cliste Hospitality, having initially commenced his career in Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel as duty manager. Philip is the dedicated Marketing Account Manager for some of our hotels and brands, as well as leading project management within Cliste Marketing Studio.
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Julie Hayes

Group E-Commerce Manager
Joining Cliste Hospitality in 2023, as Group E-commerce Manager, Julie holds a wealth of expertise in all things online from her previous role leading digital marketing at Press Up Hospitality Group. Julie leads the Digital Team within Cliste Marketing Studio, focused on growth of our Online Direct Revenues, Search Engine Marketing (Google Ads, Bing Ads), SEO, Social Media, plus Website Development and Management. .
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Amy Quilter

Group Marketing Manager
Amy’s primary role is to drive, manage and co-ordinate all marketing strategies & campaigns for our four Radisson Hotels in Cork, Athlone, Limerick & Sligo along with Hillgrove Hotel & Spa, Monaghan and new acquisitions/projects as well as executing our marketing strategy. With over 13 years’ experience in sales, marketing & business development with the teams across our hotel group, The Flynn Hotel Group and various roles in marketing agencies, Amy brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the team. Amy graduated from Munster Technology University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Studies & Marketing and followed on with a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the University of Galway.
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Emma Smyth

Group Social Media Manager
Emma joined Cliste Hospitality in January 2022, with over 7 years of experience in developing and implementing social media strategies. Emma previously ran her own Social Media & Brand Consultancy, developing TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter marketing for hospitality businesses. Emma holds both a Masters of Science in Interactive Media and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University College Cork.
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Samantha King

Group Web & Digital Executive
Samantha King began her role as Website and Digital Executive at Cliste Hospitality in June 2022. Prior to joining Cliste, Samantha was Digital Strategist at Blue Magnet, South Africa's leading SEO agency, for 5 years and Account Manager at One Thread Advertising for 6 years. Samantha has over 14 years of experience in SEO, website development, UX, and digital marketing.
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David Flanagan

Senior Graphic Designer
David Flanagan began as Senior Graphic Designer at Cliste Hospitality in April 2021. With over a decade of experience in graphic design, working both in-house and in agency, for brands including Laya Healthcare, Dairygold, Green Saffron, Rachel Allen, and The Barry Group. David has a wealth of experience across video, motion design, illustration, web design, print and brand development.
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Ellen O'Leary

Graphic Designer
Ellen joined Cliste Hospitality as a Graphic Designer in December 2019. Ellen brings a wealth of design knowledge to her role with over 6 years of experience in branding, print, digital, and motion design. Previously, Ellen worked as an in-house Graphic Designer for the Institute of International and European Affairs, where her team was involved in designing for conferences, research reports, publications, and social media.
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Anita Coughlan​

Research & Innovative Executive
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Jenny McDermot

Cluster Revenue
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Pamela Bradley

Cluster Revenue