1. Where are you from? Tell us a bit about your background.
I joined Killeavy Castle Estate as the Sales and Marketing Manager in September 2019. I have worked in the hospitality sector for over 20 years in both the north and south of Ireland and around the world at Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
I am originally from Derry but upon taking up the role at Killeavy, I relocated to Newry which is closer to where my wife is from. I love all things about Golf, Yoga and of course my two children and wife (…maybe not in that order though!).
I love to learn and have attended Ulster University for many years, graduating on several occasions with an MBA in Business and Leadership, BSc with first-class honours in Business Administration, and a CMAP in Marketing and Advertising.
2. What exactly does your position at Killeavy entail?
Within my role, I am responsible for all the sales and marketing activities that develop brand awareness and revenue generation.
All marketing activities are scheduled and completed throughout the year within an allocated budget via various digital and traditional marketing initiatives. All marketing activities must generate the level of business required to maximise the revenue for the various departments of the Estate. The simple measure of this is, if the Estate is busy then I am on the right track.
I perform various regular sales activities with the use of digital technologies to cater for the present business needs. In order to build brand awareness and future business development, I attend several sales, tourism, and international trade events to sell the brand offering towards new and emerging markets.
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
My position allows me to apply my previous experience and education to develop the brand identity of Killeavy Castle Estate towards the luxury travel markets.
I am fortunate to work for owners who truly value the people that make the business function. They provide a strong vision and directive for what the brand represents which infuses all staff with excitement in being part of something great, whilst providing a real sense of belonging and job role fulfilment.
Within my role, I am given the autonomy to develop and orchestrate a marketing and communications programme for the Estate by incorporating the use of numerous digital technologies, traditional forms of marketing and representation of the brand at international trade shows and sales events.
4. What do you love most about Killeavy Castle Estate?
I love that Killeavy is just not another hotel, it is unique and very different in having several choices of accommodation types and provides an authentic ‘Farm to Fork’ approach with the food offering throughout the Estate.
I love what the brand of Killeavy Castle Estate represents, it has such a strong ethical stance towards sustainability with owners who are visionaries for the future development of the Estate and tourism in the wider area of the Newry, Mourne and Down.
The location of Killeavy is an unexplored and untouched tourism destination that has immense potential for the development of unique tourism-led experiences. To be involved at a time when Killeavy is becoming recognised as a luxury tourism destination gives a real sense of pride and belonging to the brand.
5. What are some interesting facts about you?
In working in hospitality, I have had the luxury of travelling with my job which has fortunately allowed me to see the world, I have travelled around 4 continents, visited over 30 countries, sailed through 3 oceans and across 6 of the world's seas.
I have a strong work ethic in trying to achieve perfection in all that I do, some might say I am a little OCD - my wife would love to see me apply this behaviour towards the housework but unfortunately, I try to always leave work at work, and keep home life separate (...that's my excuse anyway!)