The Irish Hotel Surge: Capital Flows, International Deals And Transaction Volumes

Examining The Investment Landscape And What’s Driving Market Momentum In 2025

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  Maria Ashton

  VP, Head of Luxury Development, Northern Europe

  AccorHotels

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  Andrew Fowler

  Chief Development Officer

  Staycity Group

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  Tim Walton

  Tim Walton is a Senior Vice President of International Hotel Development for Marriott International. Based in London, he currently oversees a team of 14 executives responsible for the development of all Marriott’s brands across the northern, western and southern regions of Europe (primarily through means of management and franchising contracts). He also has EMEA-wide responsibility for the development of the Design Hotels brand (through means of affiliation contracts). Before re-joining Marriott in 2005, Tim spent four years as Vice President of Hotel Development, Europe, with Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts. Prior to that (between 1997 and 2001), he worked with Marriott’s Development Planning and Feasibility group and was responsible for a wide variety of market and feasibility studies across the EMEA region. Tim has also held positions within the fields of consultancy (with industry experts Horwath and BDO) and on-property sales and marketing. He is a graduate of the University of Surrey where he is a regular guest lecturer. He is also a member of the University’s Surrey Business School advisory board and a frequent speaker on the hotel industry conference circuit.

  Marriott Hotels International

  SVP, International Hotel Development

  Tim Walton

  SVP, International Hotel Development

  Marriott Hotels International

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  Abigail Holland

  Associate Director

  Colliers

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  Eoin Leonard

  Eoin Leonard is the founder and CEO at Catalyst. He has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry and has led the company to work with some of the largest companies in the world over the past 13 years. He has advised government departments and industry steering groups on regulatory shifts in Ireland and the UK. Eoin works closely with all technical advisory service leads and the core TAS leadership team. Eoin holds an MBA, has several technical qualifications, and was a past finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

  Catalyst

  CEO

  Moderator

  Eoin Leonard

  CEO

  Catalyst

Operations, Sustainability And ESG In Ireland’s Hotel Sector

Balancing Green Initiatives, Regulatory Compliance And Guest Expectations

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  Elliot Newton

  Development Director, UK & Ireland

  IHG Hotels & Resorts

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  Chris Austin

  Chris Austin is the Chief Operating Officer for Cliste Hospitality and the iNua Collection of Hotels. Chris is responsible for all hotel operations, group product development and hotel capital investment. He oversees group operational standards, procedures & training, health & safety, sustainability and transitioning new acquisitions into Group. Chris is a member of the Board of Directors of iNua Hospitality PLC and Chief Operating Officer for the iNua Collection. Chris joined Cliste Hospitality in 2019 from the 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.

  Cliste Hospitality

  COO

  Chris Austin

  COO

  Cliste Hospitality

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  Michelle McKenna

  With 25 years international experience, Michelle offers extensive expertise in strategic leadership, delivery management, customer success and business development across a diverse range of industries. Her experience in leading customers, teams and partners through business transformation and change management projects, while building valued key stakeholder relationships are key in her role as Head of Sustainability Partnerships with Pinergy. She is passionate about customer experience, education, Women in Tech, upskilling and life-long learning, and also loves to travel, network and try new experiences.

  Pinergy

  Head of Sustainability Partnerships

  Michelle McKenna

  Head of Sustainability Partnerships

  Pinergy

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  Chuck Hurchalla

  Chuck Hurchalla is the president of Evolution Sustainability Group. He has over 30 years of experience in the deregulated energy markets, including natural gas, electricity and petroleum products. He is considered a subject matter expert on hedging strategies and the fundamental and technical drivers of movements in the energy markets, including renewable products. In addition, he has been instrumental in helping clients develop comprehensive energy management solutions that meet or exceed energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

  Evolution Sustainability Group

  Founder and CEO

  Moderator

  Chuck Hurchalla

  Founder and CEO

  Evolution Sustainability Group