Michael Magner, IHF President

The President of the IHF is elected by the members at the AGM and serves a two-year term of office. Elected in February 2024, Michael is the 40th President of the Irish Hotels Federation, succeeding Denyse Campbell.

A native of Kileedy, Co. Limerick, Michael is owner of the historic Cork's Vienna Woods Hotel. He has studied Hotel Management and holds a masters degree in Business in HRM from the University of Limerick. He began his career in hospitality aged 16 in Newcastle West, Limerick, going on to work at the Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel in Adare.

Michael has been an active branch member of the IHF since 2006 and has served as Chair of the Cork branch, a two-year term as National Vice President, and as a member of the National Council and Management Committee.

He currently sits as Chair of Cobh Heritage Trust and a Director of the Board of Visit Cork.

Click HERE to view media statement annoucing Michael's election.

Paul Gallagher, Chief Executive

As Chief Executive, Paul oversees 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.

A past President of the IHF and former Chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), Paul was previously General Manager of Buswells Hotel, Dublin for 27 years. 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.

Paul 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.

Click HERE to view media statement annoucing Paul's appointment.