HASTINGS Hotels has announced a leadership reshuffle in the wake of the retirement of its longest serving director.
Edward Carson joined the company as finance director in 1972, just six years after it was founded by the late Sir William Hastings.
He later took on Sir Billy's role following the former chairman's death in late 2017.
It comes during a significant period of change at the hospitality group, which three months ago sold the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle for around £40 million.
The group now has six hotels, including the Europa, Grand Central and Culloden in Belfast.
Howard Hastings will take over from Mr Carson as group chairman.
Perhaps the most significant promotion comes for Co Tyrone native James McGinn.
After 25 years with the company, serving as both operations director and general manager of the Europa Hotel, he is now charged with leading the entire group as managing director.
Andy McNeill, general manager at the Culloden Estate, will now take charge at the Europa.
Niall Burns, who previously worked for Hastings Hotels as the deputy general manager of the Slieve Donard, and most recently as the general manager of Lyrath Estate in County Kilkenny, will replace Mr McNeill at the helm of the Culloden.
Commenting on the changes, Howard Hastings said: “As we emerge from the pandemic, Hastings Hotels is confident that it does so with a very strong team. I would like to thank Edward Carson in particular for his lifetime of dedication and commitment to the company and am delighted that he will remain on the Board.
"I am also thrilled that we are able to acknowledge and harness the talents of individuals who have come through the ranks to attain a senior status in the company, and while it is 'welcome back' to Niall Burns at the Culloden Estate, my fellow directors and I wish him, Andy McNeill at the Europa and James McGinn as managing director, our very best wishes as they take on their new roles.”
