Paul is our chair and has held that position for 4 years. Paul joined ECOVIS in 2026 as Managing Partner having previously served as chairperson. Paul was appointed Managing Partner (“MP”) of Grant Thornton for six years, from 2012 to 2017. From 2018 to 2021, he was a senior Partner in the Firm’s Financial Services Advisory department. In 2020 he served as the Interim CFO of Permanent TSB Bank. In September 2021 he transitioned into the role of CEO at Ergo Ltd, which is a leading Irish IT Services company. Paul provides lead advisory services to companies, venture capitalists and financial institutions, advising companies in financial difficulty and helping them develop and implement strategies. Paul is married to Donna and has four children. Paul is weaning off music festivals & trying to be mature by playing golf.

James is the former Chief Executive of Scotland Food & Drink and NFU Scotland. He now runs his own business, working with the private and public sector on economic development, particular in the food & drink and tourism industries. James is a non-executive director of Crown Estate Scotland and was a member of the Scottish Government’s Trade Board. He chaired the Food and Drink Industry Leadership Group for a decade and co-chaired Scotland’s Food Security Taskforce. In 2022, James was appointed by Scottish Ministers to lead an independent review of Scotland’s £3 billion skills system. He is a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies (FRAgS) and, in 2023, was appointed as a GlobalScot to strengthen Scotland’s and the UK’s international trade.

Pat is a former Managing Director at Bank of Ireland, Corporate Banking where he headed up its Irish and UK corporate lending businesses having retired from that position in 2020. He is a recognised senior leader and influencer in banking and financial services with over 40 years’ experience across retail banking, credit risk, business and corporate banking, both domestically and internationally and across all sectors. Pat has extensive M&A experience, a proven track record in exceeding targets in several business leadership roles and in initiating and implementing strategic actions to deliver step changes in performance. A Fellow of both the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and the Institute of Bankers and a 2017 graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Programme, Pat is a Non-Executive Director of Dairygold Co-Operative Society, ESB and a number of Irish private companies and is also a Trustee of the Bank of Ireland Staff Pension Fund.

Darren Byrne has built an impressive career spanning more than 20 years in the tourism sector. As CEO of the Abbey Group, he leads with a forward-thinking approach, driving innovation and growth across the company’s portfolio. Previously Finance Director, Darren’s expertise in financial strategy and operational performance shaped the Group’s success and stability. Today, he champions sustainability as a core priority, guiding Abbey Group toward ambitious environmental goals, including Gold Certification from the Sustainable Tourism Network. His leadership reflects a commitment to responsible tourism and long-term impact. Outside of work, Darren enjoys exploring Ireland’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage, often finding inspiration in the country’s scenic beauty.

Vanessa Castles has over 25 years of experience in destination management and tourism. As Managing Director of Abbey in Ireland, she combines strategic vision with a passion for creating exceptional travel experiences. Vanessa is widely respected for her ability to build strong partnerships and deliver innovative solutions for clients worldwide. She plays an active role in shaping the industry’s future through thought leadership and collaboration. A proud advocate for Ireland as a premier destination, Vanessa loves showcasing the country’s rich heritage and culture. Outside of work, she enjoys discovering hidden gems across Ireland, exploring scenic landscapes, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Rebecca Brooks is Managing Director of Abbey UK and a director/owner of the Abbey Group, a leading international inbound travel company specialising in destination management in the UK and Ireland.
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A graduate of St Andrews University, where she read Modern History, Rebecca has worked in international inbound tourism since 2001. She is also Chair of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and served on the VisitScotland board from 2015 to 2023. Rebecca has been Chair of UKinbound since 19 February 2024 and is a former Chair of the SDMA. She was a member of the Scottish Government-appointed Tourism Recovery Taskforce in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She was voted one of Scotland’s 100 Women in Tourism in 2018 and 2020 and received the UKinbound Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Services to Tourism in 2022.

John has built a distinguished career in tourism, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience to his role as Managing Director. He oversees Abbey Group’s MICE division while also driving growth in luxury leisure sales. Known for his strategic insight and commitment to excellence, John ensures clients receive exceptional experiences tailored to their needs. A proud Kilkenny native, John loves sharing insider tips on the best places to explore in his home county. Outside of work, he enjoys Ireland’s rich culture and heritage, embracing the traditions that make the country unique.