announced at The Fota Collection — Fergal Harte promoted to
Group Hotel General Manager and John O’Flynn appointed General Manager Group Strategy as the Cork-based hotel group plans for future growth
The Fota Collection, a portfolio of two of Cork’s leading hotels — the luxurious Cork City four-star hotel, The Kingsley and flagship five-star Fota Island Resort — has announced the creation of two new senior leadership roles and the appointments of two of the country’s most respected hoteliers to these positions.
Fergal Harte, General Manager of The Kingsley for the past decade, has been appointed Group Hotel General Manager of the Fota Collection. Harte will oversee the almost 800 full-time & part-time employees and the overall operations of both properties and their associated facilities, including two multi-award-winning destination spas, Fota Island Golf Club and clubhouse, extensive self-catering lodges and apartments, and a diverse food and beverage offering across the two properties. His remit includes financial performance, team leadership, guest satisfaction, and ensuring operational excellence across the entire collection.
Harte, who was named Irish Hospitality Institute General Manager of the Year in 2024, has led The Kingsley since its opening in 2014. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing the hotel as one of Cork’s premier destinations for both leisure and business.
“It’s a privilege to take on this new role and to further integrate the two exceptional teams at The Kingsley and Fota Island Resort,” said Fergal Harte, Group Hotel General Manager of the Fota Collection. “Both properties have built strong reputations in their own right, and are very different but share the same values and ethos of true Irish hospitality. I look forward to leading the next phase of their journey under a unified vision that puts guest experience, team development, and innovation at the heart of everything we do.”
Alongside this appointment, John O’Flynn, General Manager at Fota Island Resort for the past 18 years, has been named General Manager Group Strategy at the Fota Collection. This newly established strategic leadership role signals the group’s intention to explore future growth and expansion opportunities both within Ireland and internationally.
With deep expertise in hotel operations and destination resort management, O’Flynn will lead the Fota Collection’s long-term development strategy, identifying new business opportunities and guiding acquisition and expansion initiatives in alignment with the group’s vision.
“Having worked at Fota Island Resort for nearly two decades, I’m excited to step into this new role with a clear focus on growth and innovation,” said John O’Flynn, General Manager Group Strategy, the Fota Collection. “There is great potential within the Irish hospitality sector, and we’re committed to ensuring the Fota Collection is part of that evolving story — investing in people, properties and experiences that reflect the very best of our hospitality.”
Fota Island Resort, the flagship five-star hotel of the group, is home to championship golf courses that have played host to the Irish Open three times to date, a destination spa, luxury lodges, golf academy, and premier sports training facilities. Just minutes away in Cork city, The Kingsley has 131 elegant bedrooms, and a renowned spa and health club on the banks of the River Lee. Both properties have a considered and sophisticated food and beverage offering.
These executive appointments mark a significant milestone for the Fota Collection as it charts an ambitious and dynamic future for the group.
For more information on the Fota Collection properties visit fotaisland.ie / thekingsley.ie.
ENDS
