McKeever Hotels appoints new group operations director

McKeever Hotels has appointed hospitality industry veteran Norman McBride to its board as group operations director, a newly created role designed to support the group’s growth and expanding operations.

McBride will be responsible for overseeing operations across the group’s seven hotels, with the appointment aligned to McKeever’s five-year strategy focused on growth, performance and sustainability.

He brings more than 40 years’ experience in the hospitality sector, including 18 years with the family-owned Hastings Hotel Group, where he served as general manager at both Ballygally Castle Hotel and the Stormont Hotel. 

He has also worked for Tourism Northern Ireland and previously ran his own hospitality consultancy, advising businesses across Northern Ireland.

McBride has been working with McKeever Hotels since 2024, supporting the leadership team during a period of expansion that included the integration of The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine and the Armagh City Hotel into the group.

Commenting on his appointment, McBride said: “Collaboration, nurturing talent and fostering continuity have been my focus since working with the McKeever team, and I’m thrilled to take this to the next level by joining the board. I look forward to delivering operational excellence which will benefit our customers, our staff and our business as a whole.”

Eugene McKeever, founder and group chair of McKeever Hotels, added: “This is a very significant development which will help further our strategy and growth ambitions. Norman brings not only years of experience but a strong understanding of hotel operations, culture and people.”