Catherine Reilly on Oct. 31 will retire as managing director of Ireland-Scotland specialist Brendan Vacations.
Reilly has been with the tour operator for 42 years. When Brendan was acquired by The Travel Corporation in 2006, Reilly played a large role in a refocus on the company's Celtic roots, trimming its portfolio to exclusively operate Ireland and Scotland vacations.
Ann Marie Mahon will succeed Reilly.
"Catherine's contribution to Brendan Vacations is extraordinary," said Alastair Campbell, global CEO of The Travel Corporation's specialist and adventure division. "She gave this brand a clear sense of who it is and what it stands for, while building relationships across Ireland and Scotland that have endured for decades. … Ann Marie knows this business deeply, and we are incredibly confident in her leadership as Brendan Vacations enters its next chapter."
Reilly's influence was so notable that she and her team designed Catherine's Collection, a hand-picked portfolio of favorite accommodations.
Reilly also has served as a Failte Ireland board member, chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and president of the Incoming Tour Operators Association.
"I have always believed the most meaningful journeys are shaped by the people you meet, and the same has been true of my more than four decades with Brendan Vacations," Reilly said. "I have had the extraordinary privilege of sharing my love for our Celtic homelands with travelers while working alongside people who have become like family to me."
Mahon has worked with Brendan Vacations for 19 years and currently serves as director of operations.
Anne Marie Mahon
"After 19 years with Brendan Vacations, I know both what makes this brand so special and how much opportunity lies ahead," Mahon said. "Our deep expertise in Ireland and Scotland, the relationships we have built across the Celtic homelands and our partnership with travel advisors give us an extraordinary foundation to build from. I am honored to take on this role and excited to lead Brendan Vacations into its next chapter."
The operator's North America business will continue to be led by CEO Guy Young, senior vice president of sales Whitney Ramirez and senior vice president of marketing Emily Mayer. The three joined the leadership team in April.
Reilly's departure comes at a time of change at The Travel Corporation, which recently announced that it is phasing out the Insight Vacations and Costsaver brands while expanding Trafalgar.