Catherine Reilly Retires from Brendan Vacations After 42 Years

Brendan Vacations has announced that Catherine Reilly will be retiring from her role as managing director on Oct. 31, 2026. She will be succeeded by Ann Marie Mahon.

Reilly has been with Brendan Vacations for 42 years, having joined the company in 1984. During her tenure with the tour operator, the executive built relationships with hoteliers, travel directors, private drivers, local hosts and tourism partners, in order to foster a personal and local-focused approach to developing itineraries for Ireland and Scotland. She also helped shape the company’s evolution over the last four decades: In 2006, Reilly led Brendan Vacations’ return to focusing on Ireland and Scotland, which remains core to its brand today.

Reilly’s contributions to the travel industry extend beyond her work with Brendan Vacations. She is a passionate advocate for Ireland and its development as a sustainable tourism destination. She’s served in several key roles supporting the travel industry, including serving on the Board of Fáilte Ireland for a decade, as Chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and as 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,” said Reilly. “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. I am enormously proud of what we have built together, and I know Brendan Vacations is ready for an exciting next chapter under Ann Marie’s leadership.”

Mahon has been with Brendan Vacations for 19 years, and currently serves as director of operations. As incoming managing director, she will build on Reilly’s legacy, leading the Celtic-focused tour operator into its next chapter.

North America operations will continue to be led by an experienced leadership team, which includes Guy Young, CEO, Whitney Ramirez, senior vice president of sales, and Emily Mayer, senior vice president of marketing.

“Catherine’s contribution to Brendan Vacations is extraordinary,” said Alastair Campbell, global CEO, specialist & adventure at The Travel Corporation (TTC). “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. Just as importantly, she built a team and culture grounded in that same knowledge and care. Ann Marie knows this business deeply, and we are incredibly confident in her leadership as Brendan Vacations enters its next chapter.”