Our Team Member
Choice Hotel Group
Andrew O’Neill
CEO
Andrew O’Neill is a prominent figure in the hotel industry serving as CEO in Choice Hotel Group, known for his extensive experience and leadership roles. He joined the group in 2000 after spending 11 years with Forte Hotels, where he held various positions and eventually became Area Food & Beverage Director for airport hotels Heathrow and Gatwick. Before his appointment as Group Operations Director in 2009, O’Neill served as General Manager of several hotels in the group, including the Morrison Hotel in Dublin.
From 2009 to 2014, O’Neill played a crucial role in the company’s survival and success, helping to guide, organize, and reposition the group as the leading hotel group in Ireland. Under his leadership, the group grew to include 10 hotels, including well-known properties such as the Gibson Hotel, Carton House, Clarion Hotels in major cities, and Quality hotels. The group employed around 1,500 individuals during this period.
In 2015, Andrew O’Neill took on the position of CEO and successfully negotiated and led a trade sale of leases and management contracts to Dalata plc. The completion of this deal in 2016 was regarded as one of the most successful lease multiple deals in the Irish hotel sector. O’Neill’s achievements and contributions to the tourism and hospitality industry were recognized when he was awarded Best Leaders in the Tourism & Hospitality Sector by the Sunday Times in 2016.
Following the completion of the deal with Dalata plc, O’Neill decided to embark on a new venture. He entered into a lease agreement for Hotel Woodstock and currently owns, operates, and leases a total of six hotels across Ireland, including the G Hotel, Hardiman Hotel, and House hotels in Galway City.
Before his tenure with the group and Forte Hotels, Andrew O’Neill worked in various development roles within Forte Hotels in Ireland and the UK, eventually reaching the position of regional F&B Director for London Airport Hotels in Heathrow and Gatwick. He is a graduate of DIT Cathal Brugha St College of Hotel Management, showcasing his educational background in the field.