by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 3:15 PM ET, Mon September 14, 2026
WHY IT RATES: Catherine Reilly started working for Brendan Vacations in 1984, and now concludes her tenure as Ann Marie Mahon takes her place as Managing Director. — Lacey Pfalz, Senior Editor, News & Features, TravelPulse
Brendan Vacations, the leading expert in Celtic travel, today announced that Catherine Reilly will retire from her role as Managing Director on October 31st, 2026, concluding an extraordinary 42-year career dedicated to sharing the heart of Ireland and Scotland with travelers from around the world.
Since joining Brendan Vacations in 1984, Reilly has played a defining role in the company’s evolution, most notably leading its return to its Celtic roots in 2006 and establishing the singular focus on Ireland and Scotland that continues to distinguish the brand today. Over four decades, she built enduring relationships with hoteliers, Travel Directors, Private Drivers, Local Hosts and tourism partners throughout Ireland and Scotland, championing an approach to travel rooted in deep local knowledge, personal connection and care. Her influence can still be seen throughout the Brendan Vacations experience, including “Catherine’s Collection,” the hand-selected portfolio of accommodations she created to showcase some of her favorite places to stay across the Celtic homelands.
As Brendan Vacations enters its next chapter, Ann Marie Mahon has been named Managing Director, succeeding Catherine Reilly. A 19-year Brendan Vacations veteran who currently serves as Director of Operations, Mahon will lead the Ireland and Scotland business while providing global oversight of the brand, building on the expertise, relationships and highly personalized approach that have long defined Brendan Vacations.
“After 19 years with Brendan Vacations, I know both what makes this brand so special and how much opportunity lies ahead,” said Mahon. “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.”
In North America, Brendan Vacations will continue to be led by an experienced team well known to the travel advisor community. Guy Young, CEO, Whitney Ramirez, SVP Sales and Emily Mayer, SVP Marketing, joined the leadership team in April 2026, bringing deep industry experience and longstanding advisor relationships to the business.
“Catherine’s contribution to Brendan Vacations is extraordinary,” said Alastair Campbell, Global CEO TTC Specialist & Adventure. “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.”
Reilly’s influence extends well beyond Brendan Vacations. A passionate advocate for Ireland and its development as a sustainable tourism destination, she served for a decade on the Board of Fáilte Ireland, as Chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and as President of the Incoming Tour Operators Association. Those titles tell only part of the story: throughout her career, she has been a trusted colleague, mentor, partner and advocate across Irish tourism, quietly lending her experience and support to an industry she has spent more than four decades championing.
“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.”
SOURCE: Brendan Vacations press release.
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