Brendan Vacations’ Catherine Reilly to retire after 42 years; Ann Marie Mahon named managing dir.

After more than four decades with Brendan Vacations, Catherine Reilly is preparing to retire, with longtime company veteran Ann Marie Mahon set to take over as managing director.

Reilly will retire on Oct. 31, 2026, wrapping up a 42-year career with the Celtic travel specialist that began in 1984.

During her tenure, Reilly played a central role in shaping Brendan Vacations’ identity, including leading the company’s return to its Celtic roots in 2006 and sharpening its focus on travel to Ireland and Scotland.

Over the years, she developed relationships with hoteliers, Travel Directors, Private Drivers, Local Hosts and tourism partners across both destinations, while promoting a style of travel built around local expertise and personal connections.

Her influence is also reflected in “Catherine’s Collection,” a hand-picked portfolio of accommodations featuring some of her favourite places to stay across Ireland and Scotland.

“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 in a statement.

“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 to take the helm

Succeeding Reilly will be Mahon, a 19-year Brendan Vacations veteran who currently serves as director of operations.

As managing director, Mahon will lead the company’s Ireland and Scotland business while providing global oversight of the Brendan Vacations brand.

“After 19 years with Brendan Vacations, I know both what makes this brand so special and how much opportunity lies ahead,” stated 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 honoured to take on this role and excited to lead Brendan Vacations into its next chapter.”

In North America, Brendan Vacations will continue under a leadership team that includes Guy Young, CEO; Whitney Ramirez, SVP sales; and Emily Mayer, SVP marketing. The trio joined the leadership team in April 2026.

“Catherine’s contribution to Brendan Vacations is extraordinary,” said Alastair Campbell, global CEO, TTC Specialist & Adventure, in a statement. “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.”

Four decades in Irish tourism

Reilly’s career has also extended beyond Brendan Vacations and into the broader Irish tourism industry.

She spent a decade on the Board of Fáilte Ireland and has served as chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and president of the Incoming Tour Operators Association.

Throughout her career, Reilly has also worked as a mentor, partner and advocate within Irish tourism, supporting the development of Ireland as a sustainable tourism destination.

Her retirement brings to a close a 42-year chapter at Brendan Vacations as the company prepares for a leadership transition under Mahon.

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