Mark had a varied career from being a young hotel chef in Cote D’Azur to honing his skills with British Transport Hotels in London. In Scotland he joined the Stakis Hotel Group and managed three of their top properties. He was also instrumental in setting up Conference Nottingham, the first convention bureau of its type in the East Midlands.
He then returned to Northern Ireland as Deputy CEO of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and that’s when his main passion became evident, getting visitors to come to Northern Ireland, soak up the atmosphere – and play Golf !
Diane Poole, Stena Line’s Head of PR and Communications, knew Mark well. “He will be remembered by many of us, for his work with SKAL, the international organisation that promotes the benefits of ‘Doing business among friends’.”
“Originally from Dungannon, and ambassador for all great tourism and hospitality experiences, he was passionate about promoting Northern Ireland and its great people. At every opportunity, local and overseas he sold the Province as a destination of which he was extremely proud.”
Added Diane: “Over the last three years, Mark had been mentoring cluster groups with the local councils and Tourism Northern Ireland. While doing this work he taught all of us about the importance of collaboration, pride in our businesses and the welcome we give guests. This approach has proven so successful it is being replicated around the country.”
Mark, who was recently elected as International Executive Director of SKAL, leaves behind his partner Caroline. His funeral service took place recently at Ballyclare Methodist Church.
