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03 Apr 2026

New Managing Director appointed to luxurious Laois hotel

Seamus Crotty will take up the role at Ballyfin Demesne as Jim Reynolds retires

New Managing Director appointed to luxurious Laois hotel

New Managing Director Seamus Crotty

A new Managing Director has been appointed to the luxurious five star Ballyfin Demesne hotel. 

Ballyfin Demesne announced the appointment of Seamus Crotty as Managing Director following the retirement of Jim Reynolds, who oversaw the restoration of the hotel which opened in 2011.

Mr Crotty, a Tipperary native, has extensive experience in luxury hospitality as Group General Manager and Company Director of the Mayrange Hospitality Group in Ireland. He joined Mayrange as General Manager of Sheen Falls Lodge in Co Kerry before overseeing the acquisition and redevelopment of Castlemartyr Resort in Co Cork, and Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort in Co Wicklow.

“I am delighted to be joining the team at Ballyfin as Managing Director and I look forward to working closely with our owners, Jay and Liam Krehbiel. Ballyfin is a truly exceptional hotel, ranking amongst the finest in Europe,” said Mr Crotty. 

“Collaborating closely with the team, I hope to direct the future vision for this exquisite hotel and estate in line with the philosophy of the Krehbiel family. It is a privilege to be appointed to the position of Managing Director,” he added. 

Jay and Liam Krehbiel said: “We are delighted to welcome Seamus Crotty to lead Ballyfin into its next phase of evolution. He shares our passion and ambition for Ballyfin and with his impressive experience and leadership expertise, he will ensure Ballyfin continues to deliver an impeccable guest experience.”

Mr Crotty is a graduate of hospitality management and holds an MSc. in Strategic Management and Planning from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, and a diploma in Corporate Law and Governance. He started his career at Park Hotel, Kenmare, and Hayfield Manor, Cork City, where he worked in various key roles before joining Sheen Falls Lodge as General Manager.

The appointment of Seamus to the Managing Director position follows the retirement of Jim Reynolds who directed the elaborate restoration of Ballyfin Demesne that opened as a hotel in 2011.

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