Guinness and Diageo have announced that Paul Carty is to retire from his role as managing director of the Guinness Storehouse.
Carty has led the Guinness Storehouse since its inception, joining as MD in its year of opening almost two decades ago.
Under his leadership, visitor numbers have increased six fold from under 300,000 to almost 1.8 million in 2019, the brewer said in a statement.
“Over his time, nearly 21 million people have entered the doors of the Guinness Storehouse, including kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, superstars and rock singers," Mark Sandys, global head of Beer, Baileys and Smirnoff, said.
During Carty’s tenure, more than €50 million has been invested in the Storehouse leading it to be voted Europe’s favourite tourist attraction in 2015.
He also led the management and opening of the Smithwick Experience in Kilkenny, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery on James’s Street and the latest addition to Diageo Brand homes the Roe & Co whiskey experience.
Sandys added: "One of his biggest legacies will be the culture of customer care and employee engagement that is the hallmark of his leadership.”
Successor
Guinness also announced today that Carty’s successor will be Catherine Toolan, who will take up the role of MD of the Guinness Storehouse from the beginning of April.
From Sligo, Toolan has had a very successful career in the conference, events, live music and hospitality industry spanning three continents, including senior roles in Aramark, close partner of the Guinness Storehouse.
She was also responsible for managing the delivery of the Athletes Village at the Beijing and London Olympic Games.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
