The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales have named Julie Hammond as the group's new Chief Executive Officer.
With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Julie now leads Wales’ largest independent hotel group, The Celtic Collection, along with the UK’s newest convention centre, ICC Wales.
Julie most recently managed one of the UK’s largest hotels in Central London and has held senior leadership roles across several prestigious hospitality properties and groups in the UK and Europe.
Julie previously served as Asset Manager for L+R Hotels, overseeing venues such as Chewton Glen, Cliveden House, and Fairmont Monte Carlo. She also held the role of Group Commercial Director for Ralph Trustees Ltd, which owns London’s Athenaeum and The Grove in Hertfordshire.
She also brings experience in Welsh hospitality, having managed the voco St David’s Hotel in Cardiff Bay.
At the growing Celtic Collection and ICC Wales, Julie is responsible for shaping business strategy and driving revenue and profitability growth for one of Wales’ largest employers.
She said: “I am delighted to take on this opportunity and build on the incredible work that has already been done to establish The Celtic Collection as Wales’ largest independent hotel group and ICC Wales as the UK’s most exciting new convention centre.
The vision and ambition of the owner, Sir Terry Matthews, to continue growing the group was a particular draw for me and I look forward to developing our existing properties and seeking opportunities for further expansion.
“We have a fantastic team and a unique variety of properties in The Celtic Collection, stretching across South Wales from Magor to Milford Haven. From luxury escapes at the Celtic Manor Resort to city chic at Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel, and from country retreats at the Newbridge on Usk to marina views at Ty Hotel Milford Waterfront and coastal spa tranquillity at St Brides, there really is something for everyone within the portfolio and our collective ambition is to continue elevating these experiences for our guests.”
Julie added: “I am passionate about hospitality and providing seamless, unscripted service and ultimately making amazing memories for our guests. This is something that underpins an exciting new service philosophy and people culture that we are launching across The Celtic Collection. We want to empower a passionate and innovative team with a can-do attitude to surprise and delight our guests, and to raise the bar for the warmest Welsh hospitality.”
Evolving from the success of the five-star Celtic Manor Resort—one of Europe’s premier destinations for luxury escapes, family breaks, golfing getaways, and business events—The Celtic Collection now encompasses 10 hotels across South Wales, offering a total of 1,217 bedrooms.
Situated within the grounds of the Celtic Manor Resort, ICC Wales is an £83.7 million joint venture between Celtic Manor and the Welsh Government. As the only convention centre of its kind in Wales and the southwest UK, it can host over 5,000 delegates. The venue features a 4,000 sqm pillar-free main hall, a 1,500-seat auditorium, 15 versatile meeting rooms, a double-height glass atrium with scenic views of Coldra Woods, and a 2,500 sqm outdoor plaza.
Since its opening in 2019, ICC Wales has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the UK Space Conference, the Royal College of Nursing Congress, and the National Association of Head Teachers Conference. In 2026, it will make history as the first UK venue to host the Worldchefs Congress and Expo, the world’s largest culinary event.
