Tourism Northern Ireland announces appointment of new chief executive

Tourism Northern Ireland has announced the appointment of a new chief executive, Laura McCorry MBE who will take on the new role in September 2025.

McCorry will take over from current CEO John McGrillen, who announced in February that he will step down from the role at the end of July following The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush. Mr McGrillen has held the role for 10 years.

Currently the head of Hillsborough Castle, McCorry has held a variety of strategic leadership roles both locally and internationally. These include public engagement director at National Museums Northern Ireland and director of product development at Tourism Northern Ireland.

She is also a member of the Tourism Partnership Board as well as a board member of Tourism Ireland.

Speaking about her new role, McCorry said: “Tourism NI is a fantastic organisation with a passionate team and I’m excited to work together to grow the tourism economy in a way that benefits communities, businesses and visitors alike.”

Ellvena Graham, chair of Tourism NI said: “Laura brings with her a wealth of experience in leadership in the tourism industry and her expertise will guide Tourism NI in our ambitious plans to support the delivery of the Minister’s Tourism Vision and Action Plan.”

A non-departmental public body of the Department for the Economy NI, Tourism Northern Ireland is responsible for the development of tourism in Northern Ireland, supporting the tourism industry, and for marketing the region as a tourist destination across the island of Ireland.