The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales have appointed Julie Hammond as the group’s new CEO.
Hammond succeeds Ian Edwards, who died in October 2024 following a period of illness. Subsequently, Celtic Manor Resort, part of the collection, renamed its conference centre after Edwards in tribute to the group’s long-serving chief.
Hammond now takes charge of the UK’s newest convention centre and Wales’ largest independent hotel group. She assumes responsibility for developing business strategy and driving growth in revenues and profitability across both businesses.
With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Hammond most recently oversaw the Cumberland hotel in central London as general manager. Before that, she was an asset manager for L+R Hotels, whose venues include Chewton Glen, Cliveden House and Fairmont Monte Carlo, and group commercial director for Ralph Trustees, whose hotels include London’s Athenaeum and the Grove in Hertfordshire.
She also has prior experience in Welsh hospitality, having managed the voco St David’s hotel in Cardiff Bay.
Hammond 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.”
Opened in 2019, ICC Wales has already held many 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 welcome the world’s largest culinary event when it becomes the first venue in the UK to stage the Worldchefs Congress and Expo.
