Patrick Dempsey, class '77, OBE
Where are they now
Back in 1988 we had a brief but most welcome visit at the College from Paddy Dempsey, class '77 who was then taking up a new appointment with the Trust House Forte Hotel Group after some years on the management staff of the Cumberland Hotel. Marble Arch. London. There has been some progress since for we recently learnt of his impressive progress in the hospitality industry.
Patrick has recently stepped down as Managing Director of Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants (Premier Inn) after 10 years where he looked after some 700 hotels, growing the portfolio from 24,000 rooms to over 65,000 during his time as MD. Having spent 10 years at Whitbread and 20 years at Forte Hotels he has now decided to take up some non-executive directorships and investment roles rather than go back into corporate life again. Interestingly he is involved in two Irish business’s, staycity, an apart hotel company based in Dublin where he is a minority investor and also a small hotel in Co. Clare.
Patrick visits Dublin on a regular basis from the UK where he lives with his wife Allison and two children Jack (20) and Tara (16). He has an older son from his first marriage Henry (27) who lives and works in New York. Patrick was awarded an OBE for his services to the hospitality industry in 2012 and was recently recognised by the British Hospitality Association for his contribution to youth employment (16-24) by leading and chairing the “Big Hospitality Conversation” which helped over 65,000 young people into employment, work experience and apprenticeships.
He and fellow class man and industry veteran Redmond Walsh are both pencilled in to attend the big 40th bash for class '77 next year.
Belated congrats Patrick on the stellar career and the OBE!