Our Catering Judges

A highly experienced hospitality and tourism professional, Gina has owned and managed several successful restaurants, including Hugo’s in Dublin for the last 17 years, The Wolftrap in Tullamore, and Crockets on the Quay in Ballina. She is Past-President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland and former Board Member of Fáilte Ireland. She holds post-graduate diplomas in International Hospitality Management, and Transversal Skills. Currently Chairperson of Tourist SOS, and a Board Member of Kylemore Abbey Trust. 

She has, and continues to be, a strong and vocal advocate and media representative for the tourism sector.

Director of Hospitality, Excel Recruitment

With over 15 years’ experience in recruitment and 12 years of hands-on hospitality expertise, Jennifer Maher brings a rare and valuable dual perspective to her role as Director of Hospitality at Excel Recruitment. Her comprehensive background across a wide range of hospitality sectors allows her to intuitively understand the needs of both clients and candidates — making her a trusted leader and strategist in the industry. Jennifer oversees the daily operations of Excel’s thriving hospitality division, managing a team of 25 dedicated consultants. Known for her dynamic leadership style and meticulous attention to detail, she ensures the smooth delivery of recruitment solutions at scale, without ever compromising on service or quality. A passionate advocate for excellence in hospitality staffing, Jennifer is committed to developing talent, driving innovation, and supporting Ireland’s catering and hospitality sectors through every challenge and opportunity. Under her guidance, Excel’s hospitality team continues to grow, evolve, and exceed expectations.

John Burchill is a dynamic and accomplished hospitality professional with a career spanning over a decade, marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation in the industry. Currently serving as Group Operations Manager for Hayfield Manor, Great Southern Killarney, and The Killarney Royal under the prestigious Hayfield Family Collection, John brings visionary leadership and operational expertise to some of Ireland’s most iconic luxury properties.

A native of Co. Roscommon, John is a lecturer and researcher in the Galway International Hotel School, Atlantic Technological University (ATU).  A hotel and catering management graduate, John has worked with tourism, hospitality and event organisations abroad and in Ireland.  He regularly conducts research and provides consultancy services to the tourism, hospitality, festival and event industries.  John teaches marketing, public relations and management modules on a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in ATU, is a Fellow of the Irish Hospitality Institute and a principal investigator with STORY@ATU (the Sustainable Tourism and Visitor Experience Lab @ ATU).

Oliver managed his own Contract Catering Business in the Department of Education and Skills for 18 years and because of Covid his business has been closed since March 2020. He has a background in the Hotel and Catering Industry having worked in the Mater Misericordiae Hospital as Head of Catering for 16 Years and also worked in the Hotel Sector in Ireland and England. Oliver has a QQI level 6 qualified trainer with experience in Hospitality Skills Training He is also a qualified National Tour Guide and a holder of a Limousine License which allows him to work part time as a Driver Guide throughout Ireland.

Russell Hadley is a seasoned hotelier with over 25 years of experience in luxury hotel management. He currently serves as the General Manager of The Mayson in Dublin, where he has led operations since 2019. Under his leadership, the hotel has gained prestigious recognition, including being named one of National Geographic’s 48 Best New Hotels and Conde Nast Traveller’s “Coolest Hotel in Dublin” in 2020. In 2024, it was also included in Conde Nast’s list of 24 Best Hotels in Dublin.

Managing Director, Excel Recruitment

With over 20 years’ experience in recruitment and a strong foundation in hospitality — including over a decade in senior roles and time spent as a chef in prestigious kitchens,  Shane brings unmatched insight and passion to the catering industry. He has worked with all four of Ireland’s leading contract catering companies, giving him a unique understanding of the sector from both sides of the pass. Now Managing Director of Excel Recruitment, Shane leads a nationwide team across Ireland and Northern Ireland, while also overseeing the company’s dedicated training division, Future Proof Training. A natural leader, Shane is driven by values of integrity, flexibility, and care, building high-performing teams that reflect these principles. Shane is deeply committed to delivering innovative recruitment solutions, tailored to the evolving needs of the catering industry. His people-first approach ensures that both clients and candidates receive outstanding service, grounded in genuine connection and understanding. Under his guidance, Excel Recruitment continues to set the standard for excellence in hospitality staffing.