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Home » Chief Executive Of The Celtic Manor Resort, Ian Edwards, Has Died

Chief Executive Of The Celtic Manor Resort, Ian Edwards, Has Died

One of the most respected figures in the UK’s hotel and hospitality sector, Ian Edwards, has died. He was chief executive of the five star Celtic Manor Resort in Newport and its adjoining International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales.

Hugely respected as a people focused leader, he played a pivotal role in the securing and successful staging of two of the biggest events ever staged in Wales when the Celtic Manor hosted golf’s Ryder Cup in 2010 and four years later the NATO Summit, which was attended by world leaders including then US president Barack Obama.

He also played a key role overseeing the delivery of the ICC Wales, which opened in September 2019, and establishing it as one of Europe’s best conference venues. Blackpool-born Mr Edwards was also at the heart of the expansion of the Celtic Manor, through The Celtic Collection, whose growing portfolio of hotels include the Ty Newport and Ty Milford Waterfront, as well as managing the WRU’s Parkgate Hotel next to the Principality Stadium.

Mr Edwards, 59, was also a board member of Visit Britain, as its Wales representative, as well as serving on the board of the cross-border Western Gateway Partnership.

His standing in the luxury hotel sector was highlighted when in 2015 he took the coveted accolade as the best hotelier in Europe in the European Hospitality Awards – having been judged against other leading hotel executives across the continent.

Having initially helped open the Celtic Manor Resort in 1999 as convention centre manager, he returned to the resort, following a stint working in London, as it chief operating officer in 2008 before becoming chief executive in 2014.

Married grandfather Mr Edwards passed away after a period of illness.

In a statement director of the Celtic Manor Resort, Simon Gibson, described him as a “visionary leader” whose contributions to the hospitality sector have “left a lasting legacy in Wales and beyond.”

Mr Gibson, who worked closely with Mr Edwards for two decades, said: “Ian was a figure who left an indelible mark on the hospitality and tourism industries in the United Kingdom. With over 40 years of experience, he was a driving force behind the continuing growth of The Celtic Collection.

“His leadership saw the resort thrive and solidify its place as a premier destination in the UK for golf, business tourism, and high-profile events.”

He added: “Under Ian’s guidance, the Celtic Manor Resort hosted significant events like the 2010 Ryder Cup, one of the most prestigious golf events in the world. In 2014, Ian led the executive team in securing and hosting the NATO Summit, a testament to his strategic vision for the resort and his ability to elevate Wales globally. His work with ICC Wales further demonstrated his passion for boosting business tourism, creating a world-class venue that has brought in international conferences and events, providing lasting economic benefits for the region.”

Mr Gibson said Mr Edwards was not just respected and recognised for his business acumen, but also for his “people-centred leadership.”

He added: “Ian often credited his successes to the hardworking teams he led, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence in the sector. His vision extended beyond business, as he also revitalised the local community through his role in initiatives such as the ReNewport Task Force and the Business in the Community Place Programme.

” He was a member of the Master Innholders, the Innkeepers Livery, and a Freeman of the City of London. Ian served on the board of Visit Britain and the Western Gateway.

“He will be remembered as a visionary leader whose contributions to the hospitality sector have left a lasting legacy in Wales and beyond. His dedication, warmth, and innovative spirit will continue to inspire the industry for years to come.

“His ability to lead successful large-scale projects, such as the Ryder Cup and the NATO Summit, and grow a collection of successful hotels were a hallmark of his career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the leading figures in the UK hospitality industry.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family.”

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