Ian Edwards

Ian is Chief Executive of the International Convention Centre Wales, a world-class business events facility. As well as this he is Chief Executive of The Celtic Collection, a prestigious portfolio of eight hotels across South Wales developed from the success of the five-star Celtic Manor Resort.  He leads a team of more than 1,200 people, having overseen a dramatic growth in occupancy, revenues and profitability since his return to the company in 2008.

With more than 30 years’ experience in hotels and hospitality, including being part of the team who launched the Edinburgh International Convention Centre and managing hotels in both London and Cardiff, Ian has a thorough understanding of the tourism and events industries.

He headed two major global events at Celtic Manor: the 2010 Ryder Cup and the 2014 NATO Summit. During his time at the helm, the resort has been voted the UK’s Best Hotel at the Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards for nine years out of ten. On top of this, Ian was named Hotelier of the Year at the 2015 European Hospitality Awards.

Ian is also a Business Representative on the Western Gateway Partnership Board and is a Visiting Professor at the University of South Wales.