Meet The Team
Meet our passionate team members!
Derek Wallace
Founder
Having worked in Wallace Travel Group for nearly as long as he can remember, and growing the business into the world recognised travel brand, Derek took retirement in July 2020. Following his retirement he and Colette now have more time for their grandkids, Malahide walks & restaurants and their home in Portugal. Still with his finger on the pulse of tourism in Ireland, Derek loves nothing more than to pop into the office in Wallace Travel Group to hear the goings on of our groups on the ground, and can even be known to assist with the odd site inspection now and again.
Mike O'Shaughnessy
Managing Director
Having spent over 30 years at Wallace Travel Group managing the operations and accounting functions of the business Mike came to the helm as Managing Director in 2020. With his varied experience in operations, finance, industry expertise and his participation on many industry boards over the course of his career Mike was best placed to lead the company through the difficult COVID 19 pandemic years. His cautious optimism and vision backed up by his senior leadership team turned 2022 and 2023 into two of the most successful years for the company. No mean feat post pandemic.
With a background in accountancy and a passion for creatively selling Ireland to our clients, when Mike is not on the road selling Ireland as a leading MICE destination he loves nothing more than to be outdoors running. A keen marathoner Mike has run extensively throughout the world in various marathons, and when he’s not chasing down leads, he loves nothing more that spending time with his wife and family at his home, in the city of Kilkenny. Not one for sitting down, Mike and his leadership team have great plans for the future of Wallace Travel Group and our clients.
Marie Lawlor CIS, CITP
Director of Sales
Marie has over 25 years experience working in Meetings and Incentives both internationally and in Ireland. Marie started her Irish Incentive experience in the year 2000 operating numerous incentives from all the markets, but primarily North American Incentives. In 2008 Marie joined the pre-opening team at Ireland’s first purpose built Convention the CCD in Dublin. Rising to the role of Head of Sales overseeing a sales team responsible for both Corporate and Association business. Her love of Incentives brought her back to the world of Destination Management in 2013 where she was responsible for overseeing Sales, Marketing and Operations. In 2022 Marie joined Wallace Travel as Director of Sales. Her wealth of experience, attention to detail and love of all things Irish shines through with her clients. Marie is the President of the SITE Ireland Chapter for 2024 and 2025. When Marie isn’t trying to encourage clients to choose Ireland you will find her driving her daughters to their numerous activities which obviously includes Irish Dancing!
Elina Pranevska
Senior Project Director, Programme Design & Operations (MICE)
Elina has been working in Travel and Hospitality industry since 2001, as an event management professional. Elina takes pride in representing Ireland as a destination. Originally from Latvia she discovered her passion for travel since her first trip aboard after University. Elina joined Wallace Travel Group in 2016 after working in top Dublin hotels in the sales & marketing and event management sector and now supports the team. Her role is to run and lead the project on the ground making sure no detail is overlooked. Elina's spare time is dedicated to her family- she enjoys a walk on one of the stunning Dublin beaches, catching up with friends and exploring new places in Ireland as there is always something new to be discovered on our Emerald Island!
Roisín Carolan
Head of Programme Design
Roisín joined Wallace Travel Group in 2013. Roisín has almost 20 years experience working in tourism in Ireland. Her experience ranges from a worldwide hotel chain, a global DMC and a multi-award convention centre. Roisín brings a world of varied industry experience which is invaluable to her role in Wallace Travel Group, in understanding all of our client and suppliers needs & challenges. Following over 2 years in sales with Wallace Travel Group, Roisín moved into a new role within the company- Head of Programme Design, where a major part of Roisín's role is to develop new products to entice our clients to come to Ireland and is also responsible for site inspections, educational visits and for creating programmes to wow our clients to choose Ireland. When Roisín’s not on weekends away in Ireland, exploring our wonderful island, Roisín loves nothing more than enjoying quality time with her family and is partial to a boxset binge!
Jennifer Sheridan
Project Leader Incentives & Events
Jennifer has worked organising events, in the hospitality sector for over 15 years. She has organised an array of events and takes pride in elevating experiences for groups both big and small. She joined the Wallace Travel Group team in August 2023 and brough her area of expertise with her. When she’s off the clock, you will find her embracing quality family time, whether is a new destination or simply enjoying each other’s company at home, these moments reminder her why she does what she does.
Ciara Roe
Project Leader Incentives & Events
Ciara has been in the hospitality industry for over 10 years. Working in the events sector in two of the largest hotel groups in Ireland and the UK, Ciara has organised every event imaginable! She takes pride in her relationships with clients and loves to build new ones. Ciara joined Wallace Travel Group in August 2022 as A Project Leader, Incentives & Events, and looks forward to maintaining professionalism with the company. Ciara has a passion to travel and when she’s not finding quirky places in Ireland’s capital, she is looking to explore other capitals around the world! Ciara became a member of the SITE Young Leaders Board in 2023.
Joanne Hegarty
Project Leader Incentives & Events, with Marketing
Joanne from Dublin, always knew she belonged in the travel industry and with her sights set high in 1996 she studied Travel and Tourism where she started on the road to success. Joanne has over 25+ years experience in the travel industry. She is dedicated to our corporate and groups departments along with our digital marketing team. Joanne works diligently, displaying her bubbly personality throughout. She has a passion for travel especially if she can fit in some time for shopping along the way.
Kim Thomas
Project Leader Incentives & Events
Kim has over a decade of experience across the tourism sector. Leading tours across the island of Ireland, showcasing the highlights to visitors from all around the world and all the hidden gems in between. After a few years on the road, she began a more settled role based in Dublin. Since then she has been involved in incentive programmes with Wallace Travel Group. Through her different roles over the years she has developed a flair for customer service and an a deep understanding of Ireland's tourism product and today loves nothing more than being on site and seeing programmes come to fruition. Kim has a diploma in Irish heritage and cultural studies and is a qualified national tour guide of Ireland. When she is not creating bespoke tours and events for our clients at Wallace Travel Group, she tutors in the National tour guide training course in Dublin city. In her down time she loves nothing more than spending time with family and friends and getting out into her greenhouse.To plan an unforgettable MICE experience with Wallace Travel Group
contact us today by Phone or Email
- +353 (0)1 8347888
- info@wtg.ie