Scandic anticipates it will operate Dalata’s markets through the same COO‑led operating structure already in place across Scandic
Dalata Hotel Group, Ireland’s leading hotel operator with a growing presence in the UK, today provides an update on how Dalata’s markets are planned to be led by Scandic Hotels Group, should Scandic seek to exercise an option to acquire Dalata’s hotel operations.
Pandox completed the acquisition of Dalata in November 2025. A management agreement subsequently took effect, under which Scandic assumed operational responsibility for Dalata’s hotels, while a business restructuring was initiated to separate Dalata’s property business from its hotel operations in line with Pandox’s business model.
The restructuring is currently anticipated to be completed in the second half of 2026, with a potential exercise of the option subsequent to this.
Scandic anticipates it will operate Dalata’s markets through the same COO‑led operating structure already in place across Scandic – a proven and well‑established way of working that supports scale, collaboration and strong local leadership.
Des McCann, currently Chief Operating Officer of Dalata, will continue in his role as COO for Dalata’s markets and, following completion of an acquisition, would also become a member of the Scandic Executive Committee and report to Scandic’s President & CEO, Jens Mathiesen.
Dalata’s markets will continue to be led by strong, experienced local teams. These teams will work closely with the rest of the group, supporting continuity and stability throughout the restructuring process.
Dermot Crowley, current Dalata CEO, and Shane Casserly, Deputy CEO of Dalata, have announced their intention to step down later this year. Dermot and Shane have committed to remain with the business for a period to ensure a smooth leadership transition and restructuring process.
Commenting on the announcement, Dalata CEO Dermot Crowley said:
“After 13 years with Dalata, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step away from the business. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together as a team and especially since I took over as CEO in 2021. Over the last 5 years, we have added 16 hotels (3,800 rooms) across Ireland, the UK and Europe.
The business is in a very strong place. Through focusing on our people and our guests, our employee engagement and customer satisfaction scores are at record high levels. We are on target to open three new hotels in Dublin, Edinburgh and Berlin this year with a further 4 hotels in the pipeline in London, Edinburgh and Madrid. I have every confidence that under the leadership of Scandic, the appointed operator, Dalata will continue to prosper. I want to thank all the people in Dalata for your support and friendship over the last 13 years – it has been a special place to work and an honour to be your CEO.”
Jens Mathiesen, Scandic Hotels Group President & CEO, added:
“I would like to thank Dermot and Shane for their commitment to the business and their continued support during the transition period. Our focus now is to ensure continuity for the business, its employees and guests as the restructuring process continues. We are excited about the opportunities ahead as we build the next phase together.”
