The partnership will focus on leadership, performance and a relentless commitment to high standards
The Johnstown Collection, which comprises The Johnstown Estate, Trim Castle Hotel and Mount Juliet Estate, has today announced a strategic high-performance partnership with Johnny Sexton.
The former Ireland rugby captain and British & Irish Lion will advise The Johnstown Collection’s senior leadership team, helping to strengthen its position with international organisations, leadership teams and corporate clients while also placing a clear internal focus on team behaviours, culture, accountability and continuous improvement.
The announcement comes at a time of significant investment and growth across The Johnstown Collection, with over €39.5 million invested and planned across its portfolio. This includes the €8 million restoration of the Manor House at Mount Juliet Estate, a €26 million development programme at The Johnstown Estate and a €5.5 million programme at Trim Castle Hotel.
Sexton draws on his experience as one of Ireland’s most successful sporting leaders
Drawing on his experience as one of Ireland’s most successful sporting leaders, operating at the highest level within a world-class high-performance environment, Sexton’s focus will be on helping an already successful organisation explore where the next 5% of performance can be unlocked – challenging the thinking, sharpening the small details and questioning what more is possible to underpin consistent excellence.
While high performance in elite sport and business share many of the same principles, Sexton will provide strategic advisory support through a number of leadership sessions and selected engagements annually.
Drawing on his experience as one of Ireland’s most successful sporting leaders, he will share insights on leadership, culture and high-performance environments, supporting The Johnstown Collection as it continues to strengthen its position with corporate, MICE and high-performing organisations. He will also contribute to discussions around the continued evolution of sports and training facilities at The Johnstown Estate in Enfield, Co. Meath. His role is designed to provide external perspective and high-performance insight across selected leadership, client and development discussions.
Johnny Sexton said: “What stood out to me about The Johnstown Collection is the ambition within the business and the strength of the team already in place. High performance is about consistently getting the small things right, creating clarity, and building an environment where people are aligned, accountable and always looking to improve. Those principles apply just as much in business as they do in sport.
“I’ve always enjoyed challenging the thinking, raising standards and finding where the next 5% can come from. I’m looking forward to sharing my perspective and my own experiences with the team in all these areas, building on what is already there, and together, achieving new levels of success. Not just in Ireland but on an international level too.”
Speaking on the partnership Anthony Smiddy, Group General Manager of The Johnstown Collection, said: “From our initial conversation with Johnny, it was clear to see the strong parallels between an elite sporting environment and the challenges faced by leadership teams in business. We want to constantly challenge ourselves, challenge our teams and continue to deliver at a high level for our guests and clients. Johnny brings a unique perspective and wealth of experience that will help us realise the ambition we have for The Johnstown Collection over the coming years.”
Sean Reid, Commercial Director, added: “From a commercial perspective, this is about aligning our business with the standards and mindset that define elite performance. In hospitality, the difference is often in the small details, and Johnny’s experience will help us sharpen our focus as we continue to strengthen our offering even further for corporate clients and high-performing organisations, not just in Ireland but from across the world.”
