By Business & Finance 
Kathleen Linehan, a native of Millstreet, Co. Cork, is HR Director at Trigon Hotels, with over a decade of experience leading HR in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors. During her career, she has driven significant improvements in employee engagement, retention, and workforce development, while shaping strategic HR initiatives that deliver measurable business results.
By Héloïse Chaudot
What was your first job?
My first job was a weekend role in my local Spar shop, and I absolutely loved it. After finishing my studies, I started my first full-time job with a Japanese manufacturing company, where I worked for 13 years.
What are your main priorities and goals in your current role?
In my role as HR Director at Trigon Hotels, my main focus is on helping our teams thrive by fostering an inclusive and engaging workplace.
We have seen significant progress in engagement, retention, and turnover figures, and I’m committed to maintaining that momentum while also driving strategic initiatives.
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
Believe it or not, I initially wanted to be a detective. I have always been fascinated by people and how our differences can come together, and it turns out solving workplace mysteries is just as rewarding!
HR felt like a natural fit, letting me create environments where everyone feels valued while still delivering real, positive results for the business.
How do you motivate yourself and your team?
I thrive when juggling multiple priorities; it keeps me energised. I’m lucky to have a wonderful team that embraces my madness and shares lots of laughs.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
Success is creating a team that thrives, delivering meaningful results, and still having time to enjoy life with my family.
How do you relax?
Spending quality time with my family and friends. I really prioritise being present with the people I care about. I also love keeping active and unwinding by doing two boxercise classes a week, which is a great stressbuster for me.
What is your favourite (non-business) book?
I’m a big fan of crime books. Right now, I’m reading Bad Fellas by Paul Williams. Deadly Evidence by Marie Cassidy is another book I really enjoyed.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Trust that the wheels always turn, even when things feel stuck; progress is happening.
And to lead with kindness, because it takes far less energy and leaves a much better impact on everyone, including yourself.
How do you handle adversity?
I try to stay grounded, reminding myself that challenges are temporary, and I focus on what I can control while leaning on the support of those around me.
My wonderful family, with their love and sense of humour, always helps keep me balanced. My greatest inspiration is my mother, a remarkably strong and resilient woman who, widowed at 30 with five children, encouraged us to try everything.
She taught us that failure is never the end, but an opportunity to try again, a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life.
What are the aspirations for the future of the business?
Our goal is to position Trigon Hotels as a leading hospitality brand, delivering exceptional guest experiences while building a high-performing, engaged workforce.
Taking a strategic approach to workforce planning, continuously adapting policies and developing talent to drive long-term business growth.
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