McKeever Hotels appoints Stella Grant to new group procurement role with focus on local and quality

Ballymena woman Stella Grant appointed as McKeever Hotels Group Procurement Manager.

McKeever Hotels has announced the appointment of Stella Grant as Group Procurement Manager, reinforcing the family-run company’s commitment to supporting local suppliers, driving quality, and aligning processes across its growing hotel portfolio.

The newly created role comes as part of the group’s ongoing growth strategy, which has seen the acquisition of The Lodge in Coleraine and Armagh City Hotel in the past year, bringing the total number of properties under the McKeever banner to seven.

Stella, a well-known figure in Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector, has been with McKeever Hotels for 15 years. She has held senior roles including General Manager of The Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim and The Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena, and previously worked for Jury’s Hotels in Belfast, Newcastle and Manchester.

“Leading on procurement for the entire Group is a challenge which I fully embrace,” said Stella.

“Having worked across different departments, including at GM level, I’ve gained great perspective across our entire operation and the systems we use.

“We now have seven quality hotels under the McKeever banner and while they’re different in terms of scale and offering, each is motivated by our ‘We Do More’ culture. By making small changes and adopting a more holistic approach I know we can add even more value, drive quality and truly enhance the customer experience.”

Founded in 1986 by Eugene and Catherine McKeever as a restaurant and bar at Corr’s Corner, the group has grown into an award-winning hospitality business with a strong emphasis on community impact and ethical sourcing.

“As part of a family-run enterprise, the McKeevers have always prioritised the communities in which we operate. We strive to make a positive and lasting impact by supporting local businesses, and sourcing as responsibly and ethically as possible,” Stella added.

“While major contracts may be agreed on a Group-wide basis, we also adopt a more bespoke or individual stance which is in keeping with each hotel’s unique identity. This ensures an authentic guest experience and also creates opportunity for local businesses, such as the butchers, bakeries, fruit and veg, and even egg suppliers who operate close to our hotels.”

Over the next six months, Stella plans to expand this partnership approach by encouraging each McKeever property to champion and promote a local supplier.

Welcoming Stella to the role, Eddie McKeever, Managing Director of McKeever Hotels, said:

“This is an important development for the Group, particularly in light of our recent expansion news, reaffirming our commitment to best practice. With Stella’s wealth of experience, innovative approach and local contacts, she brings a new dimension to our procurement process, creating business opportunities and enhancing the hotel experience for all.”

With further investment planned, McKeever Hotels’ focus on strategic procurement aims to deliver long-term value for guests, suppliers and the communities it serves.