New leadership at three McKeever Hotels as experienced managers take up key roles
(L-R) New managerial appointments at McKeever Hotels: Jonny Bailie, Scott Smyth, and Kris Cunningham
Tuesday 13 October 2026
McKeever Hotels has appointed three general managers to lead some of its best-known hotels in Northern Ireland, with new leadership at Dunadry Hotel & Gardens, Dunsilly Hotel and Corrs Corner Hotel.
The appointments see Jonny Bailie take charge at Dunadry Hotel & Gardens in Antrim, Scott Smyth become General Manager at Dunsilly Hotel, also in Antrim, and Kris Cunningham assume responsibility for Corrs Corner Hotel in Newtownabbey.
All three bring extensive hospitality experience, with two having developed their careers within the family-owned hotel group.
Jonny Bailie takes charge at Dunadry Hotel & Gardens
Jonny Bailie has been appointed General Manager of the four-star Dunadry Hotel & Gardens, bringing 15 years of experience with McKeever Hotels to his new role.
He began his career with the group working part-time as a bartender at Corrs Corner Hotel while studying for his Master's degree.
In 2012, he became Food and Beverage Manager at Dunsilly Hotel before moving to Donegal to help open Dillons Hotel, where he was appointed Deputy General Manager in 2014 and promoted to General Manager in 2017.
He returned to Corrs Corner in 2020 as General Manager, remaining in the position until his latest appointment.
At Dunadry, Jonny will oversee the hotel's operations, management and performance, with responsibility for maintaining its four-star standard and award-winning guest experience.
He holds a BSc Honours degree in Business Studies from Ulster University and a Master's degree in Business Development and Innovation. He is also a guest lecturer at the Ulster Business School.
Scott Smyth brings 23 years of experience to Dunsilly Hotel
Scott Smyth has taken up the position of General Manager at Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim, bringing more than 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
He joins from The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine, where he served as Events Manager and helped develop the hotel's wedding, events and conferencing business.
During his time in Coleraine, Scott also built relationships with the local business community and, as a board member of Causeway Chamber of Commerce, helped establish The Lodge as a venue for networking and business events.
His new responsibilities include leading the hotel's day-to-day operations, developing staff and junior managers, improving business performance and identifying opportunities for revenue growth.
Scott holds an ILM Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management from Northern Regional College and has served as a Causeway Chamber of Commerce Council Member.
Staff development and creating a positive working environment are among his key priorities as he takes up the role.
Kris Cunningham appointed to Corrs Corner Hotel
Kris Cunningham has become General Manager of Corrs Corner Hotel in Newtownabbey, continuing a career with McKeever Hotels that began more than 15 years ago.
He joined the group in 2010 as a waiter at the Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena, before progressing through a series of roles within the business.
Kris subsequently joined the management team at Dunsilly Hotel, where he was appointed General Manager in 2024.
His move to Corrs Corner sees him take responsibility for the hotel's overall operations, financial performance and staff management, alongside maintaining guest satisfaction.
Career progression across the hotel group
The three appointments highlight different routes into senior hospitality management, from Jonny Bailie's progression through food and beverage operations to Kris Cunningham's journey from waiter to General Manager, alongside Scott Smyth's experience in events and business development.
For McKeever Hotels, the changes place experienced managers at the head of three established properties across Antrim and Newtownabbey, with responsibility for maintaining service standards, supporting staff and developing their respective businesses.
