Gregory Brossard, a native of the Cognac region in France, serves as Hotel Manager at Ashford Castle, where he oversees the day-to-day operations of one of Ireland’s most iconic luxury properties.
His career in hospitality began at the Michelin-starred Le Cinq in Paris and has since spanned a range of senior leadership roles across Saudi Arabia, Japan and French Polynesia. Prior to joining Ashford Castle, Gregory held the position of Director of Operations at Conrad Dublin.
In this interview, Gregory discusses what defines Ashford Castle today: a commitment to individuality and genuine care at every stage of the guest journey. He reflects on what first drew him to hospitality, how he leads and inspires his team to deliver exceptional service, and why he believes true success in hospitality is measured not in transactions, but in the lasting memories and feelings guests take home.
What first drew you to a career in hospitality, and what continues to inspire you each day in this industry?
I was first drawn to hospitality by a love of food and wine – the joy of sharing that passion. That spark is still very much alive, but today my greatest inspiration is creating moments guests will carry with them for a lifetime. Whether it’s a quiet weekend escape, a milestone birthday, a wedding, or a multigenerational reunion, our purpose is to curate memories that feel personal, effortless, and memorable. The possibilities are limitless, and that’s what makes this industry so rewarding.
If you were to describe Ashford Castle in three words, what would they be?
Timeless. Legacy. Heartfelt.
What makes Ashford Castle special to you personally?
Ashford Castle is guided by a beautifully simple philosophy: to ensure every stay is curated with absolute individuality and remembered long after departure. In a world that often measures success in transactions, we measure it in happiness – in the feeling guests take home. That commitment to genuine care, above all else, is what makes Ashford Castle extraordinary to me.
What moment behind the scenes best captures the spirit of the team?
Our daily management meeting. These meetings are dedicated moments of collaboration, where the team reflects on each guest’s experience and explores how to enhance every stage – beginning with their welcome and extending right through to an equally meaningful farewell. We turn thoughtful details into delightful surprises.
Do you have a personal favourite spot or experience within the hotel or its grounds?
The Cherry Blossom Avenue is one of the estate’s most enchanting treasures – a sweep of blossoms that feels magical in every season. Yet, what moves me most is its love-story origin: Mrs. Tollman planting ninety cherry trees to honor Mr. Tollman’s 90th birthday. It embodies the very soul of Ashford Castle and the spirit of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection – a place where heritage is expressed not only in history, but in the most heartfelt and meaningful gestures.
How do you inspire and motivate your team to provide exceptional service consistently?
I believe in leading by being present and attentive, never being above rolling up my sleeves when the moment calls for it. Anticipating needs and exemplifying the gracious touches that make guests feel at home sets the tone for the entire team. I encourage them to pause and consider: ‘If I were the guest, what would I hope for next?’. It’s a philosophy that, paired with trust and genuine appreciation, cultivates a culture where excellence becomes second nature.
What is a hidden gem or secret about the property most guests don’t know?
One of our most intimate hidden gems is the Chief Island picnic experience – a serene escape where guests are taken a short distance across Lough Corrib to one of the islands to step into a world of stillness. It’s an immersion in nature at its purest: the gentle rhythm of the lake, the whisper of the trees, and a sense of slowing down that feels almost restorative.
What do you hope guests remember most when they leave Ashford Castle?
What I hope guests remember most is the people – the genuine warmth of the team and the way they connect with every guest. It’s the feeling of being truly cared for and made to feel special in a way that stays with you long after you’ve left.
What advice would you give someone starting out in hospitality today?
Stay curious. Be resilient. Be yourself. Hospitality is wonderfully diverse and can take you around the world, introducing you to remarkable people and cultures. It isn’t always easy, but it is deeply fulfilling. Few careers allow you to be paid to make people happy; if you lead with heart and attention to detail, you will find a purpose as well as a profession.
Read our full review of our stay at Ashford Castle here.
For more information, visit https://ashfordcastle.com/.
