Titanic Belfast Announces New Chairman

TITANIC Belfast has announced the appointment of John Paul Doherty as its new Chairman, marking a new chapter for the world-leading visitor attraction.

London-born Doherty is currently Group Creative Director at Harcourt Developments, the Dublin-headquartered international property and hospitality company, where he oversees creative strategy, brand positioning and global marketing across the company’s portfolio.

With more than 25 years of experience across multiple creative disciplines, John Paul has played a key role in the development of Titanic Belfast since 2007, helping shape its visitor experience and contributing to the wider story of Titanic Quarter and Queen’s Island.

John Paul will take over from Dr. Patrick Doherty OBE, who has been Chairman of Titanic Belfast since 2010. He will also replace the outgoing Chair of the Board, Conal Harvey, who also played a leading role in the development of Titanic Belfast and the regeneration of the Titanic Quarter area. He will work alongside the executive team to help guide the continued growth and evolution of Northern Ireland’s most significant tourism success story, ensuring it remains culturally relevant and internationally competitive.

Speaking about his new role, John Paul said, “I am honoured and privileged to be appointed Chairman of Titanic Belfast, a project that has been such an important part of my professional life for almost two decades. Titanic Belfast represents not only an extraordinary visitor experience but also the spirit, creativity and resilience of Belfast itself. 

I look forward to working closely with the board and director team as we continue to build on the attraction’s international reputation and deliver meaningful experiences for visitors from around the world. 

I would also like to thank both the previous Chairman of Titanic Belfast and Chair of the Board for their hard work and contribution to Titanic Belfast over almost two decades.”

Titanic Belfast CEO, Judith Owens MBE has congratulated John Paul on his new appointment, “John Paul has played an instrumental role in the Titanic Belfast story from the very beginning. His creative vision, strategic insight and deep understanding of the brand make him exceptionally well placed to lead the organisation into its next phase. We are delighted to welcome him as Chairman and look forward to continuing to work together to further strengthen Titanic Belfast’s position as a world-class visitor attraction.” 

Doherty’s appointment comes as Titanic Belfast continues to build on its global reputation of being the home of RMS Titanic, attracting visitors from across the world while continuing to tell the story of Belfast’s maritime and industrial heritage.