Frits Potgieter Appointed CEO as The Chesway Collection Connects The Montenotte and The Wilder Townhouse

A new chapter for one of Ireland’s most distinctive independent hospitality portfolios has been announced with the appointment of Frits Potgieter as CEO of The Chesway Collection, the family-owned group behind The Montenotte, Cork, The Woodland Suite Experience, Cork and The Wilder Townhouse, Dublin.
 
Potgieter brings more than two decades of international luxury hospitality experience to the role. Originally from South Africa, he has held senior leadership roles with The Doyle Collection and The Red Carnation Hotel Collection in London, and previously served as General Manager at The Imperial Hotel Cork and Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney.
 
He joined The Montenotte Hotel as General Manager in January 2022 and, within two years, was recognised as one of the industry’s leading figures when he was named in Boutique Hotelier UK’s Top 10 Power List 2024 for Business Leaders in Hospitality.
 
Commenting on his new role, Potgieter said:
“Both The Montenotte and The Wilder Townhouse have built strong reputations as distinctive hospitality experiences in their own right, while The Woodland Suite Experience has added a completely unique dimension to the guest offering in Cork.
 
“What excites me about this role is helping connect these exceptional experiences more clearly under The Chesway Collection, while preserving the individuality and character that makes each one special.
“Our philosophy of being independent, individual and intriguing has always been at the heart of the business, and The Chesway Collection allows us to express that more clearly as we continue to evolve.”
 
€2 Million Signature Rooms Collection Launching at The Montenotte
Potgieter’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the collection with The Montenotte preparing to unveil its new Signature Collection Rooms in April, following a €2 million investment.
 
The 36 thoughtfully curated and beautifully finished rooms are designed for guests who appreciate refined design and quiet indulgence, further enhancing the hotel’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most innovative and design-driven urban resorts.
A palette of soft neutrals and warm blush tones is layered with bespoke furnishings, plush textures, ambient lighting, and a spacious marble bathroom, effortlessly balancing contemporary elegance with a distinctly intimate atmosphere. The luxurious king-size bed, dressed in premium linens, anchors each room, while a chic seating area invites slow mornings and late-night lounging.
 
Overlooking Cork City, The Montenotte has built a strong international reputation for distinctive guest experiences, including The Woodland Suite Experience, a unique nature-immersed luxury accommodation concept nestled within the hotel’s historic grounds and offering guests a secluded retreat within the city.
 
The Chesway Collection: Connecting Distinctive Irish Hospitality Experiences
The formation of The Chesway Collection helps clarify the connection between three distinctive hospitality experiences: The Montenotte, The Woodland Suite Experience, and The Wilder Townhouse, showcasing a shared commitment to creativity, design-led hospitality and independent Irish ownership.
The collection reflects the long-term vision of hoteliers Frankie and Jo Whelehan, whose investment in design, architecture and guest experience has helped shape The Montenotte into one of Ireland’s most distinctive destination hotels. Meanwhile, the couple’s €9.5 million transformation of The Wilder Townhouse has established the Victorian redbrick property as one of Dublin’s most stylish boutique stays.
 
Today, The Wilder Townhouse is one of Ireland’s few properties to feature in the hospitality holy trinity of Mr & Mrs Smith, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and Ireland’s Blue Book, while also earning, and recently retaining, a One Michelin Key.
 
Commenting on the evolution of the brand, Frankie Whelehan said:
“For many years we have had two exceptional properties each with its own character and loyal following. The Chesway Collection allows us to connect those experiences so guests understand they are sister properties created with the same passion for design, service and creativity.
“Importantly, we remain proudly independent and Irish-owned. The collection simply brings these remarkable places together while allowing each one to retain the individuality that makes it special.”
 
Under Potgieter’s leadership, The Chesway Collection will continue to focus on developing distinctive guest experiences, strengthening international awareness of the properties, and showcasing a modern expression of Irish character, creativity and contemporary luxury.
 
Further information available at  www.themontenottehotel.com and www.thewilder.ie