Robert McKenna

Overview

Mr Robert McKenna is a Lecturer with the Department of Hospitality and Tourism at Ulster University. Robert completed a BTEC HND in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management at Salford University, before completing a BSc (Hons) in Hotel and Catering Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. In 2003 he completed an MSc in International Hospitality, Travel, Tourism and Leisure Management at Ulster University.

After commencing his role as a Lecturer within the Department, Robert completed the FHEA – Post Graduate Certificate of Higher Education Practice at Ulster University.

Robert has extensive experience as a hospitality and tourism professional, in a wide variety of roles in both the private and public sectors. Robert’s industrial experience spans 25 years working in hospitality & tourism operations and management positions in the private sector in the UK, Ireland and USA, in addition, to public sector roles including the role of Chief Executive of the Tourism Training Trust.

Robert also owned and managed a successful café franchise, prior to taking the post with the University.

He is a lecturer in Food & Beverage Operations on the International Hospitality Management Programme with the Department of Hospitality and Tourism. He has particular responsibility for second year students in food and beverage operations management, research methods, industrial placement and executive food and beverage management.

During his career he has developed and delivered programmes for industry in areas such as business and personal development to assist business growth. In addition, he has worked to bring industry and education together through organising events to help people of all ages understand and gain skills required for industry.

Robert’s main research areas include food and beverage operations, quality issues/management, revenue management, urban regeneration, urban tourism, student transition and progression.

Robert has also been an external examiner with Limerick Institute of Technology and more recently has accepted the role of external examiner with Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.