John has an unusual and diverse skillset from his experience in industry, the public service and academia. Originally qualified as a hotel manager, John focused on the operational facets of the international hospitality industry for twenty years. Then John utilized that experience and knowledge for two more decades as a senior public servant in Ireland with the Council for Education & Recruitment in Tourism and with the Irish National Tourism Development Authority.  Subsequently, John gained a PhD, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Food Travel Association in 2021, and is now an independent gastronomy tourism activist, advisor and researcher.