Caroline Spillane CDir | Tuesday, 13th January 2026

Dear Member

Welcome to our first Member Ezine of 2026. We begin the year by equipping you with expert insights, timely thought leadership, and access to events that matter. In this issue, you’ll find guidance on managing risk, navigating evolving EU ESG regulation, strengthening leadership decision making, and understanding the political and policy landscape - including Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU.

As part of our recent IoD member research, we asked which priorities Government should focus on during the EU Presidency. Simplifying regulation, boosting competitiveness, addressing trade tariffs, and deepening the Single Market emerged as priorities. Having shared these findings with Minister McEntee and Minister Byrne; I will also meet with them in the coming weeks to reinforce these messages. Thank you for your valuable input, which ensures we can reflect the views of the director community to Government.

We look forward to supporting you throughout the year ahead. Please reach out at any time if we can assist you.

Best wishes

Caroline

Caroline Spillane CDir

Chief Executive Officer

Institute of Directors Ireland 

EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS

Join us for an authoritative economic and political briefing from renowned economist Jim Power, offering critical insight into the forces shaping Ireland and the global economy.

Connect with senior leaders and decision-makers at this timely and thought-provoking event, taking place at The Alex Hotel, Dublin 2. Sponsored by Diligent.

Selling a Business: Key Insights for Directors

12 March 2026 | 9:30am - 10:30am

Location: Webinar

Learn the key steps directors should consider when navigating the sale of a business in this essential webinar. Designed for Non-Executive Directors, executive leaders, and owners preparing for or considering a future transaction, this briefing will offer guidance on how directors can add real value before, during, and after the deal. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars.

Inside the Regulated Boardroom: Real-World Insights from Financial Services INEDs

22 January 2026 | 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: The Westbury Hotel, Dublin 2

Please note this event is now booked out. A waiting list is in operation. This Briefing event will provide timely and practical insights into the realities of operating within Irish regulated board environments. The event will include expert insights from a panel of experienced Independent Non-Executive Directors. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars.

Membership Renewal Fee Update for 2026

To continue delivering the high standard of service, support, and advocacy you expect as a director and senior business leader, we have introduced a modest adjustment to the membership renewal fee.

From 1 January 2026, the renewal fee increased from €395 to €425. This change will take effect at your next renewal date in 2026.

We appreciate your continued commitment and look forward to supporting you in the year ahead.

MEMBERS SPOTLIGHT

Sharon O’Brien’s career has come full circle, a journey that resonates strongly with the work of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Ireland in supporting leaders as they evolve into strategic board contributors. Sharon joined Aviva, then Hibernian Insurance, straight out of college in Belfast with a computer science degree in the 1980s. Nearly four decades later, having built a distinguished leadership career largely within insurance, she returned to Aviva initially as an Independent Non-Executive Director and more recently as chair of its general insurance business in Ireland. Read about her career journey.

Welcome to new members who joined in recent weeks

Whether you’re here for inspiration, knowledge, or to belong to a valued network, we’re delighted to have you as part of our IoD Ireland community.

Meet our new Chartered Directors

Congratulations to those Chartered Directors who have passed their final professional review process, eligibility assessment and have become qualified CDirs.

DIRECTOR EXPERTISE AND INSIGHTS | MEMBER BENEFITS 

Explore our latest expert insights and timely thought leadership content tailored for specifically for you as a director and leader. To explore the full range of what you have access to as a member, visit our membership benefits website page.

Navigating a New Age of Risk in 2026 | Article

Rachael Ingle, CEO of Aon Ireland, discusses how Irish boards must confront rising cyber, economic, regulatory and geopolitical risks by strengthening resilience and treating risk as a strategic priority.

The EU Omnibus ‘Simplification’ Agenda | Article

In this article Sean MacHale, Partner, Head of Sustainable Finance Global Hub, EY, discusses the EU’s move to simplify sustainability rules and its implications for financial firms.

Why this Year’s Irish EU Presidency Matters | Article

In this article Noelle O Connell, Vice President EM International, discusses why Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency matters for competitiveness, geopolitics, boardrooms and Europe’s future.

Judgement at Work: Making Better Choices | Webcast

Watch this webcast with Sir Andrew Likierman, former Dean of London Business School, on how directors and business leaders can develop and refine their own judgement.

From Reflection to Action: Shaping the Year Ahead | Article

In this article, Caroline Spillane CDir, IoD Ireland CEO, reflects on key moments from 2025, and shares insights for the year ahead.

EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Rules | Factsheet

This factsheet, courtesy of McCann FitzGerald, explains the EU’s plan to narrow sustainability reporting rules to large organisations. 

Fraud Risk What Director Need to Know | Webcast

Watch this webcast with Ian Drennan, CEO, Corporate Enforcement Authority and Maureen Kelly, Director, Governance, Risk & Internal Controls, Forvis Mazars, on the growing threat of corporate fraud.

Key Political Moments to Watch in 2026 | Article

In this article Rory Hogan, Q4 Public Relations, discusses how Ireland’s fragile political landscape in 2026 will shape government decision‑making, and the country’s capacity to deliver on key policies during its EU Presidency.

IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS

Booking Open | IoD ILCU Director Development Programme

Enrolment is open for 2026. This bespoke programme has been exclusively designed for Credit Union Directors and members of Credit Union committees.

Kickstart Your Director Skillset |IoD 2026 Workshop Series 

From foundational insights to advanced boardroom expertise, our workshops are designed to support every stage of your leadership journey.

Learn the duties and responsibilities of State Body Governance in our dedicated workshop. Led by experienced director and former Secretary General of two Government Departments, Jim Breslin.  

Whether you're already serving on a board or preparing to join one, you'll come away ready to apply best practice governance principles, evaluate frameworks, and tackle real-world challenges with confidence.

Why Should I Book this Workshop?

• Understand the governance framework and its key challenges.
• Learn the Code of Practice and apply core governance principles.
• Implement strong oversight and manage public sector relationships.
• Enhance your effectiveness as a current or future State Board member.
• Gain 6 hours of CPD.