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Caroline Spillane CDir | Wednesday, 4th February 2026
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Dear Member
As we have just marked St Brigid’s Day, a celebration of renewal and courageous leadership, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the values that drive strong governance - a theme running through this edition.
In this month’s ezine, we have curated a dynamic mix of insights and events to support your impact as a director and leader. Discover practical guidance on how boards should approach the emerging risks of quantum computing in a feature by Leonard McAuliffe, Partner, PwC; explore fresh thinking on diversity and leadership from Sonya Lennon, Business Founder, NED/Chair, and Public Keynote Speaker; and understand the key data protection trends shaping 2026, in a timely article by Steven Roberts CDir, Group Head of Marketing, Griffith College, and Vice Chairperson of the Compliance Institute's Data Protection and Information Security Working Group. You will also find details on our latest complimentary member events, along with new learning and development opportunities tailored to your professional journey.
I would also like to extend warm congratulations to all members who graduated from the Chartered Director Programme last week. This represents a significant milestone in your professional governance journey, and demonstrates your dedication to excellence in leadership.
Best wishes
Caroline
Caroline Spillane CDir
Chief Executive Officer
Institute of Directors Ireland
| | In this timely article, Leonard McAuliffe, Partner - Cyber Security, Privacy and Forensics, PwC, discusses how quantum computing is rapidly shifting from theory to urgency. He outlines its opportunities for Irish industry, as well as the critical security, regulatory and strategic risks boards must address now. | | EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS | | |
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Membership
19 February 2026 | 12:30pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Webinar
Join us for this upcoming webinar designed to help you unlock the full potential of your membership. The webinar will explore the features behind your membership dashboard and help you to discover the valuable supports and resources available to you.
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Strategy to Implementation: What Boards Need to Enable, Challenge and Govern
26 February 2026 | 8:00am - 9:30am
Location: Westbury Hotel, Dublin 2
This event will explore how organisations move effectively from strategy to implementation, and the critical role boards play in enabling progress while maintaining appropriate oversight. The discussion will focus on major change programmes and complex transformation initiatives, and how non-executive directors can challenge, support and govern implementation. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars.
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Company Law Update and Outlook 2026
5 March 2026 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Location: Webinar
Director responsibilities. Company law. EU regulations and legislation. Join our webinar to learn the latest company law developments, and the likely developments in 2026 that should be on a directors' radar. Sponsored by Diligent.
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The Strategic CFO: Driving Value in a Changing World
10 March 2026 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Location: Webinar
Join us for our upcoming webinar on the strategic CFO. Attendees will gain practical perspectives on navigating uncertainty, understanding financial trade-offs and building resilience across the organisation. Whether you are a CEO, functional leader, non-executive director or aspiring board member, this webinar will provide valuable insights to support more informed, confident and strategic leadership.
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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.
| | In this month’s member profile, IoD Ireland member Karl Tuffy CDir reflects on a 20-year career in executive leadership and global growth. He shares insights on governance, independent challenge and future-ready leadership, highlights key boardroom risks, and explains why continuous learning is essential for effective directors. | |
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.
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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 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. | | |
Leading with Courage and Compassion | Article
In this article Sonya Lennon, Business Founder, NED/Chair, and Public Keynote Speaker, urges compassionate, courageous leadership, showing how personal choices can drive positive change in a chaotic world.
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Data Protection for Boards: Key Trends in 2026 | Article
In this article Steven Roberts CDir, Vice Chairperson of the Compliance Institute's Data Protection and Information Security Working Group, examines the key data protection trends shaping 2026, and offers insights for boards.
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Key Changes in Retirement Legislation | Director Factsheet
This factsheet outlines how Ireland’s new Retirement Act 2025 reshapes retirement at 65, strengthens employee rights to work to 66, and places stricter justification and compliance duties on employers and directors.
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Developing Your Personal Brand for Professional Success | Webcast
Watch this webcast with Chartered Director and Non-Executive Director Karen Morton CDir. Learn why personal brand matters, how it influences your achievements, and how to assess the current health of your brand.
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Business Post Digital | Member Benefit
Take advantage of our exclusive Business Post Digital offer. Enjoy full digital access (website and app), archives, newsletters, and reading across devices for just €99 (standard cost is €299 for 12 months).
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Dublin Airport Fast Track Passes | FAQs
We’re pleased to share a small token of our appreciation with you: two complimentary Fast Track passes for Dublin Airport, which should now be with you. Should you need any guidance on how to use this benefit, you’ll find helpful information in our FAQs here.
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Director FAQs | Leadership Resources
Read our Director FAQs - useful to newly appointed directors, and to more experienced directors who wish to refresh their knowledge and expertise and to keep abreast of relevant legislation.
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Board Director Remuneration Report | Member Benefit
IoD Ireland members have exclusive access to the Board Director Remuneration and Governance Survey 2025/26, providing key insights into remuneration trends and best practice across Ireland.
| | RESEARCH POLICY AND ADVOCACY | SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GOVERNANCE | | |
Prohibition Notices Under the Fitness & Probity Regime | CBI Consultation
The Central Bank of Ireland has launched a consultation on the ‘Prohibition Notices under the Fitness and Probity Regime’, CP-166. The consultation will be open until Wednesday, 25th March 2026.
The aim of the Fitness and Probity regime is to protect the public interest by ensuring that individuals who work in financial services are competent and capable to carry out their roles, that they act with honesty and integrity, and that they are financially sound.
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IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS
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The Remuneration and Nomination Committee Workshop | Book your place
This interactive workshop will explore the evolving responsibilities of Remuneration and Nomination Committees in today's governance landscape. Led by Mary Brennan CDir.
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The Risk Exchange: A Director Forum | Book your place
Discover our Risk Exchange - an interactive, peer-led course using fictional board scenarios to deepen directors’ understanding of risk appetite, governance grey areas, and risk dialogue.
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(Pictured from L to R: Eileen Gleeson CDir, Programme Director, Chartered Director Programme, IoD Ireland; Sarah Keane, former President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) and incoming Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Ireland; Dr Terry McWade CDir, IoD Council Member; and Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive Officer, IoD Ireland).
Business Leaders Honoured at IoD Ireland Chartered Director Programme Graduation
Ambition, achievement and exceptional leadership were all on display at the IoD Chartered Director Programme Graduation on 29th January 2026, where Ireland’s business leaders were celebrated for reaching a defining milestone in their governance careers.
The ceremony, opened by IoD Ireland CEO Caroline Spillane CDir, honoured graduates of the Certificate and Diploma in Company Direction and newly qualified Chartered Directors. With inspiring reflections from programme alumnus Sarah Keane and special recognition awards presented by Programme Director Eileen Gleeson CDir, the event highlighted excellence, dedication, and a shared commitment to strengthening Irish corporate governance.
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