Member's Update

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Caroline Spillane CDir | Tuesday, 4th November 2025

Dear Member

Welcome to your latest IoD Ireland Member Update, designed to keep you informed and connected as a leader in today’s fast-changing business landscape.

In this edition, we preview a rich line-up of upcoming events and webinars on Judgement at Work, Fraud Risk, Fitness and Probity, Climate Change & Design Thinking, and AI - ideal opportunities to expand your knowledge and connect with peers.

This issue features thought leadership from Gervaise Slowey CDir, Sara Savidge and Paul Stapleton CDir alongside the latest OECD governance insights and a Board Composition factsheet. Irene O’Gorman, CMO at KPMG is profiled in our member spotlight.

You will also find highlights and recordings from our recent Leading in Governance Conference, plus our newly published Position Paper advocating important updates to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen governance standards across Ireland.

Should you need any support, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are here to help you make the most of your IoD membership.

Best wishes,

Caroline

Caroline Spillane CDir

Chief Executive Officer

Institute of Directors Ireland

FEATURED ARTICLE

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Ireland’s Boardroom Leaders Gather to Shape the Future of Governance

Over 500 members filled the Aviva Stadium on 16th October for our flagship conference, Leading in Governance 2025, a dynamic and thought-provoking event that captured the spirit of leadership, connection and progress in today’s boardroom. The conference delivered a series of insightful panels and powerful discussions exploring competitiveness, resilience and the evolving challenges facing organisations, business leaders and boards.

The atmosphere was energised and collaborative, as members connected and reconnected with peers and reflected on the lessons shaping effective governance in a changing world. From the engaging keynote sessions to the vibrant networking opportunities, Leading in Governance 2025 reaffirmed IoD Ireland’s role as the front-runner on board-level dialogue and leadership insight.

WATCH | PANEL SESSIONS AT LEADING IN GOVERNANCE 2025

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Governance in a Divided World | Webcast

Hear from Feargal O’Rourke, Dr Frances Ruane and Rachael Ingle as they unpack shifting global dynamics and offer practical guidance for future-ready leadership.

Watch now

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Competitiveness in the Age of AI | Webcast

Hear from Rosheen McGuckian, Dr Helen McBreen and Peter O'Neill as they explore how boardrooms of the future must govern responsibly while maintaining a competitive edge.

Watch now

EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS

Judgement at Work: Making Better Choices

6th November 2025 |12:30PM - 1:30PM

Location: Webinar

Join our webinar with Sir Andrew Likierman, former Dean of London Business School, as he shares insights on how business leaders can develop, recognise and nurture good judgement in themselves and others. Sponsored by Diligent.

Book now

Fitness and Probity Section of the Central Bank Portal

10th November 2025 |11:00AM

Location: Webinar

This Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) webinar will discuss and advise on common system issues, portal user issues and enhance clarity and understanding of the PCF application process and use of the F&P Portal. This is a CBI event, please register for this event at the below link.

Learn more

Fraud Risk: What Directors Need to Know

11th November 2025 | 9:30AM - 10:30AM

Location: Webinar

This webinar will offer pragmatic, experience-based insights to help directors strengthen their approach to fraud risk management and governance in their organisation. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars.

Book now

CDir Network Event: Climate Change Design Thinking Complimentary Workshop

18th November 2025 | 5:00PM - 7:30PM

Location: Dublin 2

Designed exclusively for the IoD Chartered Directors Network, as part of the Creative Boardroom: Collaborate4Climate initiative, this complimentary workshop for our CDir members will demonstrate how boards can collectively address climate challenges. If you are an accredited Chartered Director, please RSVP by contacting Owee Srakhunthod.

Learn more

AI for Strategic Advantage: Turning Ambition into Commercial Value

19th November 2025 | 7:30AM - 9:30AM

Location: The Westbury Hotel, Dublin 2

Limited places remaining. This event will explore how AI can deliver measurable commercial value. It aims to help business leaders understand where AI can deliver the greatest impact and build the organisational capability needed to sustain AI-driven growth. Sponsored by Dell Technologies.

Book now

New Members Event

25th November 2025 | 5:45PM - 7:45PM

Location: The Dean Hotel, Dublin 2

We are delighted to invite all members who joined IoD Ireland since January 2025 to our upcoming New Members’ Networking Event at The Dean Hotel, Dublin 2. This special gathering is designed to help you connect with fellow new members, build your network and engage with the IoD community in a relaxed and welcoming setting. If you are a new member and interested in learning more, contact Owee Srakhunthod.

Learn more

Balance for Better Business 8th Annual Report Launch

27th November 2025 | 10:00AM

Location: IDA, Hatch Street, Dublin 2.

On behalf of Balance for Better Business, IoD Ireland is delighted to extend an invitation to attend the launch of the Balance for Better Business 8th Annual Report. The report sets out the latest data and insights on gender balance in Irish business and how more balanced leadership teams are driving stronger performance and competitiveness. The event brings together senior business leaders, men and women, for a practical discussion on what’s working and what comes next.

Book now

Charity Governance: How Can I Help?

27th November 2025 | 7:30AM - 9:00AM

Location: IMI Campus, Sandyford, Dublin, D16 X8C3

Acting as a charity trustee carries its own rewards, but it involves significant duties and responsibilities too, especially given the critical role that some charities play in the lives of vulnerable people and communities. IMI, in partnership with IoD Ireland, will host a morning event on this key area. Booking for this event is directly with the IMI. To book, please click on the below link.

Book now

IoD Ireland Christmas Lunch 2025

5th December 2025 | 12:30PM - 3:30PM

Location: Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin 4

Very limited places left. Celebrate the season with Ireland’s top business leaders at the IoD Ireland Christmas Lunch. A key networking event for directors, executives, and decision-makers across sectors. Connect, collaborate and enjoy the festive spirit in style.

We are delighted to partner with Mason Hayes & Curran LLP as the sponsor of the IoD Ireland Christmas Lunch again this year.

Book now

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Our Member: Irene O'Gorman

From psychology to boardroom strategy, Irene O’Gorman, Chief Marketing Officer at KPMG Ireland, has built a global career defined by insight, leadership and purpose. In this month’s member interview, Irene shares her journey, her views on the voice of marketing in the boardroom and what she’s learned from her non-executive director roles with the Irish Cancer Society and the Gate Theatre.

Learn more

DIRECTOR EXPERTISE AND INSIGHTS | MEMBER BENEFITS

Are you making the most of your IoD Ireland membership? As a member, you have access to a wide range of resources and supports designed to empower you in your role as a director and business leader. Access our latest content below and learn about some of our key member benefits. To explore the full range, visit our membership benefits website page.

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New | OECD Corporate Governance Principles and Factbook 2025

The 2025 edition of the OECD Corporate Governance Factbook provides new data and insights on corporate governance frameworks across 52 economies and their evolution since 2014.

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Investment Limited Partnerships to Benefit from DWT Exemption | Factsheet

From 2026 Irish investment limited partnerships meeting certain criteria will be exempt from Dividend Withholding Tax. Read more about this forthcoming update.

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UK Stewardship Code | Update 2026

The UK Stewardship Code 2026 sets updated principles to guide high-quality stewardship reporting, supporting investment and economic growth. It comes into effect on 1 January 2026.

Board Composition and Structure | Factsheet

The factsheet outlines best practices for effective boards, covering responsibilities, evaluations, succession, and the importance of diversity, and strategic alignment for strong governance.

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The Art of Good Governance | Article

In this article Gervaise Slowey CDir reflects on the importance of continual learning, avoiding board group think, and the differences between being an Executive and a Non-Executive Director.

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Leading with Strategy and Purpose | Article

Read this article with IoD Ireland member and Chartered Director Paul Stapleton CDir, who discusses his 34-year career with ESB, his journey to the boardroom, and his leadership style.

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An Unconventional Path to Financial Service Success | Article

In this Sara Savidge outlines her journey from sales to becoming CEO of Fexco International Payments, showcasing resilience, global leadership, and a passion for innovation and governance.

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Exclusive Discounts at Kildare Village | Member Benefit

IoD Ireland members can enjoy exclusive Kildare Village perks, including VIP discounts, personal shopping, reserved parking, hands-free service, and access to The Apartment lounge.

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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 new members

Audience seated in rows inside a wood panelled room during a formal event. People are dressed in business attire and wearing name badges. Some attendees are holding rolled documents. A blue banner with white text is visible in the background along with floral arrangements near the wall. The setting suggests a professional conference or award ceremony.

Congratulations to our new Chartered Directors

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

Find out more

Airport Lounges Update

Dublin Airport: Please note we have been advised that the T1 Lounge is closed for refurbishment. It is expected to be closed for 5 months and will re-open in Spring 2026. Please view our Member Benefits page for further information on other Airport lounges and Terminal updates.

IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS

Promotional graphic for an IoD workshop titled The Risk Exchange A Director Forum. The text indicates the event is in person on Tuesday 18th November 2025 with a button that says Book now. On the right side of the image people are seated at a table writing notes and using notebooks in a bright modern meeting room.

Step into the boardroom of tomorrow at The Risk Exchange: A Director Forum. Join fellow directors and senior leaders for a high-level, immersive experience that blends simulation with peer-led dialogue - no slides, no lectures, just candid conversation under Chatham House Rules. This is your opportunity to pressure-test your strategic thinking, reflect on real-world challenges, and engage in discreet, facilitated peer learning. Space is limited to ensure depth, discretion, and impact.

Participants can expect:

Increased confidence in risk oversight conversations at board level.
A practical set of governance-focused questions to support strategic dialogue.
Deeper insight into how risk management can support organisational resilience and commercial advantage.

With a curated small group of participants, this is a space for experienced leaders to refine their thinking and raise the standard of risk dialogue within their organisations.

Book now

2026 Workshop Catalogue

Are you looking to plan ahead for 2026? To support you, we have launched our catalogue of exclusive learning and education opportunities for directors. From foundational insights to advanced boardroom expertise, our tailored workshop series - Director Readiness, Director Specialist, and Director Oversight - are designed to support every stage of your leadership journey. Explore, engage, and elevate your directorship with confidence.

Learn more

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