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Caroline Spillane CDir | Tuesday, 7th October 2025
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Dear Member
Welcome to your IoD Ireland Member Update, bringing you the latest insights, events, and opportunities to support your role in today’s evolving business landscape.
As we wait to hear what Budget 2026 will entail later today, a reminder that you can avail of expert guidance from our Tax Panel. See more details below.
I am delighted to announce that we have two new experienced directors joining our Council, Margaret Sweeney CDir and John McDonnell.
In this issue we highlight upcoming events including the Leading in Governance Conference, on 16th October, at the Aviva Stadium, and a special webinar on Judgement at Work: Making Better Choices with Sir Andrew Likierman, former Dean of the London Business School.
This edition also features insights from IoD Ireland member Paul Stapleton CDir, Executive Director at ESB. We also highlight a range of resources including articles on governance and cybersecurity, a factsheet on EU sanctions, board director guidance, and a half-day workshop on charity governance. We are also pleased to share highlights from our recent IoD Chartered Director Programme Graduation cermony held last week.
Should you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to reply to this email.
We would be delighted to support you.
Best wishes,
Caroline
Caroline Spillane CDir
Chief Executive Officer
Institute of Directors Ireland
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We are delighted to announce the appointment of Margaret Sweeney CDir and John McDonnell to the IoD Ireland Council. Margaret and John both bring an extensive level of expertise and experience which will help guide IoD Ireland to continue to support the needs and concerns of our members.
With over 30 years of experience working with Irish and international companies, Margaret Sweeney, CDir brings extensive executive and board-level expertise across real estate, financial services, airports, hotels, and investment funds, alongside a proven record of strategic engagement with the public sector. Margaret has chaired and been a member of many Board Committees – Audit and Risk, Capital and Investment, Sustainability, Remuneration, Nominations and Governance.
John McDonnell is a retired partner and former Chairperson of PwC where he held Irish and global leadership roles and served as audit and consulting partner on the firm's most complex global clients across multiple industries. An audit, accounting, risk, regulatory and corporate governance expert, John holds numerous independent Non-Executive Director roles in Ireland including Senior independent Director and Chairperson of Audit & Risk and Remuneration Committees, across a diversity of sectors.
Please join us in congratulating Margaret and John on their appointments to the Council.
| EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS | | |
16 OCTOBER 2025 | 2:00PM -6:30PM
Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin 4
Final places remaining. Book your place at our flagship Leading in Governance Conference 2025. This exclusive member event brings together accomplished leaders and governance experts to discuss competitiveness, and the latest trends and challenges facing organisations, business leaders and boards.
Join fellow IoD members, directors, and C-suite leaders at our flagship conference, an ideal opportunity to connect, share insights, and expand your network. Proudly sponsored by FieldFisher Ireland and OnBoard.
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Cybersecurity: The Role of the Board
8 OCTOBER 2025 | 9:30AM-10:30AM
Location: Online
Join us for this cybersecurity webinar, which will explore the practical steps necessary for effective oversight and the key questions to protect organisational assets, reputation, and trust. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars.
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Judgement at Work: Making Better Choices
6 NOVEMBER 2025 |12:30PM - 1:30PM
Location: Online
Join our webinar with Sir Andrew Likierman as he shares insights on how business leaders can develop, recognise, and nurture good judgement in themselves and others. Sponsored by Diligent.
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AI for Strategic Advantage: Turning Ambition into Commercial Value
19th November 2025 | 7:30AM - 9:30AM
Location: Dublin 2
Save the Date: 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.
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IoD Ireland Christmas Lunch 2025
5 DECEMBER 2025 | 12:30PM -3:30PM
Location: Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin 4
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.
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Meet Our Member: Paul Stapleton CDir
Our member in the spotlight this month is Paul Stapleton CDir, Executive Director, Group Finance and Commercial, ESB. Paul is a seasoned executive and has had a 34-year career with ESB. During that time, he has held a number of roles including Group Treasurer, Electric Ireland General Manager, MD of Northern Ireland Electricity Networks and, most recently, Executive Director, Group Finance and Commercial. Read more about his career path, leadership style, and how IoD Ireland has supported his leadership journey.
| | 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. | | |
Expert Tax Guidance |
Tax Panel
Navigating corporate and personal tax matters can be complex. Our Tax Panel is made up of experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance on a range of tax issues.
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Boardroom Resilience in a Shifting Cybersecurity Landscape | Article
In this article cybersecurity expert Dr Valerie Lyons outlines why boards must lead cybersecurity governance, stressing strategic oversight, legal accountability, and its role in business resilience.
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From Multinationals to Family Business | Article
In this article Liam Nagle, CEO, chair and non-executive director, shares his reflections on succession, culture, and why trust is the foundation of effective governance.
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EU Sanctions against Russia and Belarus | Factsheet
This Director Factsheet outlines a new EU rule requiring companies to take all reasonable steps to stop subsidiaries from weakening Russia/Belarus sanctions.
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The Creative Boardroom: Collaborate4Climate Exhibition
IoD Ireland members can view
the Creative Boardroom: Collaborate4Climate exhibition at the Leading in Governance Conference 2025. The Creative Boardroom team will be available to answer questions on the day.
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5 Reasons Why More Charities are Thinking Merger | Article
In this thought leadership article, Alice Murphy, Charities Partner, Mason Hayes & Curran LLP, explores why some charities are considering merging with other charitable organisations to survive and grow.
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Leading Better Governance: Board Evaluations| Webcast
Watch this webcast with Dr Margaret Cullen, Governance Advisor, IoD Ireland, and Carol Bolger CDir, Experienced IoD Board Assessor as they discuss the Board Evaluation process.
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The Tasks of the Board of Directors | Factsheet
Read this essential factsheet which outlines the dual responsibilities of boards: driving long-term strategy and vision, and ensuring governance, oversight, and accountability.
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Airport Lounges Update
Dublin Airport: Please note we have been advised that the T1 Lounge is closed for refurbishment and is expected to be closed for 5 months. Cork Airport: Please note we have been advised that the Kinsale Executive Lounge will be closed from Monday, 13th October to Sunday, 19th October, to move from the current location to Food Republic area. They will be re-open from 5:00am on Monday, 20th October Monday. Please view our Member Benefits page for further information.
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IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS
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Join us for this half-day workshop led by non-profit specialist, Patricia Quinn. The workshop which is an opportunity for company directors to learn more about Board service as a charity trustee in this regulated sector. Ideal for directors considering board service on a charity, people already serving as charity trustees, senior charity managers, and directors of non-profit companies.
What will I learn?
- Understand the legal and regulatory framework for charities in Ireland.
- Identify and demonstrate the role and legal responsibilties of charity trustees.
- Apply key governance priniciples to the leadership of your charity.
- Appraise the effectiveness of your charity's governance, including approaches to risk and accountability, through application of appropriate frameworks.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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IoD Ireland Chartered Director Programme Graduation
Business Leaders were awarded with distinction at the IoD Chartered Director programme graduation yesterday evening. This special evening was opened by Helen Nolan, President, IoD Ireland.
The graduation included recent business leaders who had successfully passed their Certificate and Diploma in Company Direction exams, which constitute part of the IoD’s gold standard Chartered Director Programme. It also recognised members who became accredited chartered directors in 2025.
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