Dr Caroline Spillane CDir | Tuesday, 6th October 2026

Dear Member

With the Budget due to be announced later today, this issue features an exclusive insight from economist and IoD Ireland member Jim Power, highlighting the key measures and developments business leaders should watch.

You will also find our latest thought leadership and member resources covering AI governance, succession planning, cyber security and board effectiveness. This month's Member Spotlight features Julian Yarr, Chair, Non-Executive Director and Board Advisor. We also highlight our flagship conference, Leading in Governance, taking place next week alongside the latest learning and development opportunities available to members.

I am delighted to announce that IoD Ireland has become a member of ecoDa, the European body for representing the main national institutes of directors in Europe. As part of this new membership, IoD Ireland members will be able to avail of additional resources and events. This includes their upcoming flagship European Corporate Governance Conference this November in Dublin, which I will be delighted to participate in as a speaker. See more details below.

Finally, I would like to share that Eileen Gleeson CDir will conclude her tenure as Programme Director of the Chartered Director Programme in Ireland at the end of this year. Eileen has made an exceptional contribution to IoD Ireland and to the advancement of director education in Ireland. She passes the baton having helped build one of the most respected director development programmes in Ireland.

Best wishes,

Caroline

Dr Caroline Spillane CDir

Chief Executive Officer

Institute of Directors Ireland 

FEATURED ITEM

(Pictured L to R: Dr Caroline Spillane CDir, CEO, IoD Ireland; Helena McMullan, Regional Director North and East at Alliance Medical Diagnostic Imaging Ltd; and Helen Nolan, President, IoD Ireland. Helena was presented with the Tom Byrne Award, recognising excellence in academic achievement as well as individual participation in, the Chartered Director Programme). 

Business Leaders Honoured at Chartered Director Programme Graduation

Business Leaders were awarded with distinction at the IoD Chartered Director programme graduation on Thursday, 1st October.

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 designated Chartered Directors in 2026.

(Pictured: Eileen Gleeson CDir, Programme Director, Chartered Director Programme, IoD Ireland, with graduates who received special recognition for achieving the highest marks in the Diploma and Certificate examinations, and were presented with a certified native Irish broadleaf tree through Wolfgang Reforest).

Eileen Gleeson CDir to Step Down from Chartered Director role at Institute of Directors (IoD) Ireland

IoD Ireland has announced that Eileen Gleeson CDir will step down from her role as Programme Director for the Chartered Director Programme in Ireland at the end of this year.

Since taking up the role in 2017, Eileen has played a central part in leading the programme's delivery in Ireland, supporting directors and senior leaders to strengthen governance capability and board effectiveness. We would like to acknowledge and thank Eileen for an outstanding contribution to IoD Ireland and to the advancement of director education in Ireland.

EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS

13 October 2026 | 3:30pm - 7:00pm

Location: InterContinental Hotel, Dublin 4

Limited places remain for our flagship event, Leading in Governance 2026. Our expert line-up of speakers will explore competitiveness, innovation, governance, resilience, and infrastructure.

Speakers include: Sean O'Driscoll, experienced Businessman and Chair; Kara Owen CMG CVO, British Ambassador to Ireland; Professor Orla Feely, President, University College Dublin; John Hennessy CDir, experienced Non-Executive Director and Chair; Professor Stephen Kinsella, Economist, Professor and Economic Advisor to An Tánaiste and the Minister for Finance; and Mary-Elizabeth McMunn, Deputy Governor Financial Regulation, Central Bank of Ireland. Sponsored by OnBoard.

4 December 2026 | 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Location: InterContinental Hotel, Dublin 4

Booking is now open for the IoD Ireland Christmas Lunch 2026. Celebrate the season with Ireland’s top business leaders. A key networking event for directors, executives, and decision-makers across sectors. Connect, catch up and enjoy the festive spirit in style. Entertainment provided by Impressionist, TV and Radio Broadcaster, Conor Moore. Sponsored by Mason Hayes & Curran LLP.

How to Use Your AI Governance Toolkit



8 October 2026 | 2:00pm - 2:45pm

Location: Webinar

The IoD Ireland AI Governance Toolkit is designed to give members a practical, board-ready resource they can use immediately to strengthen oversight of AI in their organisations. Join this practical webinar with AI Governance Advisor, Ger Perdisatt, to discover how to make full use of the Toolkit and strengthen board oversight.

Europe in Focus with Tony Connelly



5 November 2026 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Location: Webinar

Book your place on our webinar with Tony Connelly, Europe Editor at RTÉ News. This webinar will examine the latest developments shaping Europe's political and economic landscape and what they may mean for Irish business leaders. 

Sponsored by Diligent.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

This month, we are delighted to feature IoD Ireland member Julian Yarr. Julian is an experienced board chair, non-executive director, advisor and executive coach. He has a distinguished leadership background in professional services, governance and business, supporting boards, organisations and senior leaders. Read more about his career path, leadership style, and how IoD Ireland has supported his leadership 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.

ENHANCING OUR EUROPEAN DIRECTOR NETWORK | ECODA MEMBERSHIP

IoD Ireland is delighted to announce that we have become members of ecoDa, the European body for representing the main national institutes of directors in Europe. We are delighted to join a member body that recognises the leading institute for directors and governance bodies across Europe. 

As part of this new membership, IoD Ireland members will also be able to avail of additional resources and events. This includes their upcoming flagship European Corporate Governance Conference, which will hold an expert speaker line up, including IoD Ireland CEO Dr. Caroline Spillane CDir. 

ecoDa Events Available to IoD Ireland Members  

European Corporate Governance Conference 

17 November 2026

Location: The Round Room at the Mansion House

This conference will provide a forum for discussing significant corporate governance developments shaping Europe. It will explore how corporate governance frameworks must evolve to address rapid technological advancements and embed resilience as a core element of their strategy. It is being held as an Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU Associated Event. 

Digital Sovereignty for Boards: Navigating Europe’s Push for Technological Resilience

20 October 2026

Location: Webinar

This ecoDa webinar will explore what Europe’s push for technological sovereignty means for boards and businesses. The session will examine the European Technological Sovereignty Package and the broader shift from policy to business expectations.

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 page.

Budget 2027 - The Economic and Fiscal Backdrop | Article

Read this piece with Economist Jim Power on Budget 2027. Jim highlights resilience, inflation pressures, global uncertainty, and key measures to watch for in Budget 2027.

Navigating Shareholder Disputes: Recent Developments in Irish Law | Factsheet

This factsheet examines recent developments in shareholder dispute law. It highlights key legal cases, governance implications and practical approaches to resolving conflicts effectively.

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP Announced as Christmas Lunch Sponsor 2026| Article

We are delighted to welcome Mason Hayes & Curran LLP back as sponsor of the IoD Ireland Christmas Lunch for the third consecutive year. We greatly value their continued support of this much-anticipated member event.

The Use of AI in Corporate Reporting | Factsheet

Artificial Intelligence Technologies are developing rapidly. Read this new report by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) on how corporate reporting is adapting to the use of AI technologies.

Succession Readiness: Preparing for a Successful Transition | Webcast

Watch this webcast which explored how founder-led, family-owned and privately held businesses can prepare for successful ownership and leadership transitions.



The Business Post Leadership Awards 2026 | News

Discover the IoD Ireland members shortlisted for this year's Business Post Leadership Awards 2026. The awards recognise directors and members of the C-suite across Irish business.

GARY KENNEDY CHARTERED DIRECTOR PROGRAMME BURSARY 2027

Applications are open for the IoD Ireland Gary Kennedy Chartered Director Programme Bursary. The Bursary is in recognition of Gary Kennedy’s belief that equitable and inclusive leadership is vital to the success of business and society. Gary was a champion of inclusivity believing that, as in all areas of society, equity and fairness in business is vital. 

The Bursary will offer one candidate the opportunity to receive a fully-funded place on the IoD Chartered Director Programme and a year's complimentary membership. The application deadline is Monday, 30th November 2026. 

IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS

Chairing for Impact: Boards and Committees | Workshop 4th November 2026

Understand the Roles and responsibilities of the Chair, board dynamics, and board culture. Led by Jim Miley, Chartered Director.

Strategy for Experienced Directors | Workshop 10th November 2026

Learn how to develop and adapt strategy depending on the conditions of the organisation. Led by Prof. Simon Haslam CDir.

RESEARCH POLICY AND ADVOCACY | SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GOVERNANCE

The EU Cyber Resilience Act: New CRA Reporting Rules for Manufacturers

The NCSC's new Cyber Resilience Act guidelines outline mandatory reporting requirements for manufacturers, including strict timelines for reporting serious cybersecurity vulnerabilities and incidents. The guidelines outline mandatory reporting requirements for manufacturers, including strict timelines for reporting serious cybersecurity vulnerabilities and incidents.

Helping You Identify Fraudulent Communications

The security of our members is important to us. Please be cautious of any communication claiming to be from IoD Ireland.

• All official IoD Ireland emails will come from an @iodireland.ie address (for example, membership@iodireland.ie).
• We will never contact you by text message.
• We will never ask for passwords, banking information, or card details by email.
• Postal correspondence from IoD Ireland is limited to membership-related materials and will not be used to promote services.

If you receive a communication that seems unusual or suspicious, please contact us on +353 (0)1 411 0010 and we will be happy to verify it for you. You can find information on all IoD Ireland services and activities on our website.