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Caroline Spillane CDir | Tuesday, 1st July 2025
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Welcome to the latest IoD Ireland Members Update - your go-to resource for essential insights and updates tailored for today’s dynamic business environment.
In this issue, we’re pleased to share highlights from our recent in-conversation event with EU Commissioner Michael McGrath. We also share an exclusive piece from Mary-Elizabeth McMunn, Deputy Governor, Financial Regulation, Central Bank of Ireland, on SEAR, as it comes into effect for Independent Non-Executives Directors as of today, 1st July.
You’ll also find member spotlights, essential governance content, such as thought leadership articles, a Director Factsheet, and a new webcast. Plus, don’t miss our upcoming events and latest learning opportunities and recommended reading to keep you ahead of the curve.
We’re also proud to share that IoD Ireland was named ‘Best Institute of the Year’ at the recent Association and Institutes Awards in June—a recognition of our commitment to excellence and our impact on Ireland’s business community.
Best wishes,
Caroline Spillane CDir
Chief Executive Officer
Institute of Directors Ireland
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Commissioner McGrath Addresses Members at Exclusive IoD Event
IoD Ireland Members gathered for an exclusive “In-Conversation” event with EU Commissioner Michael McGrath on Thursday, 26th June.
In a wide-ranging discussion, the event addressed the Commission’s 2024 - 2029 political priorities, the evolving geopolitical landscape, and the EU’s competitiveness compass. Of particular interest to the business community were his remarks on upcoming legislative changes, including corporate sustainability due diligence and data protection - areas of growing importance for directors and senior executives.
The event, part of the Lunch Bites @ the IoD Ireland series sponsored by Diligent, offered members a unique opportunity to engage directly with one of Europe’s key policymakers.
(Photo caption: Pictured (L to R): Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Directors Ireland, Commissioner Michael McGrath, and Helen Nolan, President, Institute of Directors Ireland).
| EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS | | |
We are delighted to provide IoD Ireland members access to this upcoming Balance for Better Business webinar, taking place on Friday, 4th July.
The webinar will include expert insights from Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke TD, and Andrew Keating, CFO and Executive Director at Musgrave Group, and Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive Officer, IoD Ireland.
IoD Ireland is a member of the Balance for Better Business Advisory Group and recognise the importance of this body in promoting board diversity. To book your place, visit the below link.
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Enhancing Board Effectiveness: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage
15 JULY 2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Online
IoD Ireland members are invited to join this exclusive webinar designed to help companies strengthen their Boards through the strategic addition of INEDs. This webinar is in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and Q5.
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Save the Date | Inside the Boardroom: INED Lessons & Leadership
9 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 12:30PM -2:30PM
Location: Dublin 2
Save the date for this upcoming candid and thought-provoking lunchtime conversation exploring the real journey to the boardroom. Sponsored by Diligent.
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Save the Date | What Boards Should Know from the COO
11 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 5:30PM -7:30PM
Location: Central Bank of Ireland, Dublin 2
Save the date for our next Chartered Director Programme Alumni event on how Boards can better engage COOs to drive strategy, resilience, and governance.
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Save the Date | AI Governance: The Role of the Board
18 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 5:30PM -7:30PM
Location: Cork
Save the date for our upcoming in-person Briefing in Cork on AI Governance. This Cork Briefing will address the evolving responsibilities of directors in the age of AI. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars.
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Save the Date | Leading in Governance 2025
16 OCTOBER 2025 | 2:00PM -7:30PM
Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin 4
Save the date for IoD Ireland’s Leading in Governance 2025, our flagship conference offering key insights and networking for directors and leaders.
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Meet Our Member: Ken Bowles, Chief Financial Officer, Smurfit Westrock
In this month's profile we spotlight Ken Bowles, Chief Financial Officer at Smurfit Westrock. Ken is a seasoned executive with a long-standing career at Smurfit, progressing from treasury roles to CFO and board member. He has played a key role in the company’s global growth, strategic mergers, and sustainability leadership. Ken is a strong advocate of collaboration, mentorship, and purpose-driven business transformation.
His advice to aspiring Directors? "Find someone to talk to. As you move up, it can get lonely. Having a mentor or peer outside the organisation to share issues with is essential. Don’t be afraid to reach out."
| | DIRECTOR EXPERTISE AND INSIGHTS | MEMBER BENEFITS | | |
Senior Executive Accountability Regime: Director Update | Article
SEAR becomes a reality for (I)NEDs on 1st July. Gain expert perspective in this article from Mary-Elizabeth McMunn, Deputy Governor for Financial Regulation at the Central Bank of Ireland.
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Reputation at Risk: Why It Belongs in the Boardroom | Article
Don’t miss this insightful thought leadership piece by Teri Kelly of Total Reputation, on why Irish boards should treat reputation risk as seriously as financial or legal risk.
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Shaping culture and Managing Risk | Webcast
Tune into this insightful webcast featuring Orla O’Gorman, NED, and Caroline Reidy, MD of the HR Suite, as they explore workforce engagement, governance, and the role of company culture in boardroom discussions.
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Gender Balance |Director Factsheet
This Director Factsheet covers gender balance on listed company boards. This directive is now in place for large listed companies in Ireland. Courtesy of McCann FitzGerald.
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‘There’s no room for passengers on boards’ | Article
Read this thought-provoking article by Mairead McIlkenny, a senior leader in FinTech and technology, on why innovation, a customer-first mindset, and DE&I are essential to business success.
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From Crisis to Climate: Leadership & Sustainability | Article
Discover why clear communication and a commitment to continuous learning are critical to board success in this article by Alan Duffy CDir, Chair of Chapter Zero Ireland.
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Accountability in Action: How Honest Evaluation Shapes Governance
In this Business Plus interview, Carol Bolger CDir explains how Independent board evaluations drive reflection, reveal gaps, and enhance board performance.
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Lead Smarter with the Director Toolkit
Unlock the Director Development Toolkit - your go-to resource for strategic planning, skill mapping, and interview success. It’s everything you need to thrive as a Non-Executive Director.
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GRI Climate Change and Energy Standards
The Global Reporting Initiative has introduced groundbreaking Climate Change and Energy Standards aimed at enhancing corporate accountability and providing clear, actionable disclosures for stakeholders.
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FRC AI Guidance in Audit
The UK Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued its first guidance on AI use in audit, alongside a thematic review of how the six largest firms certify new audit technologies, emphasising responsible innovation, and audit quality.
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IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS
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Learn how directors and boards can improve the quality of board papers effectively with their executive management teams. Led by Dr Margaret Cullen CDir, Governance Advisor, IoD Ireland. Eligible for 2.5 hours of CPD.
What will I learn from this workshop?
- Gain insights into corporate governance, including roles and responsibilities and what good looks like.
- Improve the quality of board papers, including outlining a clear purpose.
- Understand board and company objectives.
- Learn to distiguish between Board and management responsibilities.
- Assess how to clearly define Board information objectives.
- Learn what board effectiveness looks like.
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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 newly Chartered Directors
Congratulations to those Chartered Directors who have passed their final professional review process, eligibility assessment and have become qualified CDirs.
| | THE DIRECTOR'S BOOKSHELF: MUST READS FOR STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP | | Expand your perspective this summer with recommended reading on governance, leadership, and strategy. Curated by our expert faculty, these selections offer valuable insights for board and executive development. | | |
Corporate Governance, Priciples, Policies,
and Practices
by Bob Tricker
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The Fish Rots From
The Head,
by Bob Garratt
| | Seeing Around Corners, by Rita McGrath and Clayton Christensen | | |
What do Leaders
really do?
by John P. Kotter
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Leading Teams
by J. Richard Hackman
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Leadership Without Easy Answers
by Ronald A. Heifetz
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Think Like a Director | Directors Gather for Chartered Director (CDir) Network Event on Whistleblowing
At our recent Chartered Director (CDir) Network event, hosted in collaboration with Arthur Cox LLP, Chartered Directors gathered to hear expert legal perspectives and practical guidance on managing whistleblowing effectively at board level. Speakers Séamus Given CDir, Partner in Employment Law Group, and Louise O'Byrne, Partner, Employment Law Group, highlighted the importance of understanding directors’ responsibilities, offering practical steps to strengthen governance and manage disclosures effectively. The event also included an address from Ailish Finnerty, Chair at Arthur Cox, who underscored the importance of the IoD Ireland network.
With a strong focus on governance, accountability, and risk, the evening also provided a valuable opportunity for peer networking and professional growth within the CDir community.
(Photo caption: Pictured (L to R): Caroline Kinsella, Board and Member Services Director, IoD Ireland, Ailish Finnerty, Chair at Arthur Cox, Louise O' Byrne, Partner in the Employment Law Group at Arthur Cox LLP, Séamus Given CDir, Partner at Arthur Cox LLP. Photography by Stuart McNamara).
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