How IoD Ireland is shaping the future of governance

Irish Times

13-05-2025

As boardrooms across Ireland face increasing pressure to strengthen oversight, embrace diversity and navigate fast-moving risks, the question of who sits at the table has never mattered more. Helping organisations make thoughtful, future-focused board appointments is a growing area of work for the Institute of Directors (IoD) Ireland.
Its discreet and tailored board recruitment service is now a trusted partner to many Irish organisations – from scaling private firms to long-established financial institutions – as they seek to strengthen their governance for the long term.
'Boards today are expected to do more than supervise – they need to anticipate change, reflect stakeholder expectations and lead with purpose,' says Caroline Spillane CDir, chief executive of IoD Ireland. 'That's why getting the right mix of people around the boardroom table is so important.'
A tailored, people-focused approach
The board recruitment service is led by Spillane in collaboration with Caroline Kinsella, director of board and member services and Darren Clarke, business development manager. Together, they work closely with client organisations to understand their goals, board composition, governance priorities and company culture before scoping any role.
READ MORE
'Whether it's finding an independent non-executive director (INED), appointing a new chair or selecting a new committee member, we are seeing boards become more intentional about their composition,' says Spillane. 'Every board is different. Some are preparing for growth, others are responding to regulatory shifts or refreshing their skills mix. Our role is to listen closely and introduce candidates who can add real value.'
Caroline Spillane CDir, chief executive of Institute of Directors Ireland
So where does IoD Ireland find these directors? The answer lies in its membership – a who's who of senior leaders, board-ready executives, and chartered directors across sectors. This access to seasoned professionals, combined with a high-touch recruitment process, has helped IoD Ireland stand apart in an increasingly competitive board search landscape.
What makes the service stand out, clients say, is both its professional process and its access to IoD Ireland's broad and experienced membership – a network that includes chartered directors, board chairs, and senior executives from diverse sectors.
Paul Kearns CDir, chief executive of Kefron, describes the experience as both efficient and considered.
'We were impressed by the calibre of candidates, all of whom offered insight and experience relevant to our needs. IoD Ireland took time to understand who we are as a business and that made all the difference.'
Recruitment grounded in real relationships
IoD Ireland's process covers everything from initial scoping to discreet outreach, interview co-ordination and post-placement support. And while the structure is professional, the experience is always personal.
The service has also been instrumental in helping organisations navigate succession planning, board refreshment, and committee chair appointments – issues that are growing in importance as stakeholders push for transparency, diversity and better oversight.
'It's always about chemistry as well as credentials,' says Spillane. 'Even highly experienced candidates may not be the right match unless they align with the organisation's ethos and strategic direction.'
That sentiment was echoed by Cól Campbell of Bewley's, who worked with IoD Ireland to appoint a new board member.
'What stood out was the care taken to understand our culture,' he says. 'The candidate we ultimately appointed wasn't just qualified – they connected with our purpose.'
Supporting governance with depth and discretion
Discretion is a core principle of the service, something that clients consistently highlight. From regulated sectors to family businesses, many appreciate the quiet professionalism and straightforward, focused process.
Spillane adds that what sets IoD Ireland's approach apart is not just process, but trust: 'Confidentiality and credibility are central. Our clients trust us to manage this process with integrity and care, and our reputation as a member-based organisation helps build that trust.'
Sheila Duignan, Chair of GVS Prepaid, says the experience exceeded expectations.
'IoD Ireland offered a bespoke and strategic approach. Their access to experienced professionals and well-managed process allowed us to identify an outstanding candidate.'
And for Roger Conan, chair of BCP Asset Management, the outcome was both smooth and impactful. 'We were looking for experienced INEDs and committee chairs,' he says. 'The members introduced to us were exceptional and well aligned to our needs. We would absolutely recommend the service.'
Helping boards prepare for what's next
For Spillane and her team, the work is ultimately about supporting better governance – by helping boards reflect, refresh, and evolve.
'Board recruitment is one part of a broader conversation IoD Ireland is helping to lead: how boards can evolve to meet new expectations and long-term challenges. There's a strong appetite for directors who bring experience and perspective – people who are digitally fluent, risk-aware, and values-driven,' she says. 'The good news is that IoD Ireland has real depth of talent in its member community'.
As organisations prepare for a more complex governance environment, board recruitment is increasingly viewed not as a one-off process, but as an ongoing conversation. IoD Ireland's approach – practical, discreet and grounded in real understanding – is helping shape those conversations with clarity and care.
IoD's board recruitment service is Ireland's leading independent resource for connecting organisations with highly experienced leaders, non-executive directors, and chairpersons.
Contact IoD Ireland to learn how our Board Recruitment service can support your next strategic appointment. Learn more at
iodireland.ie