Nicola Byrne becomes IEA's first female president

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has appointed its first female president: Nicola Byrne (pictured), founder of 11890 Directory Inquiries and Cloud90.

Ms Byrne takes over from Paschal McCarthy who has held the role since January 2016.

IEA chief executive Simon McKeever said: “It is with great significance that our first female president is Nicola Byrne. Nicola’s experience in founding and developing her own businesses puts her at the forefront of exporting and entrepreneurship.

“An insights guru, Nicola has a wealth of international experience seizing business opportunities, overcoming barriers and developing contacts. Nicola’s dedication and support on the council to date has been considerable and we look forward to working with her as she goes from strength to strength, shaping the organisation’s future in her presidency.

Ms Byrne added: “Being president during this year of Brexit is challenging. The association will need to offer our members and the government our fullest support and best advice – as well as opening doors and minds among our clients and colleagues across Europe. This year, of all years, the association must defend our country’s economic life’s blood.”

Mr McKeever also offered his thanks to Mr McCarthy: “On behalf of the staff and IEA council, I would like to thank Paschal McCarthy for serving as president. Over the last 18 months Paschal has driven the IEA’s regional member development strategy and was fundamental to the establishment of the Cork and West Regional Council’s respectively.

“The IEA will continue to benefit from Paschal’s experience and contribution to the organisation as he remains on the IEA’s Executive Council.”