O’Leary to become next head of IDA

BARRY O’LEARY is to be next chief executive of the IDA. Mr O’Leary is currently IDA divisional manager in life sciences and ICT and he will take the helm at the industrial development agency at the end of this year, when Sean Dorgan steps down.

IDA chairman John Dunne said: “Barry O’Leary has exceptional vision, leadership and business skills to take IDA forward to further success in an ever-changing global business environment.

“Ireland has long punched above its weight in winning mobile international investments and has sustained this record in the current decade, in new areas of business and with new value propositions.”

He added that Mr O’Leary emerged as the ideal person to lead IDA from a field of very strong internal and external candidates for the chief executive position.

Mr O’Leary said: “I am honoured to be appointed to this position. I look forward to working with existing and new overseas companies, and the board and staff of IDA, to meet the challenge of continuing IDA’s outstanding record of achievement.”

Mr O’Leary, 56, has worked in the IDA for over 30 years in most of its business areas, including two periods totalling 15 years in Germany, and later as director in Europe until 2002.

He will now work in a transitional role alongside current chief executive Sean Dorgan for the next two months, before taking over full responsibility at the end of the year.

Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Micheál Martin said: “We are fortunate to have people of his calibre to further promote Ireland as a major location for foreign direct investment. I look forward to working with Barry and wish him every success in his new role.”