Tourism Ireland appoints new chief executive

Tourism Ireland today announced the appointment of Niall Gibbons as its new Chief Executive.

The announcement was made by Tourism Ireland Chairman, Hugh Friel, following an extensive, competitive recruitment process.

Mr Gibbons, who takes up the post with immediate effect, has been the Director of Corporate Services and Company Secretary of Tourism Ireland since 2002. He replaces Paul O’Toole who has taken up the position of Director General at FÁS.

“Niall Gibbons takes the lead at Tourism Ireland at a time of unprecedented challenge for global tourism and for the industry on the island of Ireland," said Friel.

"His task now is to lead the organisation and its industry partners through the current difficulties, by marketing aggressively to secure the business that is out there for now, while also positioning the destination for better times."

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen, welcomed the appointment.

"Niall is taking on this new responsibility at a difficult time for tourism globally but I know he will meet this challenge, drawing on his experiences in both the private and public sector and the enthusiastic and pragmatic manner in which he has carried out his work to date," said Minister Cullen.