Kerry GAA starts recruitment process for full-time commercial director

County board chairperson Patrick O'Sullivan said the person appointed will help "shape the future of Kerry GAA".

MONEY-SPINNER: Kerry's commercial income grew by 11.8% in 2024 to nearly €1.29m. Pic: Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile

Kerry GAA has started the recruitment process to appoint a commercial director. The person appointed will "lead the organisation’s commercial strategy and drive revenue growth". The role, which is for a fixed term contract of three years, may also involve working with the Kerry Ladies Football Association and Kerry Camogie. 

“This is an exciting opportunity for someone to shape the future of Kerry GAA," said county board chairperson Patrick O'Sullivan. 

"We are seeking someone to work alongside our County Board to manage asset development and new projects at our Centre of Excellence and other locations across the county.

"We are looking for someone who is motivated and passionate about Kerry GAA with entrepreneurial leadership, organisational skills, and knowledge in business, finance, fundraising, and sponsorship.

"We see this role as an opportunity for Kerry GAA to increase commercial activities to generate substantial revenue growth, improve facilities and resources, and integrate the Kerry Ladies Football Association and Kerry Camogie. For the right person, this is an opportunity [to] not only play a part in the future of Kerry GAA across the county but to help shape it.”

Last year, Kerry's accounts showed commercial income of €1,286,686. That was a significant 11.8% increase from 2023. Kerry GAA secretary Peter Twiss said in November that the appointment of someone to a full-time commercial role would be "a necessary next step".

“How this works alongside a voluntary led Board will require some thought," said Twiss, "but it is obvious that the demands on the volunteer in this most important of areas is too much and very dependent on people having time and skill to build up a coherent and effective structure."

Kerry treasurer Paudie Healy added that while the growth in commercial revenue between 2023 and 2024 should be celebrated, efforts needed to intensify to "grow commercial income on all fronts – locally, nationally, and internationally." 

"As the demands on our resources and facilities will continue to expand, Kerry GAA must remain a trailblazer both on and off the field," he continued.

"To ensure we maintain our leadership and drive future success, we must aggressively pursue new opportunities, strengthen existing partnerships, and extend our reach globally."

One of the role's notable responsibilities will be to work with a "third-party communications and content agency to build and maintain a fan/media hub as an independent revenue stream".

Those wishing to apply can do so through Red Chair Recruitment.