CAUSEWAY: Ireland Scotland Business Exchange announced the election of businesswomen Judith O’Leary and Brigid Whoriskey as Vice-Chairs of the organisation (above).
Tasked with leading the development of Causeway, liaising with governments, partners and advisers and assisting with the chairing of management and legal board meetings, the pair begin their role with a view to eventually assuming the role of Chair in a job-sharing capacity.
Originally from Cork, Ms O’Leary has enjoyed an award-winning career in PR and communications with her own agency, Represent, and has been a member of the Causeway management board since 2016.
Speaking of her ambitions for the role, she outlined the opportunity to develop the relationship which make Causeway an important organisation both here and in Ireland.
“It is more important than ever that we forge and nurture strong trading relationships between Scotland and Ireland—North and South,” she said. “I am proud to be a part of an organisation with the drive, ambition and connections to make this a reality for ambitious organisations on both sides of the Irish Sea.
“As business leaders, time is precious so it’s important to invest in where we can achieve maximum impact and influence and Causeway delivers that and more!”
Her colleague, Ms Whoriskey, takes on the position after two years serving on the same management role. Having lived in Scotland for almost 30 years, the Galway native has built a successful career as a business advisor and an executive coach through her business, Envision Business Solutions Ltd.
Looking back on a continued period of growth for Causeway despite the challenges of the last 12 months, she focused on the potential for new and fruitful connections for Causeway, saying: “I’m excited about the potential that Causeway has to foster meaningful business connections and collaboration across the Irish Sea.
“We have a reputation of being accessible, friendly and member-focused—it’s what you make of it.
“Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, we’ve increased our membership, expanded our events and networking opportunities and kick started our Young Professionals membership. I can’t wait to build on that platform and continue to raise the profile and impact of Causeway.”
Causeway’s current Chair and Director, David Greenlees, UK and Ireland Director for Priority Software, offered his congratulations to the new Vice-Chairs and paid tribute to them for the successful impact they have had on Causeway through their previous roles.
“These appointments provide Causeway with greater capacity to deliver on our core activities of driving forward a strong network of business leaders within Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland,” he said.”This year has seen Causeway adapt at speed to the changing conditions, as well as our adoption of a full programme of events moving to an online environment.
“We have delivered more events this year than last year, provided greater diversity of activities, and build a stronger membership base, with Judith and Brigid taking a key lead on this success.
“Building on this success in 2021 requires us to further adapt, reach more regions, and build an even stronger network of professionals to ensure our membership has the opportunity to create new opportunities and connect with other businesses. These appointments will assist myself and the Board to deliver on these objectives, and I am delighted they have accepted these key positions.”
