Western Development Commission appoints interim CEO

THE Western Development Commission has announced the appointment of Allan Mulrooney as its interim chief executive. This follows the departure of Tomás Ó Síocháin from the organisation after four years at the helm.

Sligo native Mr. Mulrooney currently holds the role of head of communications and Atlantic Economic Corridor development as a member of the management team, having joined in 2019.

He has led on new initiatives, including ConnectedHubs.ie, WesternJobs.ie, a full rebrand for the organisation and its More To Life digital campaign. Before his role in the WDC Allan worked with IDA Ireland and before this with eir in Dublin.

Mr. Ó Síocháin, who made the announcement, referenced the drive and experience that Allan will bring to the role: “I would like to congratulate Allan on his appointment as interim CEO. Allan brings a wealth of experience to this role, particularly in the ongoing and planned work of the WDC, and already has an excellent working relationships with key regional and national stakeholders in the regional development sector.”

He will commence his role in December when Tomás Ó Síocháin takes up his new position as CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

A competitive process to appoint a permanent CEO is expected to get underway in early 2023.

Following the announcement, Mr. Mulrooney commented: “It is an honour to accept the position as chief executive on an interim basis. Our mission will not change, and I look forward to working with my colleagues across the wider WDC team and the Department of Rural and Community Development.

“It is vital that we continue to stimulate businesses, support innovation, build new partnerships and foster a vibrant ecosystem across the region at this critical time.”