Mayo GAA begins search for first-ever CEO
Mayo GAA has formally launched the recruitment process for its first-ever chief executive officer (CEO), marking what officials describe as a “transformational step” in how the organisation is managed and how it supports clubs, volunteers and county teams.
The announcement was made at last night’s county board meeting where delegates were briefed on the extensive internal review that led to the recommendation.
The new CEO will be tasked with driving commercial development, strengthening governance structures and ensuring Mayo GAA’s administrative operations match the professional standards already seen on the field.
The four-year contract will include a salary based on experience along with performance-linked incentives.
Applicants must have at least five years’ senior leadership experience at CEO, COO or Director level across the commercial, sporting, community or non-profit sectors.
Mayo GAA is seeking candidates with a proven record in delivering commercial growth, sponsorship, or fundraising results, as well as strong governance expertise, strategic planning skills and exceptional communication abilities.
The successful applicant will also be expected to demonstrate experience in managing organisational change, building effective teams and cultivating strong workplace cultures.
Expressions of Interest will be accepted from November 21 to December 20.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and asked to present a detailed “Mayo Vision” outlining their strategic ambitions and commercial targets for the organisation.
The move follows a comprehensive review conducted over the past year by a subcommittee led by Donal Walshe and Daithí Gallagher.
Addressing delegates, both men said the organisation had reached a level of scale and complexity that could no longer rely solely on volunteer structures.
Walshe, a business owner with two decades of experience and chair of South Mayo GAA, explained that the review process included input from several high-level industry professionals and resulted in a detailed almost 50 page report.
“The recommendation is that Mayo GAA appoint a CEO. The organisation has reached a scale where, to be honest, the current model is no longer sustainable,” he told delegates.
“We need to take this leap of faith. The professionalism on the field needs to be matched off it.”
He added that the CEO role is expected to be cost-neutral within its first year, with all future staffing proposals also required to be self-funding through increased commercial activity.
Gallagher outlined key strengths, weaknesses and opportunities identified during the review, noting that Mayo’s global profile and strong brand recognition provided major untapped commercial potential.
“No matter where you go, you’ll see a Mayo jersey,” he said. “We need to work on that and capitalise on it.”
The new role will be managed by a Strategic Leadership Committee (SLC) made up of the Mayo GAA chairperson, secretary, treasurer and two members of Coiste Bainistí.
The CEO will report twice yearly to Coiste Bainistí and hold responsibility for governance, communications, marketing and commercial strategy.
The SLC will set clear milestones and monitor performance, with commercial targets built into the CEO’s contract.
Board members strongly supported the proposal, with one delegate describing it as a “no-brainer” and “badly needed.”
Former Mayo GAA chairperson Liam Moffatt welcomed the link between organisational governance and commercial ambition, calling the review “impressive.”
Discussion also reflected the wider pressures on volunteers. Walshe noted that changing work and family patterns had reduced the time people can give to administration.
“Everyone here is giving up time, you could be at home watching Coronation Street. Younger generations are even busier with social media. That’s where the CEO comes in, they could make volunteering for Mayo GAA the fashion.”
He said the role would help unlock opportunities currently beyond the capacity of volunteer officers, citing as an example the potential to sell full commercial exposure in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park across 100 matches each year.
Expressions of Interest are open until December 20, with Mayo GAA confirming it will also engage in targeted head-hunting to identify suitable candidates already working in high-level corporate or sporting roles.
Those interested can apply by submitting a cover letter and CV to secretary.mayo@gaa.ie