A new CEO with a strong background in the Irish SME sector has been appointed at the Irish Internet Association.
The new CEO to be appointed since Fergal O’Byrne stepped down from the role in recent months is Joan Mulvihill.
Mulvihill has a strong background within the Irish SME sector, having previously held the position of senior manager for Family Business Advisory Services at BDO Simpson Xavier.
Mulvihill also has extensive retail experience, having spent eight years in London and Amsterdam with the Kingfisher Group. She was at the forefront of managing one of the first transitions of a major UK retailer from High Street to online, and has also worked as a consultant to a number of new business start-ups.
On the job
Mulvihill took up her position this week. Speaking about her appointment she said: “I’m delighted to be joining the IIA at this critical time. As Ireland aspires to a Smart Economy, it’s vital that the necessary supports are available to business owners, in terms of infrastructure, investment and expertise.
“Already, we have some fantastic Irish success stories of internet businesses across a range of sectors; financial services, leisure and travel, retail and media. The internet brings so much opportunity for cost saving, process efficiency and customer care – way beyond simply having a website.
“As a Smart Economy, Irish businesses can and will be at the forefront of innovation and optimisation of internet usage. The IIA is a member-based association and so my vision for the IIA is to see our members, Irish businesses, leading the way in the development and application of internet capability and in doing so growing new markets in Ireland and abroad,” she said.
By John Kennedy
Photo: The Irish Internet Association online.