Chief Executive Officer, Failte Ireland

THE ORGANISATION

As the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland’s role is to support the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution of tourism to Ireland.

Fáilte Ireland works in partnership with Government, State Agencies, Local Authorities, representative groups and industry, to develop tourism across Ireland by creating destination development plans and networks, investing in infrastructure, activities, visitor attractions and festivals. Fáilte Ireland also provides consumer and buyer insights, mentoring, business supports and training programmes and buyer platforms to help tourism businesses innovate and grow.

Fáilte Ireland is also responsible for domestic holiday marketing across four regional experience brands: Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Dublin.

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THE ROLE

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will drive the sustainable growth of Ireland’s tourism industry leading Fáilte Ireland and propelling existing and new initiatives to continue its mission to develop a strong and regionally varied tourism sector by 2030. Supported by coordinated efforts by national and local state bodies, the CEO will ensure that the tourism sector continues to contribute to local communities by meeting its climate goals, delivering outstanding visitor experiences in addition to offering rewarding careers to staff.

Reporting to the National Tourism Development Authority, through the Chairperson, the CEO will bring strategic vision and leadership to the agency to achieve ambitious targets and will provide vision and leadership to Fáilte Ireland to achieve its strategic ambition and objectives.

Supported by a team of almost 500 people in 19 locations across Ireland and with an operating budget of over €170m, the CEO will play a crucial role in developing the Irish tourism industry.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the development and growth of Irish tourism and contribute positively to the economic, social, cultural, and environmental impact to Ireland.

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The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrated an extensive track record of attainment and achievement at senior executive level in large, complex public and/or private sector organisations with responsibility for significant financial resources, and compliance with good corporate governance requirements.

• An understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Irish tourism and the role of government in supporting and accelerating its success.

• Inspirational communication skills with executive presence and significant experience in media and public relations engagements.

• The ability to promote and apply the necessary rigour to achieve the highest standards of corporate governance and financial oversight.

• Passion for Ireland, tourism, sustainable development, and community empowerment.

• Appropriate academic and/or professional qualifications related to the principal role accountabilities are required.

Remuneration for this role will be in line with public sector policy and will reflect the seniority of the post.

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To Apply:

Lansdowne Executive Search has been retained by Fáilte Ireland to manage this recruitment process.

For further information, please refer to our Candidate Booklet.

Download English Candidate Booklet

Download Irish Candidate Booklet

If you feel you would benefit from a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact:
Seán McDonagh: 087 796 1062 or Tom Keane: 087 741 3085

The closing date for receipt of applications is 3.00pm on Wednesday, 25th June 2025.

Fáilte Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of the workforce.

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