Stephen McNamara is to be appointed
as the new Chief Executive Officer of Paralympics Ireland following a rigorous
and competitive recruitment process undertaken by Paralympics Ireland.
Stephen joins Paralympics Ireland
from the Irish Rugby Football Union, where he was Director of Communications
from 2012. During his time with the IRFU, Stephen helped to ensure that rugby
continued to grow in popularity, while working with multiple stakeholders to
ensure that the IRFU remained one of the country’s most respected and popular
sports organisations, with digital reach and engagement levels fitting of one
of the country’s strongest brands.
In his previous role with Ryanair,
Stephen helped the ambitious airline grow across the ultra-competitive aviation
market throughout Europe. Stephen worked
with the airline’s charismatic CEO, Michael O’Leary, to grow the Ryanair brand
globally.
Stephen started his career as a
qualified tax consultant with KPMG, and, more recently, completed an MBA from
UCD Smurfit Business School.
Stephen will begin his new role on
February 6th when he will succeed Ruth Nic Aoidh who has been operating as the
Interim CEO since August
Speaking about the announcement of
Stephen McNamara as the new CEO of Paralympics Ireland, President Eimear
Breathnach said
“We are delighted to confirm the
appointment of Stephen McNamara as the new CEO of Paralympics Ireland. When we
engaged in the process to recruit a new Chief Executive Officer we were
determined that we would find the right person. The recruitment process was a
rigorous and extremely positive one that allowed us to ensure that we would
find the correct candidate that shares our strategic ambition and determination
to take Irish Paralympic Sport to the next level.
In Stephen, I am sure that we have
found a Chief Executive Officer that has the will, the vision and the expertise
to deliver on our goals. Stephen has extensive expertise in sport and
understands the Irish and the international sporting environment.
On behalf of the board of Paralympics
Ireland, I would like to welcome Stephen to the organisation, we look forward
to working closely with him to continue to create the best possible environment
for our athletes to compete for, and win, medals at the Paralympic Games. We are
delighted to have such a highly respected and accomplished professional lead
our team.
I would also like to thank Ruth Nic
Aoidh for her work since she joined us as the interim CEO in August. Ruth has
been a very positive influence and has helped to move Paralympics Ireland
forward during her time in the role as CEO. We look forward to Ruth's
continuous involvement as a member of our Strategy Steering Committee where her
wealth of knowledge and expertise will continue to benefit Paralympics Ireland.
Speaking about his appointment as the
new Chief Executive Officer of Paralympics Ireland, Stephen McNamara said
“I am honored to be chosen by the
Board as the new CEO of Paralympics Ireland.
I look forward to working with the President, the great team of staff,
the athletes, all the board and volunteers, governing bodies, Sport Ireland and
all stakeholders to help drive this great organisation forward.
Working in sport is a privilege; it
is exciting and inspiring and there is huge opportunity for all as we look to
the Paris 2024 games and onwards to LA in 2028.
The Irish public love sport and always get behind and support Irish
athletes and I believe that the next decade can be transformative for our
Paralympic athletes and their sports.”
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