Employers body Ibec has appointed Maureen Walsh, Managing Director of DeCare, as its President for 2026-2027.
Ms Walsh succeeds Colin Hunt, the chief executive officer of AIB, in the position.
She led DeCare Dental Insurance Ireland from start-up stages to become Ireland’s first and only specialist dental and vision benefits insurer, serving over 79,000 members and 620 client companies.
She previously served as a member of the Governing Body of GMIT (now Atlantic Technological University), serves on the Local Enterprise Evaluations and Appeals Committee, and is a former Chairperson of the Mayo Cancer Support Association.
“It is a privilege to lead Ibec and represent Irish business at a time of considerable change for our economy. The resilience that has been synonymous with the Irish economy over the last number of years in the face of considerable global disruption is both a source of pride and a reminder that complacency is the enemy of our future success,” Ms Walsh said.
The new Ibec president said that as she operates from the West of Ireland, she knows that the Irish economic success story is not just confined to major cities, but one that touches towns and villages throughout the country.
“When it comes to regional development, we must keep Ireland’s momentum up by expanding our infrastructure- from housing and energy to transport and digital connectivity-all of which will be key to enabling our continued growth in all parts of the country,” she said.
“Individually, businesses of all sizes are also navigating this generation’s major technological disruption, but by supporting businesses to embrace artificial intelligence and develop future-focused skills, Ireland can be a real net beneficiary here,” she added.
Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said that Ms Walsh’s remarkable track record as an entrepreneur and business leader, alongside her deep commitment to regional enterprise and digital innovation, gives her an exceptional perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Irish businesses today.
“Through her leadership of Ibec’s Digital and AI Policy group, and her former role as Regional President of Ibec West, Maureen has already demonstrated a clear commitment to shaping policy that serves businesses of all sizes and locations,” he added.
