Caroline Bocquel will become chief executive of Fáilte Ireland in November. Bocquel will be the first woman to hold the top role at Ireland’s national tourism development authority.
Bocquel brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience, most recently as chief executive of BIM, where she led Ireland’s seafood industry through post-Brexit challenges. Under her leadership, the sector was transformed into what the authority describes as Europe’s most modern and sustainable seafood processing industry.
Her background spans public and NGO sectors, including roles as chief financial officer at humanitarian agency GOAL and director of corporate services at the Marine Institute.
The appointment comes as Ireland’s tourism sector generates €10bn annually and supports more than 225,000 jobs. Tourism represents a critical component of Ireland’s economy, particularly for regional development and employment.
“Tourism is of critical importance to the Irish economy, and Caroline has the strategic skills, development mindset and governance experience needed to support the sustainable growth of our tourism economy into the future,” said minister for enterprise, tourism and employment Peter Burke.
Ruth Andrews, chairperson of the Fáilte Ireland authority, said Bocquel’s “leadership experience, along with a proven track record in strategic development, driving growth and commitment to innovation make her ideally suited to lead the organisation into its next chapter.”
Bocquel said she was “honoured to take on the role of chief executive at Fáilte Ireland, an organisation central to one of Ireland’s most vital industries.”
Paul Keeley, director of regional development, will serve as interim chief executive from 1 September until Bocquel formally assumes the position in November.
