High-level appointment for Mayo business leader 

Maureen Walsh, Managing Director of Claremorris-based DeCare, has officially been appointed as President of Ibec, the largest representative body for Irish business and employers, for 2026-2027. She was elected by Ibec’s National Council to serve as President, and succeeds Dr Colin Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of AIB.

Operating from the West of Ireland, her appointment highlights the vital economic contribution of regional enterprises.

Speaking about her appointment Maureen said:

“It is a privilege to lead Ibec and represent Irish business at a time of considerable change for our economy. Operating from the West of Ireland, I know that the Irish economic success story is not one just confined to our 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 through expanding our infrastructure - from housing and energy to transport and digital connectivity - all of which will be key to enabling our continued growth.

“My connection to Mayo runs deep. My father, Michael, was born and raised in Claremorris and played for the Mayo football team before emigrating. I moved to Claremorris as an expat on what was intended to be a two-year assignment to establish DeCare’s Irish operations. Having recruited our first 18 staff in Claremorris in 1999, many of whom are still with us today, I have seen first-hand how regional Ireland can serve as a world-class base for global service, innovation, and growth."

Galway native and Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said:

“We are delighted to announce Maureen as our new Ibec President. Maureen’s remarkable track record as an entrepreneur and business leader, alongside her deep commitment to regional enterprise and development, gives her an exceptional perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Irish businesses today.

Maureen’s deep roots in the local community include previously serving as a member of the Governing Body of GMIT (now Atlantic Technological University), sitting on the Local Enterprise Evaluations and Appeals Committee, and her role as a former Chairperson of the Mayo Cancer Support Association.