By Business & Finance 
Pictured L–R: Danny McCoy, CEO Ibec, Imelda Hurley, Incoming President, Ibec
Photograph: Naoise Culhane Photography
Imelda Hurley, CEO of State forestry company Coillte has been announced as the new president of Ibec. Imelda succeeds Frank Gleeson, CEO and president of Amark Northern Europe.
Imelda was previously a non-executive director at Ibec and has held numerous high-ranking roles in various Irish business. She was appointed CEO of Coillte in 2019 and is a non-executive director at Dole Plc.
Imelda previously served as CFO of agri-services group Origin Enterprises Plc following her position as CFO and Head of Sustainability of PCH International. Her portfolio also includes work with Greencore Group Plc and Arthur Anderson along with previous non-executive director roles at Ervia and Total Produce Plc.
Ms. Hurley is a graduate of University Limerick, an alumna of Harvard Business School and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
“Imelda is a recognised leader in the field of Irish and European business and her experience and insights will no doubt support our efforts over the coming year to help navigate the economy through a challenging period,” said Danny McCoy, CEO, Ibec.
“We look forward to working with her and wish her great success.”
Ms. Hurley commented on the announcement:
“It is a privilege to be appointed Ibec President for the next 12 months,” she said.
“While the economy faces unprecedented inflationary competitiveness challenges at present, it is important that we do not lose focus in meeting the long-term strategic issues we face as a society, particularly the climate emergency crisis.”
Imelda presented AIB with the Environmental and Social Governance Award at the Business & Finance Awards.
“We are focused on delivering the multiple benefits of forestry”, said Imelda Hurley, CEO of Coillte. “When you have got a million acres under management … you’ve got to really think about environmental, social and governance and that is why when we try and bring it all together, ESG and sustainability is truly at the heart of Coillte,” she said in her speech.
