Friday 24th November
County Kildare Chamber today announce that CEO Allan Shine has informed the board of the Chamber that he is stepping down from his role. Mr Shine has led the Chamber for the past 12 years and has overseen its growth from his time as CEO of the then Naas Chamber of Commerce which then evolved into North Kildare Chamber and ultimately into a one county chamber which is the largest in the Mid-East and fourth largest in the country with 400 members employing over 42,000 people. The well known business leader will remain with the Chamber until February 2024 and from then he will be taking up the role as CEO of Kildare Innovation Campus.
The County Kildare Chamber board intend to appoint current public affairs manager Sinead Ronan to the position of Interim CEO. Ms Ronan previously worked with Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney and joined the chamber two years ago. Chamber President Mairead Hennessy has also announced new additions to the board and they are Christophe Roche CEO of Endress + Hauser in Ireland, Lisa Harlow COO of Lifeline Ambulance Services, Eoin Gannon CEO of Gannon Office Group and Mike Grogan of Verity Financial Consultants.
Allan Shine said “I have had the most wonderful 12 years leading the Chamber and ensuring it would become a leading business organisation in Ireland. Creating a One County Chamber, a single voice for business in Kildare will always be my most memorable project. The Chamber is now regarded as one of the most influential business organisations in the country and that is due to its extremely active membership. County Kildare Chamber is the largest business organisation in the mid east region, it has a very progressive team along with a wealth of experience with its board members.
I would like to thank the President of the Chamber, the Board and the membership for all their support over the past number of years and also previous Chamber President’s for their guidance and vision for the Chamber during their tenures. I look forward to starting a new position as CEO of Kildare Innovation Campus in 2024.”
Mairead Hennessy, Chamber President said “Allan’s legacy includes leading not only the creation of a one County Chamber but also the creation of some very successful international trade visits. He has also overseen the Chamber’s impressive range of business supports, its growing membership and its recognition as a respected voice for business. Allan has successfully steered the Chamber through several challenges such as the global economic crash, Brexit and Covid. We wish him the very best in his new role, the Chamber will now look to commence a recruitment process over the coming days.”