Causeway: Ireland Scotland Business Exchange is pleased to announce the election of Judith O’Leary and Brigid Whoriskey as Vice Chairs of the not-for-profit membership organisation and both will take up the shared position from 1 January 2021.
Established in 2016, Causeway is a growing, business networking organisation that connects professionals from both sides of the Irish Sea and aims to facilitate business growth and collaboration through networking and events, as well as provide a valuable space for professionals to connect, communicate and collaborate.
The organisation is supported by the Irish and Scottish governments, and represents a growing membership of professionals from a variety of sectors across Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland, delivering a valuable forum and space for entrepreneurs, professionals and companies that either currently operate - or seek to expand or export - into the island of Ireland and Scotland.
The role of Vice Chair is to assist the Chair of the organisation with leading the development of the organisation, liaising with government, partners and advisors, and assisting with the chairing of legal and management board meetings. It envisaged that when the Chair demits office, the Vice Chairs will assume that role in a job-sharing capacity.
Judith O’Leary has been on the Causeway Management Board for four years. Originally from Cork, Ireland, Judith moved to the UK in 1989, achieving a long and established successful career in PR and communications, and launched her own agency, Represent, in 2001. She was awarded Creative Industries Leader of the Year at the Scottish Women's Awards 2019, and her agency, Represent, has been shortlisted for numerous awards including CIPR outstanding consultancy and has extensive expertise in fintech, food and drink, sustainability, travel and tourism, education and professional services.
Brigid Whoriskey joined the Causeway Management Board in 2018. Originally from Galway, Ireland, she has lived in Scotland for over 27 years and is a business advisor and an executive coach with her own business, Envision Business Solutions Ltd. She works with a wide range of organisations across private, public and third sectors, specialising in strategy and planning; change; decision-making; and stakeholder engagement. Prior to setting up her own business in 2016, she was Head of Research and Innovation at the Royal Bank of Scotland and previously was Marketing Director at Lloyds UDT. She is also an accomplished conference speaker and a Trustee of Tong-Len UK – a charity helping destitute families of Northern India.
Remarking on being elected Vice Chair, Judith O’Leary said:
“It is more important than ever that we forge and nurture strong trading relationships between Scotland and Ireland – North and South. I am proud to be a part of an organisation with the drive, ambition and connections to make this a reality for ambitious organisations on both sides of the Irish Sea. As business leaders, time is precious so it’s important to invest in where we can achieve maximum impact and influence and Causeway delivers that and more!”
Adding to this, Brigid Whoriskey said:
“I’m excited about the potential that Causeway has to foster meaningful business connections and collaboration across the Irish Sea. We have a reputation of being accessible, friendly and member focussed – it’s what you make of it.
“Throughout the Covid-19 crisis, we’ve increased our membership, expanded our events and networking opportunities and kick started our Young Professionals membership. I can’t wait to build on that platform and continue to raise the profile and impact of Causeway.”
Causeway’s current Chair and Director, David Greenlees, who is also the UK and Ireland Director for Priority Software, also commented congratulating Brigid and Judith on their appointment, saying:
“These appointments provide Causeway with greater capacity to deliver on our core activities of driving forward a strong network of business leaders within Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. This year has seen Causeway adapt at speed to the changing conditions, as well as our adoption of a full programme of events moving to an online environment. We have delivered more events this year than last year, provided greater diversity of activities, and build a stronger membership base, with Judith and Brigid taking a key lead on this success.
“Building on this success in 2021 requires us to further adapt, reach more regions, and build an even stronger network of professionals to ensure our membership has the opportunity to create new opportunities and connect with other businesses. These appointments will assist myself and the Board to deliver on these objectives, and I am delighted they have accepted these key positions.”
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