Causeway: Ireland Scotland Business Exchange is pleased to announce the appointment of Judith O’Leary and Brigid Whoriskey as Co-Chairs of the not-for-profit membership organisation, with both women commencing in the shared position from 1 January 2022.
Established in 2016, Causeway: Ireland Scotland Business Exchange is a growing business membership 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.
Supported by the Irish and Scottish governments, Causeway represents a growing membership of professionals, from a variety of sectors, across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and provides 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 Chair of Causeway is to lead the development of the not-for-profit organisation, growing its membership numbers and reach, and having an overarching key mission to support, promote and strengthen Irish-Scottish trade and economic relationships. The Chair role also acts as a key liaison with Irish, Northern Irish and Scottish government, partner organisations and advisors. The Chair serves a two-year term, with Ms O’Leary and Ms Whoriskey taking over from David Greenlees, Chief Commercial Officer for Cooper Software, who served from 2018 – 2021.
Judith O’Leary has been on the Causeway Management Board for five 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 28 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 Brigid is also Board Member of the Scottish Legal Aid Board and a Trustee of Tong-Len UK – a charity helping destitute families of Northern India.
Remarking on being appointed Co-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-focused – 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.”