Enterprise Ireland chief executive Leo Clancy is to step down in March to take up a leadership role in the private sector.
A process to identify his replacement will begin immediately, while executive director Kevin Sherry will step into the role on an interim basis.
Enterprise Ireland chairman Michael Carey said he had been notified of Mr Clancy’s intention to pursue a career opportunity in the private sector. “This news comes at a time when the agency is in a very strong position, having achieved record results in terms of client jobs and exports, spend in the Irish economy and support for start-ups,” he said. “We wish him well in the next phase of his career.”
Mr Clancy was appointed chief executive in March 2021, succeeding Julie Sinnamon. He joined the organisation from IDA Ireland, where he was head of technology, consumer and business services.
He became chief executive of Enterprise Ireland when the country was still going through restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In an interview in these pages in July 2021, Mr Clancy said “helping our clients get physically back in the market is very important in terms of winning new customers and supporting existing business”.
Businesses supported by Enterprise Ireland exported a total of €34.6 billion worth of goods and services – the highest level on record, according to its annual report for 2023. Some 29 per cent of exports from the Irish market went to the UK, amounting to just under €10 billion.
Enterprise Ireland allocated a total of €492 million in funds in 2023, the reports says. The majority of the funding – €331 million – was put towards development for businesses. Another €60 million was given to third-party agencies; €56 million to Irish client services; €28 million to client service abroad; and €17 million to operations.
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