Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has appointed Richard Donnelly as its new chief executive officer (CEO).
The appointment by the BIM board followed “an open and competitive recruitment process”, and Mr Donnelly will take up the position with immediate effect, it said.
He has held the role of interim CEO since November 2025, after Caroline Bocquel left to head up Fáilte Ireland.
Prior to that, he was director of development and innovation services at BIM.
BIM said that “he brings over three decades of leadership experience in the seafood industry, and has held senior roles in fisheries and aquaculture private and public sector organisations in Ireland and internationally in areas including business development, marketing and sales”.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Timmy Dooley has welcomed the appointment.
“Richard Donnelly brings the experience, insight and strategic vision needed to help the seafood sector adapt, evolve and position itself for long-term success,”Mr Dooley said.
“His appointment comes at a critical time for the industry as it navigates significant challenges within an increasingly complex operating environment,”he said.
“I have already had the opportunity to work with Richard in his capacity as Interim CEO and look forward to continuing that strong working relationship with him,”he added.
BIM chair Aidan Cotter paid tribute to Mr Donnelly’s “depth of experience, strategic thinking, and clear vision for the future of the organisation”.
“Richard has consistently demonstrated strong insight into the opportunities and challenges ahead, together with a collaborative and values-driven leadership style that reflects the culture and ambitions of BIM,”he said.
Mr Donnelly is from Co Dublin and holds a Master of Science from Trinity College Dublin.
