The Irish Funds Industry Association has appointed PwC partner Andrea Kelly as chair and State Street Ireland CEO Terri Dempsey as vice-chair of the Irish Funds Members' Council for the year ahead.

Kelly succeeds Nicholas Blake-Knox, partner and head of asset management & investment funds at Walkers, as chair following the completion of his term.

The council represents the interests of the association's more than 150 member firms, and provides guidance on strategy, advocacy and governance to ensure its work aligns with member priorities.

Pat Lardner, chief executive of Irish Funds, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrea as Chair and Terri as Vice-Chair of Irish Funds, and we extend our best wishes to them for a successful year ahead.

"Our directly elected Council represents the voice of our 150+ member firms, whose expertise and commitment continue to shape Ireland’s position as a global leader in funds and asset management.

"Ireland’s reputation for trust, capability, and innovation has enabled it to become a premier location for global investing. We also thank Nicholas Blake-Knox for his leadership and contribution as Chair over the past year.”

Kelly said she is "honoured" to take the role and to represent an industry that "plays a vital role in Ireland’s economy and in serving investors globally.

"Irish Funds remains a strong voice for our sector, which supports thousands of high-skilled jobs across the country.

"Ireland has earned a global leadership position in funds and asset management, and to maintain that edge, we must stay focused on competitiveness, innovation, and agility."

Kelly said that now is "a timely moment to build on progress" and particularly in areas such as private assets, ETFs, and tokenisation in order to ensure Ireland "remains a location where the industry can continue to grow.

"There is great pride in what our industry has achieved, and even greater ambition for what lies ahead. I look forward to working with my fellow Council members and all stakeholders to capture new opportunities and support the ongoing success of the sector.”

Commenting on her own appointment, Dempsey said: “I am honoured to serve as Vice-Chair of the Irish Funds Members’ Council and to support Andrea in leading our industry forward.

"I look forward to working closely with the Council and all stakeholders to drive innovation, strengthen Ireland’s position as a global leader, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our members and the wider industry.”

Photo: Terri Dempsey, vice-chair of the Irish Funds Members' Council. (Pic: Supplied)