Spunout, Ireland’s youth information and support platform, has announced the appointment of Sinéad Keane as its new CEO.

The move marks the beginning of a new chapter in the organisation’s mission to empower and advocate for young people across Ireland.

The platform say Keane brings a unique blend of communications, advocacy, and mental health expertise to the role.

With a strong track record in the non-profit sector and first-hand experience as a psychotherapist, she is well placed to lead Spunout at a time when youth voices are increasingly central to policy debates.

Prior to joining Spunout, Keane was Deputy CEO of Belong To, where she oversaw campaigns, policy, communications, and research, ensuring the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ youth were at the heart of the organisation’s work.

She has also worked with Amnesty International and currently serves on the Board of CyberSafeKids.

In addition, Keane is an accredited psychotherapist with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and holds an MSc in Clinical Integrative Psychotherapy from University College Cork.

Commenting on her appointment, Keane said: “I am thrilled to be appointed spunout’s new CEO.

“I am especially looking forward to working with spunout’s Action Panel to ensure that the lived experiences of young people remain at the centre of everything we do.

“As we approach Budget 2026, this is an exciting time to continue the impressive work that spunout has done to date advocating for young people in Ireland, including the launch of our youth-led Pre Budget Submission.

“To build on the important groundwork laid by spunout so far, it is vital that we continue to prioritise the issues that matter most to young people such as youth mental health a lack of spaces to socialise and youth work.

“I look forward to engaging with Government and other key stakeholders on these important issues to ensure that young people’s voices are heard and that they are not left behind.”

Tara Doyle, Chairperson of Spunout’s Board of Directors, welcomed the appointment, stating: “We are delighted to welcome Sinéad as the new CEO of spunout.

“Sinéad’s background in non-profit leadership and advocacy, combined with her first-hand experience as a mental health professional, will be invaluable as spunout continues our mission to work towards an Ireland where all young people are supported and empowered to thrive.

“I would also like to extend our thanks to former CEO Ian Power for all his dedication and vision in building spunout into what it is today. We wish him every success in the future.”

Photo: Sinead Keane (3rd from left) with her new Spunout team