Caroline Spillane has taken up the role of CEO of the Institute of Directors in Ireland (IoD) following the announcement of her appointment in April.

The qualified chartered accountant joints the IoD from Engineers Ireland, where she had served as director general since 2015, and she replaces Maura Quinn, who stepped down in June after 14 years to pursue other opportunities.

Imelda Reynolds, president of the IoD, said: "We are delighted to have a person of Caroline’s calibre join us as CEO.  Caroline is an accomplished leader who has wide expertise in strategic planning and delivery of results.  

"She is well positioned to further build the IoD and to bring the Institute forward for the benefit of our members and business leaders in Ireland.”

Of her appointment, Spillane said: "It is an honour to be appointed CEO of IoD Ireland at this challenging time for businesses in Ireland.  

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"The organisation is well placed for future growth, and I look forward to working with the council, members, and colleagues in IoD Ireland, as well as our partners."

Spillane, who has qualified as a chartered director through the IoD, was the first woman and the first non-engineer to be director general of Engineers Ireland.

She also served as CEO of the Medical Council, during which time she developed strategies for medical regulation, and professional development of doctors, and she has been a board member for HIQA, ESB Networks and Irish Manufacturing Reseach.

Spillane holds a BA from UCC, MA from TU Dublin, and she is currently studying for a Doctorate in business administration at WIT. She is also a member of the 30% Club, a campaign which is led by a group of business leaders to increase gender diversity at senior management level.

Photo: Caroline Spillane.