DeCare’s Maureen Walsh Appointed President of Ibec

A Proud Moment for DeCare

DeCare is delighted to congratulate our Managing Director, Maureen Walsh, on her appointment as President of Ibec, Ireland’s largest business representative organisation. It is a significant achievement for Maureen, for DeCare, and for the west of Ireland business community that has been central to our story for more than 27 years.

The appointment was formally celebrated at the recent Ibec President’s Dinner, where Maureen addressed over 800 enterprise leaders, policymakers and industry representatives from across Ireland. In her inaugural speech, she outlined a vision focused on strengthening Ireland’s competitiveness, creating a fairer ecosystem for entrepreneurs, preparing the workforce for the AI era, and delivering on balanced regional development.

For those interested in learning more about Maureen’s vision for Irish business and the priorities she has set out for her presidency, you can read her full inaugural Ibec President’s speech.

A Journey Rooted in Mayo

For many who know Maureen, this appointment is the culmination of a remarkable journey that began 27 years ago when she relocated from Boston to Claremorris, Co. Mayo, to help establish DeCare’s Irish operations. What was originally intended to be a two-year assignment became a lifelong commitment to Irish business, regional development and the people of the west of Ireland.

Today, DeCare’s Irish headquarters remain in Claremorris, where a team of 125 talented professionals supports more than 79,000 members and over 600 companies in Ireland and provides exceptional service for DeCare’s United States and international members.

Drawing on her own experience as a business leader in the west of Ireland, Maureen spoke about the exceptional talent that exists outside Ireland’s major cities, and the impactful role that regional businesses play in delivering on Ireland’s economic success.

Championing the Future of Irish Business

As President of Ibec, Maureen has identified three priority areas that she believes are critical to Ireland’s future success: equipping the workforce for the AI era, creating a fairer ecosystem for entrepreneurs and delivering on balanced regional development.

Speaking at the President’s Dinner, she highlighted the transformative impact that artificial intelligence and digitalisation will have on businesses. She called for greater investment in lifelong learning and skills development through the National Training Fund.

Maureen also emphasised the importance of creating a fairer ecosystem for entrepreneurs to help them scale their businesses by reducing unnecessary administrative burdens and improving access to growth supports. She described small and indigenous businesses as the creators, innovators and disruptors that will create the jobs of the future in Ireland and around the world.

A long-time advocate for the west of Ireland, she also spoke passionately about the need for investment in world-class infrastructure: housing, transportation, connectivity and utilities to ensure that businesses across every region can thrive and compete on a global stage.

Leadership That Reflects DeCare’s Values

At DeCare, we have seen first-hand the leadership, determination and vision that Maureen brings to everything she does. Throughout her career, she has championed the importance of investing in people, embracing innovation and thinking long-term.

These values are deeply embedded in DeCare’s culture. As a company committed to helping people access quality dental care and supporting organisations in providing valuable employee benefits, we understand the importance of creating sustainable solutions that deliver lasting benefits for individuals, businesses and communities alike.

Maureen’s appointment reflects not only her personal achievements, but also the contribution that businesses based in regional Ireland continue to make to the national economy and Ireland’s future growth.

Looking Ahead

Ireland faces a period of significant change and opportunity that will require collective leadership.

As President of Ibec, Maureen will work with the business community, engaging with policymakers and partners as we embrace the opportunity ahead.

We are proud to see Maureen represent Irish business at such an important time for the country’s future.

Her commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, lifelong learning and regional development reflects values that have guided both her leadership and DeCare’s growth over the past 27 years.

As she begins her presidency, we wish her every success in helping shape the future of Irish enterprise.

In closing her speech, Maureen reminded guests:

“The future is not something we predict. It is something we build, together.”

It is a message that resonates strongly with us at DeCare as we continue to invest in our people, our members and the communities we serve. DeCare as we continue to invest in our people, our members and the communities we serve.