Chief Executive Officer

The Client 

Morgan McKinley Executive Search worked with The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI), a national agency for the commercial development of Irish designers and makers, stimulating innovation, championing design thinking and informing Government policy.

The Assignment

The Board of the Design & Crafts Council Ireland approached us to help attract their next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive (CEO) would lead and manage the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland on behalf of the Board by creating, communicating, and implementing the organisation’s vision, mission, and overall direction. In particular, the CEO reports on the performance of the business consistent with plans, strategies, and policies. The CEO is responsible for promoting and conducting the organisation’s affairs with the highest standards of integrity, probity, and corporate governance. The CEO holds executive responsibility for DCCoI’s operations, compliance, and performance. The CEO is the public face of the organisation, as they are seeking new commercial opportunities.

The Solution

The Design & Crafts Council Ireland was at a point in their journey where they were hoping that with the appointment of their next Chief Executive Officer, they could elevate the commerciality of the organisation. They were looking forward to building on their vision to increase the contribution of craft and design to Ireland, economically, socially, and culturally, by supporting designers and makers to develop their businesses sustainably. We were seeking an individual who understood the stakeholder landscape and governance of leading an organisation like the DCCI. They also need to be passionate about supporting the design and crafts communities in Ireland and their ability to build sustainable businesses. The successful candidate needed to be highly entrepreneurial and commercially astute, capable of driving the performance and commercial potential of the Irish design and craft sector in measurable and visible ways.

The Result

This search required taking a broad view of multiple sectors and talent cohorts. Morgan McKinley Executive Search carried out an exhaustive search of targeted sectors and companies. This search in particular relied heavily on Executive Search’s extensive network in corporate and not-for-profit circles. We secured an outstanding candidate from a very rich and eclectic pool of senior leadership talent.