As Director of CIPD Ireland for 7+ years, Mary Connaughton is passionate about developing people and workplaces to be at their best. As Director of CIPD Ireland she is leading the development and contribution of the HR profession in Ireland.  

She has a wealth of HR experience and prior to CIPD headed up the HR Development at Ibec, engaging with leading companies on strategic HR and organisational development initiatives along with legislative and policy developments.  

Over the past number of years Mary has been strengthening the visibility and recognition of HR through her thought leadership and research insights via multiple media appearances in Ireland. 

Mary is on the Boards of the Public Appointments Service and the Retirement Planning Council in Ireland.  And extending her reach she also represents the people profession in Ireland at the European Association of People Management. 

She has a Masters in Psychology, Diploma in Finance and Accounting ACCA and Certificate in Mediation.