Múirne Laffan has announced that she is to move on from her position as Chief Digital Officer to pursue other interests outside RTÉ.
“I joined RTÉ 16 years ago to develop new RTÉ properties and to meet consumer needs by leveraging evolving technologies. The growth of digital in the intervening years has been phenomenally fast-paced and dynamic and I have had the most exciting journey building new brands, products, markets and new creative ways of engaging with consumers. We developed successive versions of RTÉ Player, built GAAGO, delivered multiple re-designs of RTÉ.ie, and delivered the unequalled growth of Ireland’s biggest news app, RTÉ News Now. We developed new ideas, new models and new partnerships,” says Laffan.
“At the heart of it all has been a fantastic team and a passionate drive to make the audience experience the best it can be. RTÉ is on a journey of transformation and is now on the cusp of integrating digital activities into all content and production pillars. It is the right time to do this, and also the right time for me to explore new opportunities and to bring my knowledge and experience to other businesses. I believe that with Ireland ever-more a key player in the global digital eco-system, the time is now. I’m grateful to my colleagues in Digital, Archives and across RTÉ for a wonderful experience,” she adds.
During her time as general manager Commercial Enterprises, executive director, RTÉ Publishing, managing director, RTÉ Digital, and, subsequently, chief digital officer, she built RTÉ’s digital teams, bringing content and products to Irish and international audiences across platforms, devices and markets. She was responsible for the RTÉ Archives and was a member of the RTÉ Executive Board. She led the development of industry-leading digital brands including RTÉ.ie, RTÉ Player, RTÉ News Now and the incubation of VOD and mobile activities. She drove the development of personalization and eCommerce. Múirne led the RTÉ team in the GAA/RTÉ collaboration that developed GAAGO, bringing GAA games to a global audience.
According to Dee Forbes, director general of RTÉ: “As Chief Digital Officer, Múirne drove the expansion of RTÉ into digital domains, spearheading innovative services like RTÉ Player and the RTÉ News Now app, GAAGO and the perennial evolution of RTÉ.ie. We are grateful to Múirne for this significant contribution to the industry and to RTÉ. We wish Múirne continued success as one of Ireland’s most experienced digital leaders.”
