Photo: Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography
The Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII), the professional body for public relations and communications professionals, has appointed Dr Martina Byrne as its new Chief Executive. She will also serve as Chief Executive of the Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA), the representative body for Ireland’s top PR Consultancies.
Byrne has over 15 years’ experience at senior management and board level in the communications profession and 10 years’ experience in research and education.
Prior to being awarded a PhD in Trinity College Dublin in 2014, and subsequently lecturing in TCD and UCD, she was director of public affairs and a member of the Board of Wilson Hartnell PR. During her career in communications she has worked in both in-house and consultancy roles, with international and national clients in the private and public sectors.
According to Cian Connaughton, President of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland: “We are delighted to have secured such a high-calibre candidate for this key role. Martina has a huge breadth of experience of all aspects of the communications profession. She also has a real passion for public relations and communications. Working with the Institute’s National Council, Martina and her team will build upon the strong growth achieved in recent years. Key priorities will be further developing our capacity to provide high-quality education and professional development opportunities for members, as well as effectively representing members’ interests and raising awareness of the strategic value of public relations.”
