Bernie Goldbach using Saorview | Screenshot from Google Images
IF I WAS SELECTING the "most powerful woman in Ireland" I think she would be someone who makes things happen behind the scenes. Asking Google for the answer results in a lot of faces from outside Ireland--the same faces I see most often on my Saorview box.
Next month, the Irish branch of the Women’s Executive Network will honour 25 women at a ceremony where awards will be presented to recognise Irish women across five categories: corporate executives, public sector leaders, entrepreneurs, trailblazers and arts and culture. Company turnover, size of team, achievements, responsibility and influence on respective sectors will be among the criteria used to select the winners.
Statistically, Ireland is ahead of most European counterparts in appointing women to top business positions, according to a report from Grant Thornton. In his own report, Shane Ross names the six most powerful women in Ireland. I've hyperlinked those who have LinkedIn profiles.
Catherine Day. Top civil servant in the European Commission.
Eileen Fitzpatrick. Boss of NewERA, Ireland's mega-quango. She is charged with overseeing the sale of Stae assets.
Rose Hynes. Chairman at Bord Gais Eireann. Non-Executive Director at Total Produce plc. Non-Executive Director at Aviateur Capital Ltd.
Angela Kerins. Rehab chief. Helped author A Blueprint for Ireland's Economy in March 2011.
Heather Ann McSharry. Probably the most sought-after female corporate board director. A Director of the IDA.
Terry Prone. Face of the Communications Clinic. Voice on RTE chat shows.
Ann Riordan.Microsoft from 1990 to 2001 and a president of the Institute of Directors in Ireland.
Info from Shane Ross gleaned from "The Secret Circles", a special report in the Sunday Independent, April 29, 2012. Screenshot snapped from a search for the "most powerful women in Ireland" on Google Image Search.
Bernie Goldbach curates links about people.
