KAREN RONAN is to step down as General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau following her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Galway Chamber.
She will take up her new role in Galway at the end of April while the Board of the Shannon Region Conference & Sports has commenced the recruitment process to appoint her successor.
Karen leaves the convention bureau after twenty two years during which time she has grown and developed the organisation and strengthened the region’s position as a destination for business and sports tourism. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving key initiatives, fostering strong industry partnerships, and securing major events that have contributed to the region’s economic and tourism landscape.
The core remit of the Bureau is to attract international conferences, events, sport competitions, and high-end luxury incentive business to the region. This focus brings significant economic benefits for the hospitality industry and entire tourism infrastructure in the Shannon region with knock-on effects for the wider economy.
In 2023, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau announced that it had attracted international conferences and events to the Shannon region worth €150 million for the local economy.
Denise Brazil, Treasurer of the Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau and Director of the Bedford Townhouse, paid tribute to Ms. Ronan’s contributions, “Karen’s dedication and expertise have been invaluable to the Bureau and to the wider Shannon region. Under her leadership, the Bureau has successfully positioned the region as a competitive and attractive destination for incentive travel, conferences and sporting events. We thank her for her tireless efforts and wish her the very best in her next chapter”.
The Board has assured stakeholders that the Bureau will continue to deliver on its mission during this transition period, supported by a committed team and industry partners. Further details on the recruitment process will be shared in due course.
The Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau is a public private partnership and the official events bureau for Ireland’s Shannon Region. The Bureau works in partnership with the Meet in Ireland team at Fáilte Ireland to offer free support and expertise.
She takes up her new role with Galway Chamber at the end of April. “I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at Galway Chamber, and I am looking forward to working with the Chamber team, our members, and strategic partners to drive growth, innovation, and opportunity for Galway. Galway is a dynamic and ambitious city and county, and the Chamber plays a critical role in shaping its future. I am excited to build on the strong foundations, to collaborate, and work hard to ensure Galway continues to thrive as a premier location for enterprise, innovation, and knowledge sharing”.
“I want to acknowledge what has been an incredible 22 years leading business and sports tourism in the Midwest for Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau and Fáilte Ireland. The collaborations, connections and friendships across the public, private and education sectors have been invaluable over the last two decades. We have collectively achieved so much and I’m incredibly proud of that,” she said.
Cáit Noone, President of Galway Chamber, welcomed Karen’s appointment, stating, “Karen brings a wealth of experience and a strategic vision that will be invaluable in driving the Chamber’s mission forward. Her leadership, combined with her dedication to fostering economic growth and innovation, will help position Galway as a hub for business excellence. We are excited to welcome her and look forward to working together to support our members and the wider business community.”
The Board of Galway Chamber warmly welcomes Karen and is eager to collaborate with her as she leads the development of Galway Chamber’s strategic vision, strengthens its advocacy efforts, and cultivates a thriving business environment.
