WELL-KNOWN Limerick woman Karen Ronan has been appointed president of Network Ireland for 2026.
The organisation is the country’s largest business networking organisation for women supporting more than 1,400 female entrepreneurs, SME owners, and senior professionals.
Ms Ronan, who who succeeds Amy O’Sullivan of AOS Consulting as national president, has more than three decades’ experience in business and tourism in Ireland and overseas.
She previously led the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau for 22 years, during which time the agency generated an estimated €160million in economic impact for Clare and Limerick by attracting international conferences and sporting events. She was appointed Chief Executive of Galway Chamber in 2025.
“It is a great honour to take on the role of president of Network Ireland for the coming year,” she explained. “My theme for the year, ‘Building Bridges’, reflects the need to connect people, ideas, sectors, and regions. While progress has been made, equality for women in business cannot be taken for granted.”
Ms Ronan said she plans to drive more than 3,000 business leads and introductions between members during 2026, a target she believes could unlock millions of euro in new commercial activity.
A graduate of the Kemmy School of Business at the University of Limerick, she said her priorities as president will include strengthening commercial links between Network Ireland’s 17 branches and expanding opportunities for women-led enterprises.
She also added that a key part of her agenda will be encouraging members to “shop their own network” by sourcing suppliers and partners from within the organisation.
“We must continue to build equity by addressing structural barriers, amplifying diverse voices and ensuring women are supported to lead, influence, and succeed. Network Ireland has a powerful role in bringing people together to drive meaningful change,” she said.
“I look forward to working closely with the advisory council, national executive, regional branches, and members to deliver a year that combines advocacy, connection and tangible business outcomes, reinforcing Network Ireland’s role as a powerful platform for women in business across Ireland.”
Karen Ronan’s presidency formally commenced following the Network Ireland annual general meeting in Dublin last weekend.