LIMERICK Chamber this Tuesday announced the appointment of its new chief executive officer (CEO).
The Mid West business representative organisation announced Donnacha Hurley, who held the position of general manager at the Absolute Hotel in Limerick City, as its new CEO.
He succeeds Michelle Gallagher, who held the role from September 2024 to this past January, who in turn took up the mantle from Dee Ryan, who vacated the post to pursue political success in the 2024 inaugural Limerick mayoral election.
This Tuesday, the organisation announced Mr Hurley as its new CEO, describing him as a “long standing contributor to Limerick Chamber”.
Mr Hurley previously served on the Chamber’s board, chaired its policy committee, and held the role of Chamber president in 2021/2022.
“Having operated a business in Limerick City Centre for almost two decades, he brings first-hand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing enterprises across the region,” a statement from the Chamber said.
The former Absolute GM is also active in a number of non-executive roles in the Mid West, including as a board member of Discover Limerick DAC and and a trustee among Limerick Market Trustees.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hurley said it is “a privilege to take on the role of CEO at Limerick Chamber at such an important time for the region”.
“Our businesses are ambitious, innovative and ready to grow, and the Chamber must match that energy with strong advocacy and practical support. I am looking forward to working closely with our members and team to drive investment, strengthen our competitiveness, and ensure Limerick continues to thrive as a place to do business.”
Limerick Chamber President Mairead Connolly welcomed the appointment, saying that “Donnacha combines deep local knowledge with proven leadership and a clear strategic mindset. He understands the needs of businesses on the ground and has the credibility and experience to represent them at every level. The Board is confident he will provide strong, focused leadership as the Chamber enters its next phase.”
Donnacha holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Limerick, a strategic hospitality management qualification from Cornell University, and an MSc in Hospitality Management from Technological University Dublin.
He also holds a Diploma in Hotel Management and an NCEA Diploma in Business Studies from Shannon College of Hotel Management; as well as a Certificate in Environmental Sustainability in the Workplace from Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board.