Skip to main content

IDA Ireland appoints new Head of Corporate Strategy Planning and Strategic Policy

IDA Ireland appoints new Head of Corporate Strategy Planning and Strategic Policy

IDA Ireland has appointed Breda O’Sullivan to the role of Head of Corporate Strategy Planning and Strategic Policy. Breda will play a key leadership role in IDA Ireland as she also joins the Executive Leadership team.

As part of this new role, Breda will advocate on the International, National and European stage to reflect changing Enterprise Policy and its impact on IDA Ireland’s global existing and future client base, as well as shaping IDA Ireland’s future strategy.

Breda joined IDA Ireland in 2009 as the Chief Economist for Corporate Strategy and Planning having previously worked in Enterprise Ireland as a Policy Analyst. In 2016, she was promoted from her position as Chief Economist, to Department Manager, Corporate Strategy and Planning, IDA Ireland. 

Breda holds an MA in Economics, Policy Evaluation and Planning, a BA in Economics, Political Science and Sociology, both from University of Galway and a Diploma in Strategic Innovation Management. 

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said, ‘’I am delighted that Breda is joining the Executive Leadership team. She has extensive experience in the area of strategic policy and planning, particularly in the public sector. In her new role, Breda will be responsible for leading a strong team in the Corporate Strategy Planning and Strategic Policy Division to help shape the future and strategic direction of IDA Ireland. I wish Breda every success as she takes up her new position.’’ 

Breda O’Sullivan Bio:
Breda O’Sullivan is a member of IDA’s Senior Management Team where she has held responsibility for Corporate Strategy and Planning since 2016. Breda holds an MA in Economics, Policy Evaluation and Planning, a BA in Economics, Political Science and Sociology and a Diploma in Strategic Innovation Management.

You Might Also Be Interested In

  • 4 minute read
  • Published 26/06/2025

Astellas enhances Operations across Ireland with new projects in Kerry and Dublin

IDA Ireland today welcomes the commitment by Astellas, one of Japan’s largest life sciences companies and a leading developer and manufacturer of pharmaceutical products globally, to deliver a series of significant investments across its Irish operations.

Read more
  • 3 minute read
  • Published 26/06/2025

IDA Ireland welcomes expansion of IBM’s software developer presence in Waterford

Up to 75 high-quality software engineer jobs to be created to support IBM’s European and global mainframe businessThe Irish Government and IDA Ireland today welcomed IBM's announcement to create additional high-value jobs in the south-east of the country. The leading global technology company will, over the next three years, hire up to 75 software engineers, dedicated to research and development (R&D), based in Waterford. The roles will focus on cutting-edge innovation for IBM Z, the infrastructure powering 70% of global transactions by value*. The Waterford software engineers will closely collaborate with IBM’s R&D teams around the world, from designing processors and firmware to software development and advancing the Linux operating system. Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment, said: “IBM’s decision to expand its operations in Waterford with the creation of up to 75 highly-skilled software engineering roles is very welcome news. This investment is a strong endorsement of the South-East region’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and advanced technology. It also reflects the government’s commitment to supporting regional development and fostering strong partnerships between industry and academia. I commend IBM for its continued confidence in Ireland and for its collaboration with the South-East Technological University to build a future-ready workforce.” Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, said: “I welcome this very positive development which underscores Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for businesses to invest in and to expand R&D operations. This strengthens IBM’s long-standing presence in Ireland where it employs thousands of people today. IBM has cited Ireland’s strong talent pool as a key factor in allowing the company to grow here, which reflects the significant increased investment by the Government in education, and particularly our third-level sector, over recent years. We are committed to supporting research and development in our tech sector, including in the South-East of our country, to drive balanced, regional development and economic growth.” In addition to the expansion of R&D functions in Waterford, IDA Ireland also welcomes IBM’s decision to deepen its collaboration with the South East Technological University, to develop a technical skills ecosystem with a focus on mainframes and Linux. Nathan Cullen, country general manager, IBM Ireland, said: “I am delighted to see our footprint in Ireland evolve further. This is testimony to the deep talent pools available across the country, upon which we have steadily built our business, including mainframes which are a cornerstone of global transactions. IBM has now operated in Ireland for nearly 70 years and this milestone investment for the region also speaks volumes about the ecosystem that has built up around the South Eastern Technical University.” IBM last year announced the recruitment of another 800 high-tech jobs in Ireland by 2027, cementing the country’s position as a globally strategic location for the company. These new roles, spanning R&D, digital sales and Consulting operations, will be spread across Dublin, Cork and Waterford. Michael Lohan, IDA Ireland CEO, said: “This R&D investment announced by IBM is fantastic news for Waterford and indeed the South East Region. This investment is also closely aligned to Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation, 2025-29, where IDA has committed to positioning Ireland at the centre of cutting-edge global technological innovation in the next five years. I warmly welcome this decision by IBM and assure them of IDA’s continued partnership.”

Read more