Richard Donnelly, CEO of Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
Photo: BIM
Ireland’s seafood development agency Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has appointed Richard Donnelly as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Donnelly, who has served as Interim CEO since November 2025, was appointed by BIM’s Board following an open and competitive recruitment process. He takes up the position with immediate effect.
He stepped into the interim role following the departure of Caroline Bocquel, who left BIM to become CEO of Irish tourism authority Fáilte Ireland after nearly three years leading the seafood development agency.
Prior to becoming Interim CEO, Donnelly was BIM’s Director of Development and Innovation Services. In that role, he was involved in initiatives focused on innovation, value-added processing and the uptake of new technologies across Ireland’s seafood sector.
Donnelly brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the seafood industry, having held senior roles in fisheries and aquaculture organisations within both the private and public sectors in Ireland and internationally. His experience includes business development, marketing and sales.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, welcomed the appointment, saying Donnelly brings “the experience, insight and strategic vision needed to help the seafood sector adapt, evolve and position itself for long-term success.”
“His appointment comes at a critical time for the industry as they navigate significant challenges within an increasingly complex operating environment,” Dooley said. “I have already had the opportunity to work with Richard in his capacity as Interim CEO and look forward to continuing that strong working relationship with him.”
Aidan Cotter, Chair of BIM, said Donnelly had demonstrated “depth of experience, strategic thinking, and clear vision for the future of the organisation.”
“Richard has consistently demonstrated strong insight into the opportunities and challenges ahead, together with a collaborative and values-driven leadership style that reflects the culture and ambitions of BIM,” Cotter added.
When Donnelly was named Interim CEO last year, Cotter said he had played a “central role” in guiding Ireland’s seafood sector through a period of significant change, working with industry representatives, government bodies and research institutions to support BIM’s mission of enabling “an innovative, competitive, and resilient seafood sector.”
At the time, Donnelly said he looked forward to working with colleagues and industry partners to support the sector “through this important period of development and change.”
Donnelly is from County Dublin and holds a Master of Science from Trinity College Dublin.
BIM is Ireland’s seafood development agency, supporting the country’s seafood sector across fisheries, aquaculture and processing. The agency works with industry, government and research partners to promote innovation, competitiveness, sustainability and skills development in Ireland’s coastal and seafood economy.
