Karen Ronan Appointed National President of Network Ireland for 2026

• Network Ireland has appointed Karen Ronan as National President for 2026
• Karen Ronan is Chief Executive Galway Chamber of Commerce
• It supports over 1,400 women entrepreneurs, SME owners, and senior professionals

Network Ireland has named Karen Ronan, Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, and its National President for 2026.

Network Ireland is a business networking organisation, established in 1983, with over 1,400 members supporting women entrepreneurs, SME owners, and senior professionals across multiline businesses, non-profit organizations, the arts, and the public sector.

Karen takes over from Amy O'Sullivan of AOS Consulting who held the position to date. With more than three decades of experience in business and tourism, both nationally and internationally, she led the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau for 22 years. She was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Galway Chamber in 2025.

As National President, Karen has outlined several key priorities since her appointment - the commercial linkages between Network Ireland's 17 branches should be strengthened and opportunities for women-led enterprises expanded. She aims to support more than 3,000 business leads and introductions from members during 2026.

Her theme for this year is "Building Bridges," which is all about building bridges between members, sectors, and regions. She also emphasizes the significance of encouraging members to find their suppliers and partners in their community at Network Ireland.

The continued support of the bank as an officially recognized partner of Network Ireland for its 13th year was confirmed by Geraldine Casey, the Managing Director of Retail Banking at AIB, who stated that the support is aimed at mentoring women in business and wished Karen success in her position as National President.