THE Irish National Stud [INS] has begun the process of hiring a new chief executive. The current CEO Cathal Beale is obliged to vacate the position next year having served 10 years as head of the semi-state body.

Osborne Recruitment is managing the hiring process on behalf of the stud. They are seeking “an accomplished senior executive with a proven track record of strategic leadership, commercial success and organisational growth.”

The job requirements are unusual in the bloodstock world that the Irish National Stud CEO has to oversee the stud’s tourism and educational portfolios, as well as develop the stud’s stallion roster and commercial boarding operation.

The successful applicant will be expected to “build strong relationships with key stakeholders across government, the thoroughbred industry and international markets.”

According to the recruitment firm, the INS is seeking “an experienced executive with a minimum of five years’ senior leadership experience within the thoroughbred or bloodstock industry, combined with a proven record of commercial achievement and strategic leadership.”

The successful candidate is expected to have “an extensive understanding of international bloodstock markets, strong financial and commercial expertise, and the ability to build influential relationships across the global equine industry.”

Equally important will be “the ability to lead a diverse organisation, balancing its commercial objectives with its responsibility to protect and enhance Ireland’s international reputation for thoroughbred excellence.”

The appointment is for a fixed seven-year term and “offers a competitive executive remuneration and benefits package aligned with Irish semi-state guidelines.”

Applications close on December 4th.

Further information is available on p103, and by scanning the QR code, or by contacting Joanne Murray in confidence on 045 579066.