American Chamber’s Mark Redmond stepping down next year to set up coaching practice

Mark Redmond, who took up the job of chief executive of the business lobby in 2014, will leave his post in March next year.

The American Chamber (AmCham) is the representative body of almost 1, 000 US businesses in Ireland including some of the country’s biggest employers in tech and pharma. It said he was stepping down to establish a coaching advisory practice in mid-2024.

The process of selecting a new chief executive is to begin immediately, the group said in a statement.

AmCham president Séamus Fives said the group was “appreciative” of Mr Redmond’s work.

Over the last decade the number of US firms represented by AmCham has grown significantly. There are now 950 US companies directly employing 209,000 people present in Ireland.

“Mark Redmond has led AmCham through a period of growth and enhanced member representation and services for the past ten years,” Mr Fives said.

“The AmCham board is very appreciative of the work done by Mark and his team to ensure that AmCham is Ireland’s most respected and influential international business organisation and the trusted voice of the US-Ireland multinational community.

“We look forward to the appointment of a new CEO who will lead AmCham in its next phase of growth and innovation. Mark will work with the Board and AmCham Team to ensure a smooth transition.”

Mr Redmond said it has been a “great honour” to serve as AmCham’s chief executive.

“For the past ten years, I have been inspired by the world-leading talent and innovation demonstrated by the over 310,000 people working for US-Ireland multinationals. Their commitment helps to save and enhance lives across the globe every day. And they do this with steadfast commitment to inclusion and sustainability.

“AmCham has a great team and I wish my successor the very best in leading it on the next phase of growth.”

AmCham has been increasingly critical of Ireland’s infrastructure issues, with 57pc of the group’s members saying in a recent survey (in July) that housing was a challenge to growing their business here.

While 91pc of the firms surveyed had a positive view of Ireland, most said the Government should “triage” critical infrastructure investments and improve the planning system.