Dr Martina Byrne has been appointed as the PRCA’s new Chief Executive and will be starting work on Wednesday 25th October.

Her appointment concludes a comprehensive recruitment process that started in July. There was a very high standard among the wide range of candidates that applied for the position.

Speaking about the appointment PRCA Chairman Rhona Blake said,

“Martina brings incredible expertise and experience to this PRII/PRCA CEO role. She was an outstanding candidate and I look forward to welcoming her on board and working with her on the programme of upcoming events and issues for our members.”

Martina has over 15 years’ experience at senior management and board level in the communications profession and 10 years’ experience in research and education.

Prior to being awarded a PhD in Trinity College Dublin in 2014, and subsequently lecturing in TCD and UCD, Martina was Director of Public Affairs and a member of the Board of Wilson Hartnell PR. During her career in communications she has worked in both in-house and consultancy roles, with international and national clients in the private and public sectors.

Martina has served on the PRII National Council and the PRCA Board and was awarded a Fellowship of the PRII (FPRII) in 2004 in recognition of her contribution to the development of the profession. Martina has won PRCA and international awards for her work.

Dr Byrne is currently working with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and will take on the CEO role at the end of October. She replaces John Carroll who has been appointed a Special Advisor (Head of Policy and Programme Implementation) at The Department of An Taoiseach.