Cycling Ireland has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Louise Burke to the newly created role of Chief Commercial and Operations Officer, a move designed to accelerate the organisation’s growth in participation, operational delivery and commercial performance.
Burke brings an extensive background spanning sport development, strategic planning, and organisational leadership.
Trained as an accountant, she most recently served as Director of Participation at Sport Ireland, where she played a pivotal role in shaping national policy and expanding opportunities for people to engage in sport and physical activity.
During her time at Sport Ireland, she oversaw the development and expansion of the Local Sports Partnership network, co-led the Government’s National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, and spearheaded the creation of Get Ireland Active, the national database of sport and recreation amenities.
She was also central to the development of several cornerstone sectoral strategies, including the national Participation Strategy, the Volunteering in Sport Policy, and templates for Local Sports Plans across every local authority.
Her work with multiple Government departments secured critical investment for community sport, particularly in disadvantaged areas, while her leadership of Sport Ireland’s outdoor recreation unit positioned her as Ireland’s representative on the European Network of Outdoor Sports.
Collaboration has been a hallmark of her career, with key relationships developed across Rural and Community Development, the Gaeltacht, Transport, Fáilte Ireland, the HSE, Coillte, the IFA and Leave No Trace Ireland.
Burke also brings hands-on experience from the National Governing Body sector in both Ireland and the UK, having served at grassroots and national levels and contributed to governance, strategy and communications across a range of boards and committees.
Speaking about her appointment, Burke said she is excited to join Cycling Ireland at a moment of real opportunity for the sport.
“Cycling is at a new stage of its development, from grassroots to international success,” she said. “I am committed to harnessing the positive work done by all. My focus will be on optimising our commercial partnerships and operational efficiency to ensure we provide the best possible support for our members, clubs, and high-performance athletes.”
“I look forward to working with the Board, staff and the cycling community to continue to recognise and value our current membership whilst introducing others to the joy of participating in this lifelong sport.”
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Image Credit: Sport for Business
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