New Directors at Heritage Trust
The Irish Heritage Trust, Ireland’s national, independent, non-profit heritage organisation, has announced the appointment of four directors to join its board: Mark Bennett, Susan Cook, Patricia Kenny and Séamus O’Grady.
Established in 2006, the Trust is now a leading national organisation with four landmark heritage properties currently in its care: 11 Parnell Square, Dublin, where the Trust is headquartered; Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens, Cork; Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens, Wexford; and Strokestown Park & The National Famine Museum, Roscommon.
In 2024, the Irish Heritage Trust commenced restoration works at the historic No. 11 Parnell Square to be completed in late 2025. This €5.2 million conservation-led refurbishment is funded by philanthropic support and the Project Ireland 2040 Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Irish Heritage Trust, in partnership with ESB, also announced plans last year for development of a new museum on Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin, for which planning permission has been received.
Mark Bennett has 25 years’ experience working internationally in the private, public and NGO sectors on environmental and business strategy. He is currently Senior Director of Climate Strategy and Decarbonisation at Goodbody Clearstream.
Susan Cook (London, UK) brings over three decades of international financial expertise, having held senior roles within the P&O Group at the Head Office in London and later as CFO of Global Ship Lease, a US-listed container ship owning company.
Patricia Kenny (pictured) brings over 20 years of executive experience in human resources, organisational change & transformation, strategic planning, and corporate governance across the public, private and semi-state sectors. As Global Chief People Officer and Executive Director at Aer Rianta International, Patricia played a key role in driving transformation, operational excellence and diversity initiatives across the organisation's global footprint.
Séamus O’Grady, originally from County Roscommon and now living in Cork, brings over three decades of international experience in governance, risk management and strategic leadership to the Irish Heritage Trust. He served as Irish Ambassador to Malawi, Zambia and Namibia.
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