The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD, has today, Monday 26th July 2021, announced the appointment of Carol Bolger as the new Chairperson Designate of the Board of An Post.

Commenting on the appointment, Minister Ryan noted the substantial leadership and financial experience Ms Bolger will bring to the role. The Minister also thanked and acknowledged the significant contribution of the former Chairperson, Dermot Divilly, whose term of office expired late last year.

Minister Ryan said,

'An Post is undergoing really significant change and has shown notable community and national spirit in response to the pandemic, introducing hugely valuable initiatives, particularly those to help the elderly and vulnerable in our society and SMEs. An Post has also shown leadership in term of climate ambition and is committed to net zero emissions by 2030. Carol, with her significant strategic and innovation experience, along with her strong financial background, is perfectly placed to drive forward An Post's ongoing transformation.'

Welcoming the appointment, Minister of State for Postal Services, Hildegarde Naughton, TD said

'Carol will play a critical role leading An Post as it adapts to the change in demand for its key products and services, while continuing to meet customers' needs for reliable and affordable postal services and a sustainable post office network. I look forward to working closely with her to help the company deliver the ambition set out in its strategy.'

Minister Ryan also extended his thanks to the Public Appointments Service for its role in delivering the open, competitive processes which continues to provide high calibre appointees to State boards.

Ms Bolger's appointment is for a period of five years.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The appointment was made using the Public Appointments Service (PAS) selection process, in accordance with the 'Guidelines for Appointments to State Boards', which were published by the Government in November 2014.

Arrangements will be made for Ms Bolger to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications in line with revised Government procedures for proposed Chairpersons of State Boards.

Short Biography

Carol Bolger is a Chartered Director, an Assessor with the Institute of Director's Board Evaluation service and a tutor on the Chartered Director Programme. She was appointed to the Board of An Post in 2017, is a non-executive Director on the Board of BCMGlobal ASI Ltd, Chair of Utexam Solutions Ltd and Chair of the Audit Committee of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. She has broad banking experience gained in Corporate and Business Banking in Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank where she held senior roles including Chief Operating Officer and Director of Strategy & Planning.

Carol is a Certified Bank Director and holds qualifications in Finance and Strategy & Innovation. She is an also an Executive Coach accredited by the European Mentoring and Coaching Council. A Fellow and a former Council Member of the Institute of Banking, she held the position of Vice President in 2005.