Pat O’Doherty takes over from Ronan Murphy as Business in the Community Ireland Chairperson

At its 18th April meeting, the Board of Directors of Business in the Community Ireland appointed Pat
O’Doherty, former Chief Executive of ESB as Chairperson.

Ronan Murphy retired from the Board after serving as Chairperson for two consecutive three-year
terms.

Pat brings significant expertise, leadership and insight to the Board of Business in the Community
Ireland, as well as a passion for inclusion and sustainability. During his tenure as Chief Executive of
ESB, Pat led a decisive orientation of the company to play a role in Ireland’s transition to a low carbon
future.

Pat’s appointment comes at an exciting time for Business in the Community Ireland as it continues to
drive towards its purpose of building a low carbon economy and an inclusive society where everyone
thrives. Its 2022-2025 Strategic Action Plan has set the ambition of growing its membership,
expanding the reach of its employment and education initiatives and raising the bar on collective
business action.

Commenting on Pat’s appointment, Ronan Murphy, outgoing Chairperson, Business in the
Community Ireland commented:

“The Board was delighted to appoint Pat O’Doherty as our new Chairperson. Pat brings a wealth of
expertise and immense passion for what we do. I have no doubt that during Pat’s tenure, the
organisation will continue to grow its marketplace presence and its impact on the much-needed
transformation of Irish business.”

During Ronan Murphy’s tenure as Business in the Community Ireland Chairperson, from March 2017
to April 2023, the organisation saw significant growth in its membership of close to 120 leading
companies. 1600 jobseekers facing barriers secured sustainable employment, training and education
and over 25,000 students in primary and post-primary schools across Ireland participated in the
organisation’s education initiatives. The number of companies certified to the Business Working
Responsibly Mark, Ireland’s only third party verified ESG management systems standard, also grew
significantly.

Several major flagship initiatives were launched during Ronan’s tenure as Chairperson of Business in
the Community Ireland, including the Leaders’ Group on Sustainability, the Low Carbon Pledge,
ELEVATE the Inclusive Workplace Pledge, the Traveller Employment Programme, the Women@Work
programme and the Time2Count numeracy programme for primary schools.

Pat O’Doherty, Chairperson, Business in the Community Ireland, commented:

“On behalf of the Board and the team, we want to recognise the outstanding contribution of Ronan
Murphy to Business in the Community Ireland over the past six years.
Ronan leaves a major legacy, having overseen the redefinition of our purpose and values. Ronan led
fundamental change in the governance of the organisation, including the establishment of the
Board’s Nominations and Governance and Audit and Risk Committees and, securing in 2022 gender
parity at Board level.

Business in the Community Ireland is today a leading organisation, anchored in its purpose and
values and leading a unique process of change in Irish business.”
Tomás Sercovich, CEO, Business in the Community Ireland said, “We commend Ronan for his insight,
commitment and extraordinary support given to the Board and the team during the pandemic and
other challenging times. Our organisation is today stronger, more impactful and better positioned
than ever before.”

Ends

Pat O’Doherty biography

From 2011 to 2021, Pat was Chief Executive of ESB, the Irish State-owned energy company with
operations in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Internationally. Prior to his appointment as
Chief Executive, Pat headed ESB’s largest businesses as Executive Director ESB International,
Managing Director ESB Networks and Executive Director ESB Power Generation.

Pat led ESB successfully through a period of huge change, delivering strong commercial
performance and positioning the company, around ESB’s purpose of delivering for customers and
communities, to play a leading role in Ireland’s transition to a low carbon future.

Pat is a Chartered Engineer & Fellow of Engineers Ireland. He is Chairman of the National
Apprenticeship Alliance, former Vice- President and President of Eurelectric, the industry association
of the European power sector. Pat is currently non-executive Chairman of Mares Connect, a nonexecutive director of the Mater Hospital and an Executive Coach with Presta Ireland.

About Business in the Community Ireland

Business in the Community Ireland is a movement for change in business. We believe in a
sustainable, low carbon economy and an inclusive society where everyone thrives. We work with
over 120 of Ireland’s largest companies on sustainability, corporate responsibility, ESG and
responsible business. We advise and support companies and engage in collective action to drive
change.  www.bitc.ie | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

For more information: Tomás Sercovich, Business in the Community Ireland, on tsercovich@bitc.ie
or 086 045 1697

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