Mairead McIlkenny

Mairead, what first prompted you to join IoD Ireland, and how has the membership supported your director journey

When I reached senior director level at PayPal, I wanted to deepen my understanding of directorship and governance. Joining IoD Ireland gave me that foundation—from education and mentoring to peer support. It helped build the confidence and capability I needed to step into board roles, including my position on the board of Fiserv’s European entity.

What do you believe makes a truly effective non-executive director?

It’s about balancing support with constructive challenge. The best NEDs bring fresh perspectives, ask the hard questions, and aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. That’s how you avoid groupthink and make better decisions.

You’ve had a fascinating career spanning global tech and fintech companies. What were some pivotal moments for you?

Starting with Overture and Yahoo gave me early exposure to high-growth tech. But a major turning point was being headhunted by PayPal to help set up its shared services centre in Dublin. I spent over a decade there, leading large global teams and delivering services that impacted everything from sole traders to enterprise clients like Ryanair.

How did those experiences shape your leadership style?

They taught me that leadership is about service. It’s not about control—it’s about empowering people to do their best work. I became a strong believer in servant leadership, where the focus is on supporting teams while staying anchored to the organisation’s mission.

You’ve also been an early champion of diversity and inclusion. How has that evolved over your career?

I was fortunate to work in organisations like Yahoo and PayPal, which embraced DEI long before it was mainstream. That shaped how I lead and why I advocate so strongly for diverse voices in the boardroom. Different perspectives lead to better outcomes—I've seen that time and again.

You recently joined the board of the Dublin Rural Fingal Leader Partnership. What drew you to that role?

I’m passionate about rural development and community impact. This role allows me to apply my industry experience to support long-term strategy and funding initiatives for local areas—including much of south, west, and north Dublin. As someone from Galway, that rural focus really resonates.

You’re also on the board of MABS. Why is that mission so important to you?

Financial literacy is a cornerstone of inclusion. MABS provides vital support to people facing financial difficulty. In today’s world of digital credit and AI-driven finance, helping people take control of their financial lives is more important than ever.

How has your IoD Ireland experience continued to support you in your portfolio career?

It’s been invaluable. The continued access to learning, peer exchange, and governance resources means I can step into each boardroom with confidence and clarity. It’s a great community to be part of.

What are your views on the future of boards, particularly with new challenges like AI?

AI is reshaping everything. Boards don’t need to be tech experts, but they do need to understand both the risks and opportunities. That’s where diversity of thought is essential—to ensure boards are asking the right questions and making informed decisions.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring non-executive directors?

Choose organisations whose values match your own. That’s how you’ll bring your best self to the board. And remember, governance is more than compliance—it’s the structure that protects trust and drives accountability. Every board member has to earn their seat and actively contribute.