IoD Briefing Examines the Board’s Role in Governing Strategy Implementation

Setting the Scene

IoD Ireland CEO Caroline Spillane CDir opened the event by highlighting the pivotal role boards play in shaping strategy and ensuring its successful execution. She drew on insights from last year’s IoD Ireland research report, 'Board Director Remuneration and Governance Survey 2025/26', which identified strategy and risk management as the most critical areas of expertise boards will need over the next two years. Caroline noted our member‑driven research directly informs the themes of our events, including today’s session, From Strategy to Implementation: What Boards Need to Enable, Challenge and Govern. She also extended her thanks to our event sponsors, Forvis Mazars, acknowledging the presence of Laura Magahy CDir FInstD and Liam McKenna.

From Strategy to Delivery: Where Boards Add Value

The panel discussion drew on experience across large‑scale infrastructure and transformation programmes, and looked at how organisations can move effectively from strategy to implementation. Our expert panel included: Orlaith Blaney, Executive Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Uisce Eireann; David Smith, President, IADT; John O'Connor, Board member / Director, Land Development Agency (LDA); and Laura Magahy CDir FInstD, Head of Public Sector Consulting, Forvis Mazars. The session was moderated by Caroline Spillane CDir, CEO, IoD Ireland.

When discussing how to drive effective strategy implementation, the panel emphasised not just the value of strong planning, but the critical role of clear communication and maintaining an unwavering focus on outcomes. The Chair’s role was highlighted as pivotal, particularly in keeping the board aligned on the core priority and avoiding unnecessary distractions. Culture and executive buy‑in were identified as essential foundations for success, reinforced by the need for high‑quality, insight‑rich board papers.

Looking ahead, the panel also shared the skills and experience they believe will be most valuable on future boards, including AI literacy, leadership and communication strengths, implementation expertise, service design with the customer at the centre, cultural awareness, and cognitive diversity.

Empowering Directors for the Future

Following an engaging and insightful Q&A session, IoD Ireland CEO Caroline Spillane CDir closed the event. She reminded members on how to get the most out of their membership, mentioning the latest resources and services, learning and development opportunities, and events.

This exclusive event, which provided business leaders and directors with a key networking opportunity to connect, underscores IoD Ireland’s commitment to equipping directors with the knowledge and tools needed to lead confidently in a complex and rapidly evolving business landscape. It was delivered as part of the IoD Briefing Series, designed specifically for directors. 

IoD Ireland extends its thanks to Forvis Mazars for supporting the event. For more information on upcoming events visit the IoD Ireland website.