John mc Donagh

Background

About John mc Donagh

I am the CEO of Waterways Ireland, a cross-border body that manages, maintains, and promotes 1,200 kms of inland navigable waterways in Ireland and Northern Ireland. I am also a board member of ACESA, the association of chief executives of state agencies in Ireland. With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles across various sectors, I have a proven track record of delivering strategic, customer-focused solutions that create value for the public good. As the CEO of Waterways Ireland, I am responsible for the formulation and execution of the corporate strategy, vision, and mission, as well as the oversight of the operational, financial, marketing, technical services, and human resources functions. I lead a team of 375 staff across four offices, and work collaboratively with the North South Ministerial Council, the Department of Housing Local Government & Heritage in Dublin and the Department for Infrastructure in Belfast and other stakeholders to achieve our objectives. I am passionate about enhancing the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of the waterways estate and the communities that benefit from it. I am also an experienced commercial professional, marketer, and strategist, with skills in communications, new business development, and strategy implementation.