Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has appointed Caroline Bocquel as its interim CEO.
She takes up her role on 1st November when current CEO, Jim O’Toole takes up his new position at Bord Bia after five years at BIM. A competitive process to appoint a permanent new CEO is already underway.
Caroline Bocquel currently holds the role of BIM’s Director of Corporate Services, having joined the organisation in 2021. She previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer at Goal, and Director of Corporate Services at the Marine Institute.
BIM Chair Aidan Cotter, who made the announcement, referenced the drive and experience that Caroline Bocquel would bring to this key role.
‘On behalf of the BIM board, I would like to congratulate Caroline on her appointment as interim CEO at BIM. Caroline brings a wealth of experience to this role, including significant experience working within the marine sector,’ he said.
To date in her role at BIM, Caroline Bocquel has been heavily involved in the development of the organisation’s new corporate strategy. She has also led the development of an innovative new grants process to provide a high-quality service to clients within the Irish seafood industry and other BIM stakeholders.
She has been integral to the development of new streamlined processes at BIM, further enhancing the seafood state agency’s ability to be an effective support for industry at a critical time. These include leading new digital initiatives, the development of internal capability and a strong focus on governance.
‘I am delighted to accept this interim appointment and I look forward to working with my colleagues on the senior leadership team, across the wider BIM team, and in industry for the coming months, as we work to support and develop the seafood sector during this critical period,’ Caroline Bocquel said.
