Liam Hyland has been appointed president of the Irish Exporters Association (IEA), the representative body for exporters in Ireland.

Hyland, director of export and international trade at Musgrave Group subsidiary FoodEx Ireland, has served on the IEA national council since 2020 and succeeds Gabrielle White, executive director and head of supply chain & logistics with PTC Therapeutics.

Simon McKeever, chief executive of the IEA, welcomed the appointment: "Liam brings deep international trade expertise, along with a proven dedication to customers that is central to his approach."

He added, "That same customer-focused mindset, combined with his strong focus on export capability development and strategic partnerships, will be instrumental in supporting our members and driving the continued growth of the IEA."

McKeever highlighted that 2026 will require the IEA to support members in navigating challenges such as market access, competitiveness, and supply-chain resilience. "Liam’s experience and collaborative approach will be key to ensuring our members’ voices are heard and their export ambitions are realised," he said.

Hyland commented on his new role: "I am honoured to take on the role of President of the Irish Exporters Association for 2026. At a time of increasing complexity in international trade, the work of the IEA in supporting exporters has never been more important."

He added, "I am committed to working closely with the IEA team to advocate for policies that enhance competitiveness and that support our members as they navigate regulatory and geopolitical challenges. Together we will focus on enhancing export capability, deepening strategic partnerships, and ensuring Irish exporters are well positioned to succeed on the international stage."

Explore the full details of Liam Hyland’s presidency and the IEA’s 2026 strategy in the complete story.

Photo credits to Irish Exporters Association’s LinkedIn