The Marine Institute has announced the appointment of Michael Gillooly as Interim CEO, taking on the position following the retirement of Dr Paul Connolly at the end of the June.

Mr Gillooly has worked with the Marine Institute for over 30 years. He has 30 years’ senior management experience in marine technical research, operational projects and infrastructure projects and has been the Director of Ocean Climate and Information Services of the Marine Institute since 2003. Mr Gillooly was appointed Interim CEO of the Marine Institute at the June meeting of the Board.

Chair of the Marine Institute, Dr John Killeen, said they were delighted that Michael Gillooly had accepted the position of Interim CEO.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of not only the Marine Institute, but also the marine science industry at large and we have every confidence that Mr Gillooly will successfully lead the organisation through this transition period,” he said.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Gillooly described it as an exciting time for the Marine Institute.

“With our recently launched five-year strategy, Ocean Knowledge that Informs and Inspires, we can look to the future at a time of significant change across the marine area,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Board, the senior leadership team and all of my colleagues across the Marine Institute and the wider marine community and building on the great work delivered under Dr Connolly’s leadership,” he added.

A campaign has commenced to recruit a Chief Executive Officer for the Marine Institute, which provides government, public agencies and the maritime industry with a range of scientific, advisory and economic development services that inform policy-making, regulation and the sustainable management and growth of Ireland’s marine resources.