The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, has announced the appointment of Jim Woulfe as Chair of Enterprise Ireland. 

Mr Woulfe served as Chief Executive of Dairygold Co‑Operative Society until his retirement in December 2021, following 42 years with the organisation. A graduate of University College Cork, Mr Woulfe began his career in 1979 with the Ballyclough Co‑operative, which later merged into Dairygold. Over four decades, he has held senior leadership positions including 

Head of Human Resources leading the Agri Business Division, before serving as Chief Executive from 2009 to 2021. During his tenure, he led the organisation through significant change, including the organisation’s largest ever capital investment programme. He has served as Interim Chair of Enterprise Ireland since June 2025. He also currently serves on the boards of Bord Bia, Fota Wildlife Park, and Pairc Uí Caoimh.  

Welcoming the appointment, Minister Burke said the new appointee has extensive enterprise leadership and governance experience, and described “his deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Irish businesses”.

Minister Burke said: “I am pleased to appoint Jim Woulfe as Chairperson of Enterprise Ireland. Jim brings a proven track record in corporate governance, strategic leadership and enterprise development, skills that are essential in strengthening Ireland’s enterprise base, creating employment and supporting companies to compete internationally.

The Minister said Mr Woulfe has already made a “valuable contribution to the Board of Enterprise Ireland” during his time as Interim Chair.

“Jim has already demonstrated strong leadership as Interim Chair. I look forward to working with him as Enterprise Ireland drives the growth of a vibrant, resilient, regionally balanced enterprise sector and supports companies to scale, export and embrace innovation.