The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) is delighted to announce two new appointments to the organisation’s management team in recent weeks. Dr Edel O’Connor joins the IMDO as Business Development Manager, and Kelli O’Malley joins as Marketing & Communications Manager.

Edel holds a doctorate in computer science from DCU and recently received a Diploma in Management from the Irish Management Institute. Over the past number of years, Edel has led the strategic development and implementation of the national marine technology programme and associated SmartOcean initiative. This programme has worked to ‘marinise’ Ireland’s existing strengths across ICT and engineering to drive innovation in new areas of the blue economy. In this role, Edel spearheaded a number of highly successful events promoting Ireland's digital ocean opportunity and enabling technology companies to drive new forms of innovation in marine using Ireland as a test-bed. Edel also led the development of international partnerships across research and industry, supporting the growth of Ireland’s reputation as an attractive place to do business in this sector. Edel has also been closely involved with the strategic development of actions associated with Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth, and in particular supported the work of the Development Task Force.

Kelli joins the IMDO as Marketing & Communications Manager, with responsibility for the planning and implementation of the IMDO’s marketing and communications activities both in Ireland and abroad. Kelli has previously held similar roles with the Institute of Directors in Ireland, Chambers Ireland and various PR agencies. Kelli holds an M.A. in Public Relations from Dublin Institute of Technology, a B.A. in English & Economics from UCD and a Certificate in Public Affairs from the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII).

Commenting, Liam Lacey, Director, Irish Maritime Development Office, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dr Edel O’Connor and Kelli O’Malley to the IMDO team. The knowledge, experience and expertise that Edel and Kelli bring to the organisation further strengthens our position to provide top class support to national and international maritime businesses based in Ireland and those considering doing business here. I very much look forward to working with Edel and Kelli in continuing to achieve our aim of being the focal point for maritime business in Ireland.”