Martin Shanahan is CEO of IDA Ireland, a role he accepted and has prospered in since 2014. Prior to joining the IDA, Martin worked across Ireland and Europe to promote and encourage trade, tourism and innovation – key positions included Chief Executive of Forfás and Manager of Professional Development at Failte Ireland.

During his career Martin has undertaken executive education in economics at Oxford University and at the Kennedy School of Government in Harvard, as well as surpassing targets and successfully managing a diverse team of over 300 people in 22 countries.