Woman of many parts Kenny at FAI helm

Article posted by Coliseum, March 7^th, 2025

Image: FA Ireland

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) recently announced the appointment of Christina Kenny as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

‘FAI’ stated that in this crucial role Kenny will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serve as a key member of the FAI Senior Leadership Team (SLT) where she will be instrumental in shaping and executing the FAI’s growth strategy across all levels of football in Ireland.

Abbotstown (Ireland)-based the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the governing body of football in the Republic of Ireland. Today, over 450,000 people are involved in Irish football either playing with the clubs and the schools or being involved as coaches, officials and volunteers. The role of the association is to promote, foster and develop this activity. The FAI controls the activities of the whole of Ireland’s international football teams and is affiliated to FIFA. Through its own affiliated bodies the FAI also organizes all domestic competitions. The FAI is also active in the training and education of the players, the coaches and the officials and aims to develop better facilities and support services for all those involved in the game.

‘FAI’ further stated that Kenny, a Roscommon (town in the Republic of Ireland) native, brings over 25 years of extensive experience in leadership, operational excellence and strategic development. She has worked in prominent Irish companies including the NTR Group, Voxpro and Taoglas with a background that spans numerous sectors including sports, education, technology, and renewable energy.

Sandyford (Ireland)-based the NTR Group acquires, constructs and manages the sustainable infrastructure assets. Founded in 1978 to develop and operate Ireland’s first toll bridge the NTR Group has invested in sustainable infrastructure since 1999. Over the past 15 years the NTR Group companies have completed transactions of more than €3 billion in sustainable infrastructure in wind, solar, bioenergy, water treatment, energy storage, and recycling in the United States and Europe.

Cork (Ireland)-based Voxpro is a business process outsourcing (BPO) company that provides customer experience, technical support and sales operations solutions.

Taoglas, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a manufacturer of radio frequency (RF) antennas, RF receivers, speakers, and other modules. The company was founded in 2004.

Through her previous role as an Independent Committee Member at the FAI for a number of years Kenny has a deep understanding of the organization and the commitment to the growth of football in Ireland. She is also a FIFA licensed agent so has a wider understanding of the landscape.

In her new position Kenny will oversee the day-to-day operations of the FAI focusing on enhancing operational frameworks and fostering innovation. Her proven track record in managing complex transformations and leading large teams will be invaluable as the FAI navigates a transformative period aimed at establishing a strong future for the sport in Ireland.

Observed David Courell, FAI head honcho, “Christina’s extensive experience and commitment to good governance make her an exceptional choice for this critical role. We are confident that her strategic vision and operational expertise will be a significant contribution to Irish football.”

In collaboration with the FAI Board Members, the SLT and the key stakeholders Kenny will lead strategic planning initiatives that align with the FAI’s objectives. Her strong commercial focus and international business experience will be vital in identifying and implementing the growth strategies that drive performance across the organization.

Speaking about her appointment, Kenny said, “I am honored to take on the role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the FAI. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated team at the FAI to cultivate a culture of collaboration, transparency and excellence. Together, we will work towards our strategic goals and create an environment where football can thrive at all levels across Ireland.”

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