WEALTH March 13, 2026 0 Comments

Rethink Ireland Just Shook Up Their Leadership – Find Out Who’s Poised to Disrupt the Irish Social Enterprise Scene Next!

Ever wonder what it takes to keep the engine of social innovation humming strong for a whole decade? Well, Rethink Ireland just gave us a masterclass in leadership evolution and strategic vision. As the country’s foremost champion for social change hits its 10-year milestone, they’re not just resting on their laurels—they’re shaking up the roster with some powerhouse appointments that promise to turbocharge their impact. From Tanja Buwalda stepping up to business development director (after rocking healthtech, luxury travel, and more), to Pádraic Vallely steering government relations and strategic partnerships with a sharp political savvy honed at the Cork Foundation, this is more than a reshuffle—it’s a recalibration for growth. And just when you think they’ve covered all bases, Agnes O’Shaughnessy brings grassroots grit and 16 years of local development chops as the new head of social enterprise, while governance guru Gerry Fitzpatrick joins the board to keep things razor-sharp on oversight and strategy. It’s a cocktail of fresh energy and seasoned wisdom designed to tackle everything from inequality to environmental challenges head-on. The question now is: with such a dream team in place, how many more lives will they transform in the next decade? Let’s dive in and find out. LEARN MORE

Rethink Ireland has announced three senior appointments and a new board member at its celebrates a decade as Ireland’s national social innovation.

Marketing communications manager Tanja Buwalda has been promoted to business development director and Pádraic Vallely, part of the business development team since 2018, has been named head of government relations and strategic partnerships.

Buwalda brings a wealth of cross-sector experience and a deep commitment to social impact with a professional background that spans healthtech, FMCG, luxury travel, PR and marketing as well as entrepreneurial leadership.

Before joining Rethink Ireland, Vallely was CEO of the Cork Foundation, a philanthropic organisation funding social enterprises projects across Cork city and country, and he has an extensive political communications.

Agnes O’Shaughnessy has joined as head of social enterprise, bringing 16 years of local development experience, including a leadership role in delivery the LEADER programme in Clare.

She has a strong track record of building community‑led partnerships and championing grassroots innovation, and is delighted to bring this hands‑on expertise to a national role shaping the future of social enterprise in Ireland.

In addition, Gerry Fitzpatrick has joined Rethink Ireland’s board of directors.

Fitzpatrick is an experienced non-executive director and governance leader with deep
expertise in accounting, business leadership, people management, risk oversight and
organisational governance.

A graduate of the INSEAD International Director Programme and a Fellow of Chartered
Accountants Ireland, he has served on multiple boards, including as Board
Chair of Zurich Life Assurance plc, Virtu Europe Trading Ltd and Young Social
Innovators.

He is also a director of the University College Dublin Foundation. Prior to acting as a non-executive director, Fitzpatrick was a partner, board chair and head
of audit at Deloitte Ireland, and was member of the board of Deloitte North South
Europe.

Since 2016, Rethink Ireland has created a multimillion euro social innovation fund in
partnership with government, companies, trusts, foundations, families and individuals
to create funds tackling key societal issues such as inequality, health, the environment
and educational disadvantage.

It now has a headcount of 50 and has to date supported 494 social innovations across 69 funds, reaching over 1.1m people in total, creating 1,354 jobs and helping over 4,031
people into employment.

“This is a big year for Rethink Ireland as we celebrate a decade of supporting social innovation and changing over a million lives across Ireland for the better,” said Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Rethink Ireland.

“It’s exciting to see natural leaders like Tanja and Pádraic grow alongside our organisation and our ambitions for the future, and I’m delighted to see them progress their careers within the organisation.

“I’m also thrilled Agnes O’Shaughnessy has chosen to join us as our new Head of Social Enterprise, and to welcome Gerry Fitzpatrick to our board, who brings with him decades of experience as a business leader.”

Photo: (l-r) Tanja Buwalda and Pádraic Vallely. (Pic: Supplied)