CIPD appoints Alison Hodgson as new market director for Ireland

The CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, is pleased to announce that Alison Hodgson has been appointed as its new market director for Ireland.

Alison joins the CIPD from RSM Ireland, where she held the role of consulting partner of Transformation, HR and Change.

As market director for the CIPD in Ireland Alison will lead the CIPD’s growth, development and contribution to the people profession in Ireland. A key part of her role will be addressing key agendas such as skills, flexible working and wellbeing through research, policy and engaging with members. She will lead the team based in Dublin and draw upon the skills and expertise of colleagues across the CIPD.

Commenting on her new role, Alison said: 

“This is a pivotal time for the people profession and the world of work. Ireland has a vibrant and evolving HR landscape and I’m excited to support our members and partners in navigating the challenges and opportunities we face as a nation. I look forward to getting started and working with stakeholders across the country to help shape a future of work that delivers the right outcome for organisations and for individuals.”

Alison is a Chartered Companion of the CIPD and was recognised in Top 50 Most Influential CHROs 2024 in Ireland. She has held internal HR roles and C-suite positions across a range of sectors including retail, technology, telecoms, food and drink, financial services, and a commercial semi-state. Alison’s expertise spans across human resources, learning and development, and organisational development and she has led significant change projects on an Ireland, UK and pan-European basis.

She takes over the role mid-2025, from Mary Connaughton, who will remain an important part of the CIPD and is moving to a new part-time role as strategic engagement director for the CIPD in Ireland.

Commenting on the appointments, Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, said:

“I’m delighted to welcome Alison into this vital role for the CIPD. She brings with her a wealth of experience and as an active member of the people profession community across Ireland, and the UK, she has already built a solid base of expertise and influence in this important market. This is a crucial time for people professionals in Ireland, and we look forward to working with Alison to lead in this space. I am also thrilled that we will continue to work closely with Mary, who has led the CIPD in Ireland operations for almost a decade and is a fantastic ambassador for the profession. I wish them both the very best of luck in their new roles.”

Commenting on her new role, Mary said: 

“My new role will allow me to focus on strengthening our relationships with key stakeholders and clients, representing the CIPD with senior stakeholders and helping to amplify our reputation and impact across Ireland. I’m very much looking forward to welcoming Alison and getting started on this new challenge.”

Over the past year, the CIPD has launched several new services for members, including mentoring and career support. In Ireland it is working closely with organisations including the Irish civil service and Irish Rail to create people standards frameworks for their HR communities and to raise the capability of their people teams.

The people profession in Ireland will soon come together for the CIPD Ireland Annual Conference and Exhibition, which will take place on 15 May 2025 in the RDS, Dublin. This major event will underscore the critical importance of HR in positive business outcomes and will address the key issues of managing disruption and delivering impact against the backdrop of global shifts. For more information and to book tickets visit CIPD Ireland – Annual Conference and Exhibition.