Kilkenny woman Linda Codoul is new Network Ireland national president

Kilkenny's Linda Codoul has taken up the role of National President of Network Ireland 2024, following the group’s AGM at the weekend.

Her aim for this year is to promote the growth of the organisation’s 17 branches around the country, as she succeeds Kildare’s Emma Early Murphy. 

A business support specialist, Linda spent 10 years working in the banking sector before leaving in 2022 for an administration role with US healthcare company Abbott.  She has Master's in management, a degree in finance and qualifications in project management and relationship manager support.

She joined Network Ireland in 2017 and was Kilkenny Branch President in 2021.  Despite being in lockdown for most of the year, branch membership doubled due to increased direct membership contact.

“A Step Ahead” is Linda’s theme for 2024 and she believes that being a member of Network Ireland will help give anyone a boost in their career.

“I firmly believe that I would not be the person I am today, and my career would not be where it is if I was not a member of Network Ireland.  If you want to be ‘A Step Ahead’ of your peers, you should consider becoming a member of Network Ireland which creates connections with women from a large variety of businesses all over the country. 

"I’ve received invaluable advice and support from other members since joining the organisation and this has had an incredible impact on my life and, in particular, my career.  Having a support network outside of my employment and family offers a fresh perspective without bias.  Network Ireland now has 1,200 members and I want to help our branches grow stronger this year.”

Linda has chosen The Rise Foundation as this year’s charity partner. The Rise Foundation supports families impacted by a loved one's addictive behaviour through awareness, education, and therapy.

Linda has paid tribute to outgoing president Emma Early Murphy.   “Emma was an incredible President and with her strong leadership skills, energy, drive and commitment to the role led many positive influential changes for our organisation as we Step Ahead into 2024. She was a fantastic role model for all our members, new and old, and achieved so much over the past year, most notably an increase of 35% in our membership base as well as the establishment of the All Island Grow It Programme in collaboration with our colleagues Women In Business in Northern Ireland supported by IntertradeIreland. I would like to personally thank her for the dedication she showed in 2023 and I look forward to continuing to work with Emma in 2024.”

Network Ireland has confirmed that it will continue its ongoing partnership with AIB.  Elaine Downey, Head of Products, Retail Banking at AIB, said: “I am delighted that AIB and Network Ireland will continue to work together through our long established partnership. AIB is a strong supporter of women in enterprise and we see our partnership with Network Ireland as a great fit as we continue to back female led businesses. Network Ireland is a wonderful resource for female entrepreneurs and with AIB’s presence across Ireland, we will continue to proactively support the organisation’s members.”