Connaughton joins board of European HR management body

Mary Connaughton, Strategic Engagement Director at CIPD Ireland, has been elected to the board of the European Association of People Management (EAPM) for a two-year term starting January 2026. The EAPM coordinates national HR associations across Europe to enhance HR management and workforce performance.

Connaughton has a long-standing involvement with the organisation, having co-founded International HR Day and chaired its working group until 2024. She aims to deepen Ireland’s engagement and broaden EAPM’s influence in shaping HR practices across Europe.

Alison Hodgson, CIPD Ireland’s Market Director, highlighted that Connaughton’s board position will provide a strong platform for representing Irish HR professionals as Ireland prepares to host the EU Presidency in 2026.

Through her role, Connaughton will contribute to initiatives that improve HR standards, promote leadership development, and support the strategic management of talent across organisations. Her appointment underlines Ireland’s active presence in European HR governance and thought leadership.

Learn more about how Connaughton’s appointment will influence HR leadership and workforce development across Europe in the full article.