ESB Board Members
Our Board comprises 12 members appointed by the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment. Board members include the Chair, the Chief Executive, six independent non-executive directors and four elected worker directors.
The Board Members:
- bring independent and objective scrutiny to the oversight of the organisation;
- are challenging when necessary while being supportive to the delivery of organisational strategy and objectives;
- are equipped to offer considered advice on the basis of sound judgement and experience; and
- make a time commitment to their work commensurate with their role.
The appointment and remuneration of Board members (including the Chair) is determined by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment. Under the “one person/one salary rule,” the Chief Executive does not receive a board fee. Terms and conditions are set out in Board member’s Warrants of Appointment.
Jim Meade
Appointment and Term
14.12.2024 - 13.12.2029
Career Experience
Former Chief Executive Officer of Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail having joined the company as an apprentice fitter in 1979. Held several roles in the Mechanical Engineering section over 18 years. Moved to strategic planning for three years before transferring into operations and service delivery. Appointed Director of Operations in 2013 and held the position of Chief Executive Officer from 2018 until retirement in October 2025.
External Appointments
Chair of the National Apprentice Alliance and Director of SOLAS Board. Former Chair of the Board of Chartered Institute of Railway Operators (CIRO). Irish Ambassador to Union Internationale des Transports Publics (UITP), the International Association of Public Transport and Board member of UITP policy Board.