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Gaeilge

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.

Karen Halpenny, white woman with long blonde hair and wearing a black jacket and white shirt Karen Halpenny

Appointment and Term
01.01.2023 - 31.12.2026

Career Experience
Worked in ESB International since 2001, primarily in the overhead line development area. Currently President of the Energy Services Union of Ireland (but remains an employee of ESB and arrangements continue to be in accordance with the Worker Participation (State Enterprises) Acts, 1977 and 1988). Holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree in HRM Strategy and Practice from the National College of Ireland (NCI) and a Higher Advanced Diploma in Applied Employment Law from King’s Inn School of Law. Holds a Certificate in Management and Industrial Relations from NCI, a Certificate in Health and Safety from UCD and a Certificate in Mediation from the Mediators Institute of Ireland.

External Appointments
Current President of the Energy Services Union of Ireland (ESU), ESU representative on the Group of Unions forum and ESU representative on the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and Health and Safety Committee. Trustee of Electric Aid, ESB’s staff charity, and Secretary of the National Worker Director Group.