Chairman of the board of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation (KFO) Ciarán Doherty has confirmed that Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Director of Economic and Strategic Services Dominic Rihan has been appointed as its new CEO.
Doherty said the KFO was extremely pleased to have somebody of the calibre of Rihan to lead the organisation through what will be a transformative and transitional period for Irish fisheries.
“Mr Rihan has 34 years’ experience in working at the coalface in crucial issues relating to fisheries. He is respected not just nationally, but at a European and international level and we have no doubt that he will be a driving force as well as a strategic leader as the KFO embarks on a new chapter.
“We have many challenges to overcome, the most important of which is reclaiming stocks and quota which have been taken from us. We look forward to Dominic picking up where his predecessor left off. We have lobbied tirelessly on burden-sharing post-Brexit and this work continues apace. It is imperative that all EU coastal states share the impact of fish lost due to the British withdrawal equally and fairly,” Doherty said.
Rihan said he’s “extremely excited and enthused” about his appointment. He will start in the role early next year.
“Having observed the status and profile of the KFO up close for many years, it’s an organisation which represents members in a highly professional and effective way in an industry which is simultaneously complex and challenging,” he said.
“I hope to use my experience for the betterment of the sector and look forward to building on the tireless work of my predecessor in representing the members of the KFO. I’d like to thank my colleagues in Bord Iascaigh Mhara for their unwavering support for the last 34 years and look forward to embracing this new chapter in 2024.”
