We are delighted to announce that Deirdra McBeth has joined the IDI as our first ever Regional Development Officer. With thanks to Creative Ireland’s Economic Action Fund and support from consortia partners including Sligo County Council and the Western Development Commission, Deirdra will be focused on developing supports and opportunities for design businesses in the West of Ireland. 

Deirdra joins us from a varied background of client side roles in marketing & advertising in FMCG, drinks & hospitality. Having spent over 12 years with Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard working on brands such as Jameson & Midleton Very Rare, she has developed strategy & brand communications across North America, London, Sydney & New Zealand. Having seen the industry from both client side, in-house and agency, Deirdra understands the business of winning clients, building a business profile & generating sustainable work for the design industry. 

IDI's CEO Charlotte Barker said: 'With advances in technology and post-pandemic, designers are more dispersed than ever before; infrastructural improvements such as high speed broadband mean that designers are able to either work remotely for companies, or are able to build their own businesses in regional locations. The west of Ireland has huge potential in developing a creative economy, and the IDI is committed to supporting self sustaining businesses in their onward growth. 

'Deirdra is a fantastic appointment for us, to lead this growth and the articulation of the impact of design on the growth and sustainability of industries in the West.'