Circle VHA is delighted to acknowledge the appointment of their Chair, Aoife Watters as CEO of Glasnevin Trust.

Glasnevin Trust, is the leading provider of burial and cremation services in the greater Dublin area, the home of Ireland’s national cemetery and visitor attraction. Aoife, Chair of the Board of Circle VHA for the last three years, takes on this prestigious role immediately.

Previously appointed CFO of Glasnevin Trust in May 2018, Aoife Watters will assume the role of CEO with immediate effect, replacing George McCullough who retired as Glasnevin Trust CEO in January 2019. Aoife was appointed following a comprehensive external search and interview process.

As CEO of Glasnevin Trust, Aoife will lead a senior management team responsible for overseeing five cemeteries, including Ireland’s iconic national cemetery, Glasnevin Cemetery, and three crematoria.* She will also oversee the management of all national historical commemorations which take place on the grounds of Glasnevin Trust cemeteries and the management of extensive educational outreach programmes.

Aoife joined Glasnevin Trust in 2018 following previous roles as Director of Finance and Corporate Services in Depaul Ireland and Audit Manager in Brenson Lawlor Chartered Accountants.

Ms Watters holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Trinity College, is qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and has completed the Irish Taxation Institute (AITI) exams.

Speaking on the announcement, Aoife Watters, CEO of Glasnevin Trust said:

“It is truly an honour to be appointed CEO of Glasnevin Trust. This is an organisation with a unique and iconic heritage, an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally, and a skilled, talented and dedicated workforce.”

Glasnevin Trust and its cemeteries have been a fixture of Irish society for the last 191 years and the final resting place for over 1.5 million people including many of the key figures from recent Irish history. Be it burial services, commemorations, or educational services, Glasnevin Trust has diligently followed the instructions of its founder Daniel O’Connell and provided services to people of all occupations, backgrounds, and religious beliefs.”

“I’m excited about the prospects for Glasnevin Trust and look forward to working with the Board, management team and our colleagues on implementing a challenging but rewarding strategy designed to ensure Glasnevin Trust remains the largest supplier of funeral services in Ireland and takes its place as a world class visitor experience.”

Also commenting on the announcement, John Green, Chairman of Glasnevin Trust, said:

“Speaking on behalf of the Board and as Chairman, I am delighted that we have appointed Aoife Watters as CEO of Glasnevin Trust. Her appointment follows a comprehensive search process which produced a shortlist of exceptional candidates.”

Aoife has an outstanding track record of successfully driving through major change programmes, implementing viable fundraising programmes, and developing and managing education and training programmes. In addition, she benefits from having a strong understanding of Glasnevin Trust and an appreciation of our unique history and culture.”