A new appointment is set to strengthen the leadership of Ireland’s state forestry company. Minister of State Niall Collins has appointed Daniel Sheils as a non-executive director to the Coillte Board following an open State Boards recruitment process.
The appointment was made by the Minister for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture in consultation with Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. It takes effect from 9 September 2026 and will run for five years.
Coillte Board appointment announced by gov.ie
In the official Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine press release published on 15 September 2026, Minister Collins welcomed Daniel Sheils’ professional background and said his experience would support the continued good governance of the Coillte Board.
Sheils has spent more than two decades working in senior roles at Accenture. Since 2022, he has led the company’s Public Service Industry in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He is also a Chartered Director accredited by the UK Institute of Directors and serves as one of six directors of Accenture Ireland Ltd.
Experience in technology and public service transformation
According to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Sheils brings substantial expertise in technology, leadership and public service transformation. These skills are expected to contribute to the Board’s oversight responsibilities and strategic decision-making.
Coillte Chairperson Vivienne Jupp also welcomed the appointment, highlighting the value of Sheils’ leadership and transformation experience to the organisation.
Why Coillte matters to Ireland’s forestry and climate goals
Coillte manages approximately 440,000 hectares of primarily forested land across Ireland. The organisation plays a central role in the commercial production of home-grown timber while also contributing to wider environmental and community objectives.
Minister Collins said Irish timber is a renewable resource that can help store carbon and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. He also pointed to Coillte’s involvement in onshore energy generation and its contribution to national climate targets.
Beyond forestry and energy, Coillte’s open forest policy provides public access to recreational areas used by communities throughout the country. Its lands support outdoor activity, biodiversity and local amenity value.
Key details of the appointment
- Appointee: Daniel Sheils
- Role: Non-executive director, Coillte Board
- Term: Five years
- Effective date: 9 September 2026
- Recruitment route: Open State Boards process
- Government department: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
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What happens next for the Coillte Board?
Daniel Sheils will begin his five-year term as the Board continues to oversee Coillte’s commercial, environmental and public-interest responsibilities. His background in technology and public service transformation may be particularly relevant as State bodies respond to changing operational, governance and climate requirements.
The appointment forms part of the State’s wider approach to recruiting experienced professionals for public boards through transparent, open competitions.
Conclusion
The appointment of Daniel Sheils adds extensive leadership and public service transformation experience to the Coillte Board. As Coillte continues managing Ireland’s forests, supporting timber production, contributing to climate action and maintaining recreational access, the new director will play a role in the organisation’s governance over the next five years.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie