Ireland & Northern Ireland Circle launch

​Join us for the launch of the Ireland & Northern Ireland Circle, bringing together current and aspiring non-executive directors from across the island.

​This introductory session will explore the board landscape through a regional lens, considering how the market is evolving across Ireland and Northern Ireland, where opportunities are emerging, and how individuals can position themselves effectively for board roles within this context.

​It will also provide an opportunity to connect with peers across the region, share experiences, and begin building relationships within a trusted and supportive network of leaders navigating similar board ambitions.

​Whether you are considering your first non-executive role or developing a portfolio career, this session is designed to help you gain perspective, build confidence, and engage with a community rooted in the Ireland & Northern Ireland board ecosystem.

​Speakers

​Karen Morton
Karen Morton is an experienced Non-Executive Director and Chartered Director with a strong track record across public, private, and not-for-profit organisations. Karen’s experience spans tech, aviation, retail, recruitment and financial services. She currently serves on multiple boards, including Golf Ireland, Fanagans Funeral Directors and Shaws Department Stores where she brings expertise in strategy, governance, digital, sustainability, and customer-centric growth. Karen previously served for 6 years on the board of Daa plc. Karen has extensive committee experience Chairing several Remuneration Committees and serving on several other committees including Audit & Risk.

​With over 25+ years of executive leadership experience, Karen previously held senior leadership roles across global organisations, including Chief Marketing Officer of Dell Financial Services, as well as leadership positions at Dell, British Airways, Eir and Monster.com. She has deep expertise in digital transformation, brand strategy, and international market development, having led high-performing teams across Europe to drive business growth and innovation.

​Alongside her board portfolio, Karen is an expert in Governance and is a tutor on the flagship Institute of Directors Chartered Director Programme. Karen also hosts workshops and coaching on personal branding for Executives and NED’s. Karen was recognised for her contribution to leadership, including being named in Cranfield’s “100 Women to Watch.”

​Aurelia Deflandre
Aurelia Deflandre is a technology leader, neurodiversity advocate, and coach with over 15 years of international experience in the tech industry. She is a Senior Client Partner and Neurodiversity Lead at Google Ireland, where she champions inclusive workplace practices and works across organisations to embed neurodiversity into culture, leadership, and governance.

​Aurelia brings a global perspective to her work, combining commercial expertise with a deep commitment to social impact. She co-chairs Google’s Disability Alliance and collaborates with corporations, charities, and advocacy groups to raise awareness and drive systemic change for neurodivergent communities.

​Alongside her corporate role, Aurelia is a Visiting Policy Fellow at the University of Cambridge ThinkLab and a director of Neurodiverse Sport. She is also the founder of The Neurodiversity Advantage, where she provides coaching and training to help individuals and organisations enhance leadership, resilience, and decision-making through greater understanding of cognitive diversity. A passionate advocate, Aurelia is dedicated to shaping more inclusive, flexible, and high-performing workplaces, and to influencing policies that support future generations.